Thermodynamics of plutonium() and curium() complexation with a N-donor ligand

The complexation of Pu( iii ) and Cm( iii ) with a soft N-donor ligand was investigated using the van't Hoff method, microcalorimetry and DFT calculations. The studies revealed that the strength of the actinide-ligand bond as given by the enthalpic contribution drastically decreases on going from Pu( iii ) to Cm( iii ), while the complex stability remains nearly constant. The complexation of Pu( iii ) and Cm( iii ) with a soft N-donor ligand was investigated using the van't Hoff method, microcalorimetry and DFT calculations.