Organically templated Np(IV) coordination polymer with in situ formed oxalate anion (ImidazoleH)[Np(C2O4)(CH3SO3)3(H2O)2]

The reaction of Np(V) methanesulfonate solution with imidazole led to the in situ formation of oxalic acid and the reduction of Np(V) to Np(IV). As a result, the novel organically templated organic polymer, (ImidazoleH)[Np(C2O4)(CH3SO3)3(H2O)2], was formed. The structure consists of infinite chains of [Np(C2O4)(CH3SO3)3(H2O)2]− and imidazolium cations. The crystal structure is confirmed by IR and UV–vis spectroscopic data. This complex is the first example of structurally characterized 1:1 An(IV) oxalate.