Activation of uranyl (V) oxo bonds in the gas phase is demonstrated by reaction of U16O2+
with H218O to produce U16O18O+ and U18O2+. In contrast, neptunyl (V) and plutonyl (V)
are comparatively inert toward exchange. Computed potential energy profiles (PEPs) reveal
a lower yl oxo exchange transition state for uranyl (V)/water as compared with neptunyl
(V)/water and plutonyl (V)/water. A correspondence between oxo exchange rates in gas
phase and acid solutions is apparent; the contrasting oxo exchange rates of UO2+ and …