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New coordination environments are reported for Np( iii ) and Pu( iii ) based on pilot studies of U( iii ) in 2.2.2-cryptand (crypt). The U( iii )-in-crypt complex, [U(crypt)I 2 ][I], obtained from the reaction between UI 3 and crypt, is treated with Me 3 SiOTf (OTf = O 3 SCF 3 ) in benzene to form the [U(crypt)(OTf) 2 ][OTf] complex. Similarly, the isomorphous Np( iii ) and Pu( iii ) complexes were obtained similarly starting from [AnI 3 (THF) 4 ]. All three complexes (1-An; An = U, Np, Pu) contain an encapsulated actinide in a THF-soluble complex. Absorption spectroscopy and DFT calculations are consistent with 5f 3 U( iii ), 5f 4 Np( iii ), and 5f 5 Pu( iii ) electron configurations. 

Reduction of Cp′ 3 ThCl, Cp′ 3 ThBr, and Cp′ 3 ThI (Cp′ = C 5 H 4 SiMe 3 ) with potassium graphite generates dark blue solutions with reactivity and spectroscopic properties consistent with the formation of Cp′ 3 Th. The EPR and UV-visible spectra of the solutions are similar to those of crystallographically-characterized tris(cyclopentadienyl) Th( iii ) complexes: [C 5 H 3 (SiMe 3 ) 2 ] 3 Th, (C 5 Me 4 H) 3 Th, (C 5 t Bu 2 H 3 ) 3 Th, and (C 5 Me 5 ) 3 Th. Density functional theory (DFT) analysis indicates that the UV-visible spectrum is consistent with Cp′ 3 Th and not [Cp′ 3 ThBr] 1− . Although single crystals of Cp′ 3 Th have not been isolated, the blue solution reacts with Me 3 SiCl, I 2 , and HCCPh to afford products expected from Cp′ 3 Th, namely, Cp′ 3 ThCl, Cp′ 3 ThI, and Cp′ 3 Th(CCPh), respectively. Reactions with MeI give mixtures of Cp′ 3 ThI and Cp′ 3 ThMe. Evidence for further reduction of the blue solutions to a Cp′-ligated Th( ii ) complex has not been observed. The crystal structures of Cp′ 3 ThMe and (Cp′ 3 Th) 2 (μ-O) were also determined as part of these studies.