The synthesis,crystal structure and thermal studies of a mixed-ligand 1,10-phenanthroline and hexamethylenetetramine complex of lanthanum nitrate. Insight into coordination sphere geometry changes of lanthanide(III) 1,10-phenanthroline complexes

The structure of tetraaqua-bis(nitrato-O,O′)-(1,10-phenanthroline-N,N′)-lanthanum(III) 1,3,5,7-tetraazatricyclo[3.3.1.1^3,7]decane nitrate dihydrate, [La(NO₃)₂ · phen · (H₂O)₄]⁺ · hmt · NO ₃ ⁻ · 2H₂O, is presented. The lanthanum ion exhibits tenfold coordination and the polyhedron can be described as tetradecahedron. The complex cations, nitrate ions, water and hexamethylenetetramine molecules are assembled via hydrogen bonds, H–π rings and π–π stacking interactions into 3D supramolecular network. The bond strength of coordination sphere was calculated by means of the bond-valence method. The influence of La:phen stoichiometry and additional ligand on the changes of lanthanum(III) coordination sphere geometry in ten-coordinated complexes with 1,10-phenanthroline was discussed. The infrared spectrum of structure optimised by means of quantum mechanical calculations was analysed and compared with measured one. The obtained compound was characterised by thermogravimetric analysis in conjunction with evolved gases in the air atmosphere.