(a) Compound 27.20 reacts with MeLi with loss of CH₄ to give A. When A reacts with TbBr₃, a terbium-containing complex B is formed, the mass spectrum of which shows an envelope of peaks at m/z 614 as the highest mass peaks. Suggest identities for A and B, and give a possible structure for B. Explain how the appearance of envelope of peaks at m/z 614 in the mass spectrum confirms the number of Br atoms in the product.

(b) Ligand 27.21 in a mixed EtOH/MeOH solvent system extracts Pu(IV) from aqueous HNO₃. The 10-coordinate complex [Pu(27.21)₂(NO₃)₂]²⁺ has been isolated from the EtOH/MeOH extractant as a nitrate salt. Suggest how ligand 27.21 might coordinate to Pu(IV), and state how you expect the coordination number of 10 to be achieved.

Transcribed Image Text:

IZ H (27.20) N