Definition

1. Noun:
   • A chemical group: The uranyl radical is the bivalent radical UO₂. It is a charged group of atoms that behaves as a single unit in many chemical reactions, particularly in forming salts with acids.

Usage

• The uranyl radical is a key structural component in many uranium compounds.
• In inorganic chemistry, the reactivity of the uranyl radical is a major topic of study.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The compound was identified by the presence of the uranyl radical.
  • Salts formed by the uranyl radical are often brightly colored, typically yellow.

Advanced Usage

• "Uranyl ion": This is a common synonymous term used interchangeably with "uranyl radical" in many chemical contexts, referring specifically to the positively charged UO₂²⁺ cation.
  • The uranyl ion is highly stable in aqueous solutions.

Variants and Related Words

• Uranyl (adj/n): Pertaining to or containing the UO₂²⁺ group. Often used as a shorthand in compound names (e.g., uranyl nitrate, uranyl sulfate).
• Uranate (n): A salt containing uranium in an anionic complex, often contrasted with salts containing the cationic uranyl radical.

Synonyms

• Uranyl group: A synonym emphasizing it is a functional group.
• Uranyl ion: A synonym emphasizing its ionic, charged nature.

Notes on Meaning

• The term "radical" in this context uses its traditional chemical meaning of a group of atoms that remains unchanged during a reaction, not the modern meaning of a highly reactive free radical. Its primary and almost exclusive meaning is the specific UO₂²⁺ cation.

Noun

1. the bivalent radical UO2 which forms salts with acids