The electronic structure and magnetic properties of uranyl-like ions I. Uranyl and neptunyl

A theory of the electronic bonding in the uranyl ion is given, on the basis of which the paramagnetism of uranyl can be explained. Assuming the same bonding mechanism to be effective in neptunyl, with one unpaired electron, its energy levels, absorption spectrum, paramagnetic resonance and susceptibility are discussed. Agreement with experiment is satisfactory. The evidence points clearly to f-electrons being responsible for the magnetism.