October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PCOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
World desk2 min

A Uranium–Nitrogen Triple Bond Defies Expectations—but Only in One Complex

A 2021 NMR and computational study found exceptional covalency in one uranium(VI)-nitride triple bond, not a general rule about uranium bonding.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

A 2021 study found an unusually covalent triple bond in one specific uranium compound: a terminal uranium(VI)-nitride complex. Its 15N NMR signals and quantum-chemical analysis indicate that the U≡N bond is more covalent than the group 4–6 transition-metal nitride bonds included in the study’s comparison. This is a striking result about that compound, not evidence that uranium generally forms more covalent bonds than transition metals.

What the study found

Du and colleagues examined [U(N)(TrenTIPS)], a terminal uranium(VI)-nitride complex enriched to 50% 15N at its nitride position. They measured its nitrogen-15 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum in solution and in the solid state, then analyzed the chemical shifts using quantum-chemical calculations and correlations with bond-order measures.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The solution resonances appeared far downfield: 968.9 ppm in D8-THF and 972.6 ppm in C6D6, with MeNO2 set to 0 ppm as the reference. In the solid state, the isotropic shift was 950 ppm and the chemical-shift anisotropy was approximately 2,000 ppm. The authors reported that the resonance was the most downfield 15N nitride signal in their comparison, extending the known 15N chemical-shift range by about 300 ppm. These are measurements for this complex under the stated conditions, not general values for uranium compounds.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The authors interpret the NMR evidence and calculations as experimental confirmation of a highly covalent U≡N triple bond—more covalent than the group 4–6 transition-metal nitrides considered. They describe the spectroscopic properties as dominated by paramagnetic shielding, with minor spin–orbit contributions. The Nature Communications paper reports the study and its analysis.

#1 Best Overall
[239 PCS] Organic Chemistry Model Kit | Molecular Model Kit for Students
  • 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐒-𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐘 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆: Take chemistry beyond memorizing formulas with an interactive learning experience students can physically handle. Manipulating the pieces of this molecule kit gives learners a more engaging way to practice identifying atoms, connecting bonds, and studying molecular structures.
  • 𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍 𝟐𝐃 𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐒 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐎 𝟑𝐃 𝐌𝐎𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐒: Make textbook structures easier to interpret by transforming flat molecular diagrams into physical 3D models. With the help of this chemistry modeling kit students can see the position of atoms and bonds from different angles, helping them better understand molecular shape and arrangement.
  • 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃, 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐄 & 𝐑𝐄𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃: Encourage active discovery by letting students construct a structure, adjust its arrangement, and build it again for continued practice. The reusable pieces make it easy to explore different molecular configurations without needing a new model for every lesson.
  • 𝐄𝐅𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐋𝐘: Designed for smooth, straightforward model building, the pieces connect easily so students can spend less time figuring out how to assemble the kit and more time exploring chemistry. Simple construction also makes it convenient for repeated classroom or study use.
  • 𝐆𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐈𝐅𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘: Bring a creative twist to science gifting with this organic chemistry molecular model kit made for curious students, chemistry fans, and STEM enthusiasts. Whether for a birthday, classroom reward, holiday, or special occasion, it gives recipients something interesting to build, examine, and enjoy.

What “more covalent” means here

Covalency refers to electron sharing between bonded atoms. Saying that this U≡N bond is highly covalent means that, in the authors’ analysis, electron sharing is unusually important for this uranium–nitrogen bond compared with the selected nitride analogues. It does not mean the bond is purely covalent, nor does a chemical shift by itself provide a universal scale for ranking every bond.

The claim rests on the researchers’ combined evidence: measured 15N NMR behavior, quantum-chemical analysis, and relationships between chemical shifts and bond-order measures. NMR is particularly useful here because the nitrogen signal provides a probe of the electronic environment at the nitride atom.

Rank #2
Swpeet 122 Pcs Organic Chemistry Molecular Model Student and Teacher Kit, Molecular Model Set for Inorganic & Organic Chemistry - 59 Atoms & 62 Links & 1 Short Link Remover Tool
  • ★ ADVANCED LEARNING SCIENCE EDUCATION KIT --- Perfect chemistry model kit for modeling simple and small to more advanced and complex chemical structures for schools and college level, students of all ages, researchers and enthusiasts. Fun and interactive early learning molecular set for kids of all years and for use in the classroom.
  • ★ HIGH QUALITY --- Made from high quality durable materials designed for easy construction and perfect fit. These Molecular Model Kit pieces are color coded to national standards for easy ID. Organic Chemistry Model Kit includes box for easy storage and transport with your other textbooks, notes, and books. Excellent for the classroom.
  • ★ POWERFUL FUNCTIONS --- This Molecular Model Kit has a total of 122 pieces including short link remover tool. Super easy to build models for organic and inorganic chemistry, This model contains C, H, O, N, S and a variety of single and double bonds, Can be put high school, university chemi stry in most of the organic or inorganic molecular structure model for the study of experimental operation.
  • ★ QUICK AND EASY ASSEMBLY OF COMPLEX STRUCTURES --- Atoms and bonds that are perfectly suited to being connected and disconnected easily without making your fingers hurt. We've also included a link remover to make the task of easy.
  • ★ CONVENIENT STORAGE --- The pieces come in a slim plastic box for convenient storage. See the pictures on this listing for a full understanding of what's inside!

Why it challenges expectations—and where the comparison stops

The result stands out against expectations about how bonding changes across the periodic table, but it does not overturn the periodic table as a whole. Actinide–ligand bonding can vary from ionic to polarized covalent depending on the actinide’s oxidation state and the ligand. The finding concerns uranium in the +6 oxidation state, bound to a terminal nitride in this particular molecular complex.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The relevant comparison is with the group 4–6 transition-metal nitride analogues assessed by the authors, not with every transition-metal bond or every uranium compound. Chemistry World’s October 2021 headline captured the surprise with the phrase “breaks periodic table predictions”; read that as shorthand for a surprising result within a specific chemical comparison.

Rank #3
YCHOULEK Molecular Model Kit, 240 Pcs Organic Chemistry Structure Set
  • Visualize Molecular: The molecular model kit simplifies complex chemistry concepts into tangible 3D structures improve learning efficiency, suitable for students from Grade 7 to Graduate level.
  • 240 Pcs Complete Set: The atom model kit includes with 86 atoms and 154 bonds, explore most the molecules structures from simple compounds to complex polymers.
  • Effortless Assembly: Embedded component design ensures easy to construct Ball-and-stick and Space-filling models that maximizes focus on exploration without complex assembly.
  • Durable & Portable: Built to last, the chemistry set is crafted from high-quality materials. Plus, its portable design allows you to take your experiments learning anywhere, between the home, classroom and lab.
  • Essential Study Tool: Whether you're studying organic chemistry, biochemistry, or molecular biology, molecule building kit is an perfect learning tool for you deeper comprehension of molecular science.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What the result does—and does not—enable

The work advances efforts to quantify actinide–ligand bonding and to develop predictive relationships between 15N chemical shifts and bond-order measures. It is a spectroscopic and computational study of a specialist research compound. It does not demonstrate a practical nitrogen-fixation process or an industrial technology.

Best Value
LINKTOR Chemistry Molecular Model Kit (444 Pieces), Student or Teacher Set for Organic and Inorganic Chemistry Learning, Motivate Enthusiasm for Learning and Raising Space Imagination, A Fullerene Set
  • FOR BASIC TEACHING TO ADVANCED SCIENCE: 444 pieces molecular model kit, including 136 atoms, 158 bonds and 150 parts for Carbon-60(Fullerene), provides to students from Grade 7 to Graduate level.
  • TWO CHEMICAL STRUCTURE MODELS: The ball-and-stick models use spheres to represent atoms and sticks to represent chemical bonds. In the space-filling model, the spheres are drawn to scale and are next to one another as atoms are in real molecules.
  • CHEMISTRY EDUCATIONAL MOLECULE MODEL IN 3D: It can display chemical structure, molecular bond, and bond angle in all directions. Demonstrate fundamental molecular geometry, chemical molecular structure, stereochemistry with 3D modeling studies.
  • EASY TO LEARN: The universal standard adopted for each atom's color makes it easier for you to use and learn. Atoms and chemical bonds combine tightly and firmly and can be easily disassembled by disconnecting tools.
  • If you’re not in love with it for whatever reason, we’ll give you a full replacement or refund—no questions asked. If you have any doubt, please tell us. With nothing to worry about, or even to share with your friends, try it now.
Rank #4
YCHOULEK Molecular Model Kit, 444 Pcs Organic Chemistry Structure Set
  • Visualize Molecular: The molecular model kit simplifies complex chemistry concepts into tangible 3D structures improve learning efficiency, suitable for students from Grade 7 to Graduate level.
  • 444 Pcs Complete Set: The atom model kit includes with 136 atoms,158 bonds, and 150 fullerene model parts, explore most the molecules structures from simple compounds to complex polymers.
  • Effortless Assembly: Embedded component design ensures easy to construct Ball-and-stick and Space-filling models that maximizes focus on exploration without complex assembly.
  • Durable & Portable: Built to last, the chemistry set is crafted from high-quality materials. Plus, its portable Snap-Lock design allows you to take your experiments learning anywhere, between the home, classroom and lab.
  • Essential Study Tool: Whether you're studying organic chemistry, biochemistry, or molecular biology, molecule building kit is an perfect learning tool for you deeper comprehension of molecular science.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.