Effect of solution acidity on the structure of amino acid-bearing uranyl compounds

A series of uranyl sulfates and selenates templated by protonated forms of amino acids (glycine, α- and β-alanine, threonine, nicotinic, and isonicotinic acid) has been prepared via isothermal evaporation of strongly acidic solutions. Their structures have been refined by the direct methods and can be classified as inorganic [(UO₂)_m(TO₄)_n (H₂O)_k] (T=S⁶⁺, Se⁶⁺) moieties combined with the protonated amino acid cations, water molecules and hydronium ions. Their overall motifs demonstrate common features with related structures templated by organic amines. The role of carboxylic acid groups depends on the nature of the corresponding amino acid. They can either link two protonated organic moieties into dimers, or contribute to hydrogen bonding between organic and inorganic parts of the structure. The ammonium ends of the amino acid cations form strong directional bonds to the oxygens of the uranyl and TO₄ anions.