Definition

Noun: A chemical compound formed as a salt from the reaction of uranium salts (specifically those containing the uranyl ion, UO₂²⁺) with oxalic acid (H₂C₂O₄). It is an example of a coordination complex where the oxalate anion (C₂O₄²⁻) acts as a ligand, binding to the central uranyl cation.

Usage

This term is used specifically in the fields of inorganic chemistry, nuclear chemistry, and radiochemistry. It refers to the specific ionic compound resulting from the combination of these reactants. * The precipitation of uranyl oxalate is a classical method for the gravimetric analysis of uranium. * Researchers studied the crystal structure of uranyl oxalate to understand its coordination geometry.

Advanced Usage

• As a precursor: Uranyl oxalate can serve as a precursor material for the synthesis of other uranium compounds or nuclear fuels.
  • The thermal decomposition of uranyl oxalate yields uranium oxides.
• In photochemistry: Historically, uranyl oxalate was used in actinometry, which is the measurement of the intensity of ultraviolet light, due to its light-sensitive properties.
  • The uranyl oxalate actinometer relies on the photochemical reduction of the uranyl ion.

Variants and Related Words

• Uranyl (adj/n): Pertaining to or containing the divalent cation UO₂²⁺. Example: , .
• Oxalate (n): The anion C₂O₄²⁻ or any salt or ester of oxalic acid. Example: , .
• Uranyl oxalate actinometer: A specific chemical system used for measuring light intensity.

Synonyms

• Uranium(VI) oxalate (This name specifies the oxidation state of uranium).
• Dioxouranium(VI) oxalate (A more systematic IUPAC-style name).

Related Phrases

• Formation of uranyl oxalate: Describes the chemical reaction process.
  • The formation of uranyl oxalate is indicated by a yellow precipitate.
• Precipitation of uranyl oxalate: Refers to its isolation as a solid from a solution.
  • The precipitation of uranyl oxalate is quantitative under controlled pH conditions.

Noun

1. a salt obtained by the reaction of uranium salts with oxalic acid