Structure of the aqua ions and fluoride complexes of uranium(IV) and thorium(IV) in aqueous solution an EXAFS study

The structure of the aqua ions and fluoride complexes of uranium(IV) and thorium(IV) in aqueous solution was analyzed using extended x-ray absorption fine structure studies. Findings revealed that both aqua ions are 10-coordinate with M-O bond distances. Changes in the first coordination spheres of both metals were measured when fluoride was bonded. Data indicated an asymmetrical distribution of the distances.