Preparation and properties of some peroxo complexes of zirconium(IV) and thorium(IV)

Abstract

Some novel peroxo complexes of zirconium(IV) and thorium(IV) of the type [M(O₂)(im)₂.L], where M=Zr(IV) or Th(IV); im=anion of succinimide (sim^-) or phthalimide (pim^-); L=2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) or 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), have been synthesized and characterised. The Zr(IV) complexes are found to be inert towards oxidation of allyl alcohol, but oxidise triphenylphosphine and triphenylarsine to their oxides. The Th(IV) complexes are found to oxidise allyl alcohol, triphenylphosphine, and triphenylarsine to the respective oxides.