Abstract
An(IV) clusters are multiple metallic centers molecules, were actinide atoms are linked by oxo or hydroxo groups. Those species are formed by condensation reactions with water. They are stabilized thanks to organic or inorganic ligands. If the structures of the clusters are well known at solid state, this is not the case in solution. Hexameric cluster with an octahedral shape core is the main structure detected in solution. This structure is stabilized by ligand with carboxylate functions. Information exists for Th(IV), U(IV) and Np(IV) hexanuclear in solution, but few studies are reported for Pu(IV). Thermodynamic and kinetic data on the formation and the stability of the cluster are scarce. Consequently, clusters are not taken into account for speciation diagram. The goal of this work is to study the plutonium clusters behavior in solution with a simple carboxylate ligand, acetate.In order to detect all potentially formed, plutonium with acetate species solutions were first characterized by Vis-NIR absorption spectroscopy. Large variations of pH and acetate concentrations were used and eight different species are identified : three aquo cations (Pu3+, Pu4+, PuO2(2+) and five plutonium complexes with acetate. Those five acetate complexes were characterized by coupling experimental (Vis-NIR and EXAFS spectroscopy and ESI-MS spectrometry) and theoretical approach through quantum chemistry. As a result, Pu6O4(OH)4(AcO)12(H2O)6 hexameric cluster has been identified, the missing bloc in the An(IV) series with formate, acetate ligands. The four other complexes are are attributed to plutonium acetate monomeric complexes. Species of Pu(IV) with acetate being described, their fractions in solution are evaluated and reported on a speciation diagram on the pL axis.