'Trophy molecule' breakthrough for Nottingham scientists

  Sizewell-B
28 Jun 2012 19:10:00.000

PA 191/12

Experts at The University of Nottingham are the first to create a stable version of a ‘trophy molecule’ that has eluded scientists for decades.

In research published in the prestigious journal Science, the team of chemists at Nottingham has shown that they can prepare a terminal uranium nitride compound which is stable at room temperature and can be stored in jars in crystallized or powder form.

Previous attempts to prepare uranium-nitrogen triple bonds have required temperatures as low as 5 Kelvin (-268 °C) — roughly the equivalent temperature of interstellar space — and have therefore been difficult to work with and manipulate, requiring specialist equipment and techniques.

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More information is available from Professor Steve Liddle on +44 (0) 115 846 7167, Stephen.liddle@nottingham.ac.uk

Emma Thorne Emma Thorne - Media Relations Manager

Email: emma.thorne@nottingham.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0)115 951 5793 Location: University Park

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