Lanthanum(III) and praseodymium(III) complexes with isatin thiosemicarbazones

Ten new lanthanum(III) and praseodymium(III) complexes of the general formula Na[La(L)2H2O] (Ln=La(III) or Pr(III); LH2=thiosemicarbazones) derived from the condensation of isatin with 4-phenyl thiosemicarbazide, 4-(4-chlorophenyl) thiosemicarbazide, 4-(2-nitrophenyl) thiosemicarbazide, 4-(2-bromophenyl) thiosemicarbazide and 4-(2-methylphenyl) thiosemicarbazide, have been synthesized in methanol in presence of sodium hydroxide. The XRD spectra of the complexes were monitored to verify complex formation. The complexes have also been characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, electronic absorption and fluorescence, infrared, far infrared, 1H and 13C NMR spectral studies. Thermal studies of these complexes have been carried out in the temperature range 25-800 degrees C using TG, DTG and DTA techniques. All these complexes decompose gradually with the formation of Ln2O3 as the end product. The Judd-ofelt intensity parameter, oscillator strength, transition probability, stimulated emission cross section for different transitions of Pr3+ for 4-phenyl thiosemicarbazones have been calculated.     

Lanthanum(III) and prasedymium(III) complexes with piperazine dithiosemicarbazones

Lanthanum(III) and praseodymium(III) complexes of the type [Ln(L)Cl(H₂O)]₂ (Ln = La(III) or Pr(III); LH₂ = dithiosemicarbazone ligands derived from piperazine dithiosemicarbazide and benzaldehyde, 4-nitrobenzaldehyde, and 2-methoxybenzaldehyde) have been synthesized in methanol in the presence of sodium hydroxide. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, molecular weight, molar conductance, electronic absorption, IR, and ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectral studies. Nephelauxetic ratio, covalency parameter, and bonding parameter for these complexes have also been calculated. Thermal studies of the complexes have been carried out using TG, DTG, and DSC techniques. Kinetic parameters, such as apparent activation energy and order of reaction, were determined by the Coats-Redfern graphical method. The heats of reaction for different reaction steps were calculated from DSC curves. The article was submitted by the authors in English.     

Fluorescence and DNA-binding properties of neodymium(III) and praseodymium(III) complexes containing 1,10-phenanthroline

The binding of neodymium(III) and praseodymium(III) complexes containing 1,10-phenanthroline, [M(phen)2Cl3·OH2] (M=Nd (1), Pr (2)), to DNA has been investigated by absorption, emission, and viscosity measurements. The complexes show absorption decreasing in charge transfer band, fluorescence decrement when bound to DNA. The binding constant Kb has been determined by absorption measurement for both complexes and found to be (6.76±0.12)×10(4) for 1 and (1.83±0.15)×10(4)M(-1), for 2. The fluorescence of [M(phen)2Cl3·OH2] (M=Nd (1), Pr (2)) has been studied in detail. The results of fluorescence titration reveal that DNA has the strong ability to quenching the intrinsic fluorescence of Nd(III) and Pr(III) complexes through the static quenching procedure. The binding site number n, apparent binding constant Kb and the Stern-Volmer constant kSV are determined. Thermodynamic parameters, enthalpy change (ΔH°) and entropy change (ΔS°), are calculated according to relevant fluorescent data and Van't Hoff equation. The experimental data suggest that the complexes bind to DNA by non-intercalative mode. Major groove binding is the preferred mode of interaction for [M(phen)2Cl3·OH2] (M=Nd (1), Pr (2)) with DNA.     

Homoleptic rare-earth metal(III) tetramethylaluminates: structural chemistry, reactivity, and performance in isoprene polymerization

The complexes [Ln(AlMe4)3] (Ln=Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Ho, Lu) have been synthesized by an amide elimination route and the structures of [Lu{(micro-Me)2AlMe2}3], [Sm{(micro-Me)2AlMe2}3], [Pr{(micro-Me)2AlMe2}3], and [La{(micro-Me)2AlMe2}2{(micro-Me)3AlMe}] determined by X-ray crystallography. These structures reveal a distinct Ln3+ cation size-dependency. A comprehensive insight into the intrinsic properties and solution coordination phenomena of [Ln(AlMe4)3] complexes has been gained from extended dynamic 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic studies, as well as 1D 89Y, 2D 1H/89Y, and 27Al NMR spectroscopic investigations. [Ce(AlMe4)3] and [Pr(AlMe4)3] have been used as alkyl precursors for the synthesis of heterobimetallic alkylated rare-earth metal complexes. Both carboxylate and siloxide ligands can be introduced by methane elimination reactions that give the heterobimetallic complexes [Ln{(O2CAriPr)2(micro-AlMe2)}2(AlMe4)(C6H14)n] and [Ln{OSi(OtBu)3}(AlMe3)(AlMe4)2], respectively. [Pr{OSi(OtBu)3}(AlMe3)(AlMe4)2] has been characterized by X-ray structure analysis. All of the cerium and praseodymium complexes are used as precatalysts in the stereospecific polymerization of isoprene (1-3 equivalents of Et2AlCl as co-catalyst) and compared to the corresponding neodymium-based initiators reported previously. The superior catalytic performance of the homoleptic complexes leads to quantitative yields of high-cis-1,4-polyisoprene (>98%) in almost all of the polymerization experiments. In the case of the binary catalyst mixtures derived from carboxylate or siloxide precatalysts quantitative formation of polyisoprene is only observed for nLn:nCl=1:2. The influence of the metal size is illustrated for the heterobimetallic lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, and gadolinium carboxylate complexes, and the highest activities are observed for praseodymium as a metal center in the presence of one equivalent of Et2AlCl.     

Cerium(III) dialkyl dithiocarbamates from [Ce[N(SiMe3)2]3] and tetraalkylthiuram disulfides, and [Ce(kappa2-S2CNEt2)4] from the Ce(III) precursor; Tb(III) and Nd(III) analogues

The synthesis and characterisation of the first neutral cerium dialkyl dithiocarbamate complexes, using a novel oxidative displacement of the amido ligands of [Ce[N(SiMe3)2]3] by tetraalkylthiuram disulfides [R2NC(S)S]2(R = Me, Et) in thf solution, are reported. In the absence of other donors, the complexes [Ce(kappa2-S2CNMe2)3(thf)2] and Ce(kappa2-S2CNEt2)3) 3 were obtained. The addition of a polypyridyl ligand allowed easy access to a range of complexes of general formula [Ce(kappa2-S2CNR2)3(L[intersection]L)][R = Me and L([intersection])L = 2,2'-bipy (4), or 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (6); or R = Et and L[intersection]L = 2,2'-bipy (5)]. Brief exposure of the Ce(III) dithiocarbamate to oxygen gas afforded in high yield the diamagnetic, crystalline Ce(IV) dithiocarbamate [Ce(kappa2-S2CNEt2)4)] 7. The neodymium (8) and terbium (10) complexes, isoleptic with 2, were prepared from the appropriate 4f metal (Ln) bis(trimethylsilyl)amide [Ln[pN(SiMe3)2]3][Ln = Nd or Tb (9)] and [Me2NC(S)S]2. The structures of the crystalline complexes, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9 and 10 have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Some evidence has been obtained for the formation of the cerium(IV) complex Ce[N(SiMe3)2]2(kappa2-S2CNMe2)2. The cerium(IV) complex 7 has the metal coordinated to eight sulfur atoms of four planar chelating S2CNC2 moities and its geometry is intermediate between dodecahedral and square prismatic; the mean Ce-S bond length of 2.803 A in 7 compares with the 2.950 A in the Ce(III) complex 2.     

Lanthanum(III) and praseodymium(III) complexes of acetylferrocenyl mercaptotriazoles

Schiff base complexes derived from 3-substituted phenyl-4-amino-thiolato-1,2,4-triazoles and acetylferrocene (LH), with lanthanum(III) and praseodymium(III) of the type [M(L)₃] have been prepared and characterised by elemental analysis, electrical conductance, magnetic moments and spectral (electronic, i.r., ¹H-n.m.r. and ¹³C-n.m.r.) data. The thermal behaviour of selected complexes was investigated by t.g. and d.t.g. techniques.     

Lanthanide complexes of chiral 3 + 3 macrocycles derived from (1R,2R)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane and 2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenol

The enantiopure amine macrocycle H(3)L, as well as the parent macrocyclic Schiff base H(3)L1, the 3 + 3 condensation product of (1R,2R)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane and 2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenol, are able to form mononuclear complexes with lanthanide(III) ions. The lanthanide(III) complexes of H(3)L have been studied in solution using NMR spectroscopy and electrospray mass spectrometry. The NMR spectra indicate the presence of complexes of low C(1) and C(2) symmetry. The (1)H and (13)C NMR signals of the Lu(III) complex obtained from H(3)L have been assigned on the basis of COSY, TOCSY, NOESY, ROESY and HMQC spectra. The NMR data reveal unsymmetrical binding of lanthanide(III) ion and the presence of a dynamic process corresponding to rotation of Lu(III) within the macrocycle. The [Ln(H(4)L)(NO(3))(2)](NO(3))(2)(Ln = Sm(III), Eu(III), Dy(III), Yb(III) and Lu(III)) complexes of the cationic ligand H(4)L(+) have been isolated in pure form. The X-ray analysis of the [Eu(H(4)L)(NO(3))(2)](NO(3))(2) complex confirms the coordination mode of the macrocycle determined on the basis of NMR results. In this complex the europium(III) ion is bound to three phenolate oxygen atoms and two amine nitrogen atoms of the monoprotonated macrocycle H(4)L(+), as well as to two axial bidendate nitrate anions. In the presence of a base, mononuclear La(III), Ce(III) and Pr(III) complexes of the deprotonated form of the ligand L(3-) can be obtained. When 2 equivalents of Pr(III) are used in this synthesis Na(3)[Pr(2)L(NO(3))(2)(OH)(2)](2)NO(3).5H(2)O is obtained. The NMR, ES MS and an X-ray crystal model of this complex show coordination of two Pr(III) ions by the macrocycle L. The X-ray crystal structure of the free macrocycle H(3)L1 has also been determined. In contrast to macrocyclic amine H(3)L, the Schiff base H(3)L1 adopts a cone-type conformation resembling calixarenes.     

Hydrated structures and dehydration processes of lanthanoid(III) chloranilates studied by EXAFS

The local structures of lanthanoid(III) chloranilate complexes of Pr(III), Nd(III), Tb(III) and Er(III) have been studied by EXAFS (extended X-ray absorption fine structure). Hydrated structures of the lanthanoid(III) ions in these complexes have been investigated with respect to their coordination numbers and interatomic distances. Six or four water molecules coordinate to the lanthanoid(III) ion of Pr(III) or Nd(III), respectively, just after preparation of the complexes. The temperature dependence of the first coordinated structures has been studied in order to reveal the behavior of the coordinated water molecules in dehydration process. The coordination number around the central lanthanoid(III) ion decreases stepwise as temperature increases, depending on the type of central lanthanoid(III) ion present. The interatomic distance between the central lanthanoid(III) ion and oxygen atoms in the first shell decreases, accompanying the decrease of the coordination numbers. A parameter representing proportion shows the reduction of interatomic distance as one coordinated water molecule removes from the central ion, depending on the type of lanthanoid(III) ions.     

Mesomorphic behaviour of praseodymium(III) alkanoates

In this paper, we describe the synthesis, characterization and thermal behaviour of praseodymium(III) alkanoates. The compounds have the stoichiometry [Pr(C_xH_2x+1COO)₃], where x = 5-19, and were characterized by elemental analysis and infrared spectroscopy. The thermal behaviour was investigated by hot-stage polarizing optical microscopy, DSC and high temperature X-ray diffraction. A highly viscous mesophase M and a smectic A phase were observed for the shorter chain compounds (x = 5-8), whereas only a smectic A phase was observed for the longer chain compounds of this type of metallomesogens. The chain length has a pronounced effect on the transition temperatures.     

Synthesis,spectral characterization,crystal structures of lanthanide(III) pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate complexes and their catalytic activity

A series of lanthanide(III) pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate complexes [Ln(Pyrrol-Dtc)₃(Phen)] {Pyrrol-Dtc = pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate; Phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; Ln = La(III), Ce(III), Pr(III), Nd(III), Sm(III), Gd(III), Tb(III), Dy(III), Er(III)} have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The molecular structures of [La(Pyrrol-Dtc)₃(Phen)], [Pr(Pyrrol-Dtc)₃(Phen)], [Sm(Pyrrol-Dtc)₃(Phen)], and [Dy(Pyrrol-Dtc)₃(Phen)] have been confirmed using single crystal XRD studies. The results reveal that in these complexes, the central Ln(III) ion is coordinated to three Pyrrol-Dtc and one Phen and possesses a distorted dodecahedron geometry. Catalytic activity of these complexes in trimethylsilylcyanation reaction has been studied.     

Speciation of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in environmental samples by using coprecipitation with praseodymium(III) hydroxide and determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A speciation procedure has been established for the flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) based on coprecipitation of Cr(III) by using praseodymium(III) hydroxide (Pr(OH)₃) precipitate. In the presented system, Cr(III) was quantitatively (>95%) recovered at the pH range of 10.0?C12.0 on Pr(III) hydroxide, while the recoveries of Cr(VI) were below 10%. The method was applied to the determination of the total chromium after reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) by using hydroxylamine hydrochloride. The concentration of Cr(VI) is calculated by difference of total chromium and Cr(III) levels. The analytical parameters including pH of the aqueous medium, amount of Pr(III), centrifugation speed, sample volume were optimized. The influences of matrix ions were also investigated. The method was validated by the analysis of TMDA 70 fortified lake water certified reference material. The method was applied to the speciation of chromium in water samples.     

Synthesis and characterization of some novel ketazinates and aldazinates of Pr(III) and Nd(III):

The reactions of bifunctional tridentate azines (AZH₂) derived by the condensation of aldehydes or ketones and hydrazine hydrate with Pr(III) and Nd(III) isopropoxides in 1 : 1, 2 : 3 and 1 : 2 molar ratios in the medium of anhydrous benzene are described. The resulting Ln(OPrⁱ)(AZ), Ln₂(AZ)₃ and Ln(AZ)(AZH) [where Ln = Pr(III) or Nd(III)] types of coloured solids are non-electrolyte in anhydrous DMF. The isopropoxy group of 1 : 1 complexes has been found to undergo replacement reactions with excess of t-butanol. The monoisopropoxy metal azine complexes are dimeric whereas the 2 : 3 and 1 : 2 metal azine complexes are monomeric in boiling chloroform/benzene. Suitable structures based on elemental analysis, molecular weight determinations, conductance measurements and infrared, proton magnetic resonance and electronic spectral studies have been indicated for the newly synthesized compounds. The integral procedural decomposition temperature (IPDT) of bis-neodymium(III) tris-salicylaldehydeazine and bisneodymium(III) tris-o-hydroxyacetophenoneazine have also been calculated and this shows the lower thermal stability of the former as compared to the latter.     

The role of neutral coligands on the stabilization of mono-Tp(i)Pr2 U(III) complexes

The reaction of [UI(3)(THF)(4)] with 1 equiv of KTp()i(Pr)()2 in toluene in the presence of several neutral coligands allowed the synthesis of a novel family of mono-Tp()i(Pr)()2 complexes, [UI(2)Tp()i(Pr)()2(L)(x)()] [L = OPPh(3), x = 1 (3); L = C(5)H(5)N, x = 2 (4); L = Hpz()t(Bu,Me), x = 2 (5); and L = bipy, x = 1 (6)]. The adduct with THF, [UI(2)Tp()i(Pr)()2(THF)(2)(-)(3)] (1), could also be isolated by reacting [UI(3)(THF)(4)] with 1 equiv of KTp()i(Pr)()2 in tetrahydrofuran. However, complex 1 is not a good starting material to enter into the mono-Tp()i(Pr)()2 U(III) complexes as it decomposes in solution, leading to mixtures of U(III) species coordinated with Hpz()i(Pr)()2. The solid-state structures of 3, 4, and 6 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and revealed that this family of mono-Tp()i(Pr)()2 complexes can be six- (3) or seven-coordinated (4 and 6), depending on the nature of the neutral coligand. Complex 3 displays distorted octahedral coordination geometry, while 4 and 6 display distorted pentagonal bipyramid and capped octahedral geometries, respectively. Complexes 3 and 6 are static in solution, and the patterns of the (1)H NMR spectra are consistent with the C(s)() symmetry found in the solid state. The other complexes (1, 4, and 5) are fluxional, but the dynamic processes involved can be slowed by decreasing the temperature.     

Lanthanide(III) complexes with a tetrapyridine pendant-armed macrocyclic ligand: 1H NMR structural determination in solution, X-ray diffraction, and density-functional theory calculations

Complexes between the tetrapyridyl pendant-armed macrocyclic ligand (L) and the trivalent lanthanide ions have been synthesized, and structural studies have been made both in the solid state and in aqueous solution. The crystal structures of the La, Ce, Pr, Gd, Tb, Er, and Tm complexes have been determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. In the solid state, all the cation complexes show a 10-coordinated geometry close to a distorted bicapped antiprism, with the pyridine pendants situated alternatively above and below the main plane of the macrocycle. The conformations of the two five-membered chelate rings present in the complexes change along the lanthanide series. The La(III) and Ce(III) complexes show a lambdadelta (or deltalambda) conformation, while the complexes of the heavier lanthanide ions present lambdalambda (or deltadelta) conformation. The cationic [Ln(L)]3+ complexes (Ln = La, Pr, Eu, Tb, and Tm) were also characterized by theoretical calculations at the density-functional theory (DFT) B3LYP level. The theoretical calculations predict a stabilization of the lambdalambda (or deltadelta) conformation on decreasing the ionic radius of the Ln(III) ion, in agreement with the experimental evidence. The solution structures show a good agreement with the calculated ones, as demonstrated by paramagnetic NMR measurements (lanthanide induced shifts and relaxation rate enhancements). The 1H NMR spectra indicate an effective D2 symmetry of the complexes in D2O solution. The 1H lanthanide induced shifts (LIS) observed for the Ce(III), Tm(III), and Yb(III) complexes can be fit to a theoretical model assuming that dipolar contributions are dominant for all protons. The resulting calculated values are consistent with highly rhombic magnetic susceptibility tensors with the magnetic axes being coincident with the symmetry axes of the molecule. In contrast with the solid-state structure, the analysis of the LIS data indicates that the Ce(III) complexes present a lambdalambda (or deltadelta) conformation in solution.     

Synthesis, Characterization and thermal behaviour of hemimellitic acid complexes with lanthanides(III)

The complexes of lanthanides(III) with hemimellitic acid (1,2,3-benzenetricarboxylic acid, H₃btc) of the formula Ln(btc)·nH₂O, where Ln=lanthanide(III) ion and n=2?6 were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction patterns and thermal analysis. The IR spectra of the complexes indicate coordination of lanthanides(III) through all carboxylate groups. The complexes of La(III), Ce(III), Pr(III) and Er(III) are amorphous. On heating in air atmosphere all complexes lose water molecules and next anhydrous compounds decompose to corresponding metal oxides.     

Solid compounds of Ce(III), Pr(III), Nd(III), and Sm(III) ions with chrysin

New solid amorphous compounds of Ce(III), Pr(III), Nd(III), and Sm(III) with 5,7-dihydroxyflavone (L,chrysin) were obtained. Their composition and some physicochemical properties were studied by elementary analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, magnetic measurements, ¹H NMR, UV/Vis, and infrared spectroscopies. Upon heating, the hydrated compounds [LnL₂(H₂O)₂Cl]·2H₂O decomposed to the oxides. Structure of the compounds was elucidated on the basis of obtained results. It was found that chelation of the metal ion occurs at the 5-hydroxy-4-keto site.     

Reactivity of tris(acetylacetonato) iron(III) with tridentate [ONO] donor Schiff base as an access to newer mixed-ligand iron(III) complexes

Two new mixed-ligand iron(III) complexes, [Fe(L(n))(acac)(C(2)H(5)OH)] incorporating coordinated ethanol from the reaction solvent were accessed from the reaction of [Fe(acac)(3)] with [ONO] donor dibasic tridentate unsymmetrical Schiff base ligands derived from condensation of 2-hydroxy-1-napthaldehyde with 2-aminophenol (H(2)L(1)) or 2-aminobenzoic acid (H(2)L(2)). The thermal study (TGA-DTA) provided evidence for weakly bound ethanol which is readily substituted by neutral N-donor molecule imidazole, benzimidazole or pyridine to produce an array of newer complexes, [Fe(L(n))(acac)X] (n=1, 2; X=Im, Bim, Py). The compounds were characterized by elemental analyses, FT-IR, UV-vis, solution electrical conductivity, FAB mass, (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy. Room temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements (μ(eff)～5.8 B.M.) are consistent with spin-free octahedral iron(III) complexes. Cyclic voltammetry of ethanol complexes revealed a quasi-reversible one electron redox response (ΔE(p)>100 mV) for the Fe(III)/Fe(II) couple. Low half wave redox potential (E(1/2)) values suggested easy redox susceptibility. The ground state geometries of the ethanol and imidazole complexes have been ascertained to be distorted octahedral by density functional theory using DMol3 program at BLYP/DNP level.     

A family of 13 tetranuclear zinc(II)-lanthanide(III) complexes of a [3+3] Schiff-base macrocycle derived from 1,4-diformyl-2,3-dihydroxybenzene

A family of thirteen tetranuclear heterometallic zinc(II)-lanthanide(III) complexes of the hexa-imine macrocycle (L(Pr))(6-), with general formula Zn(II)(3)Ln(III)(L(Pr))(NO(3))(3)·xsolvents (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm or Yb), were prepared in a one-pot synthesis using a 3:1:3:3 reaction of zinc(II) acetate, the appropriate lanthanide(III) nitrate, the dialdehyde 1,4-diformyl-2,3-dihydroxybenzene (H(2)L(1)) and 1,3-diaminopropane. A hexanuclear homometallic zinc(II) macrocyclic complex [Zn(6)(L(Pr))(OAc)(5)(OH)(H(2)O)]·3H(2)O was obtained using a 2:0:1:1 ratio of the same reagents. A control experiment using a 1:0:1:1 ratio failed to generate the lanthanide-free [Zn(3)(L(Pr))] macrocyclic complex. The reaction of H(2)L(1) and zinc(II) acetate in a 1:1 ratio yielded the pentanuclear homometallic complex of the dialdehyde H(2)L(1), [Zn(5)(L(1))(5)(H(2)O)(6)]·3H(2)O. An X-ray crystal structure determination revealed [Zn(3)(II)Pr(III)(L(Pr))(NO(3))(2)(DMF)(3)](NO(3))·0.9DMF has the large ten-coordinate lanthanide(III) ion bound in the central O(6) site with two bidentate nitrate anions completing the O(10) coordination sphere. The three square pyramidal zinc(II) ions are in the outer N(2)O(2) sites with a fifth donor from DMF. Measurement of the magnetic properties of [Zn(II)(3)Dy(III)(L(Pr))(NO(3))(3)(MeOH)(3)]·4H(2)O with a weak external dc field showed that it has a frequency-dependent out-of-phase component of ac susceptibility, indicative of slow relaxation of the magnetization (SMM behaviour). Likewise, the Er and Yb analogues are field-induced SMMs; the latter is only the second example of a Yb-based SMM. The neodymium, ytterbium and erbium complexes are luminescent in the solid phase, but only the ytterbium and neodymium complexes show strong lanthanide-centred luminescence in DMF solution.     

Complex formation reactions of lanthanum(III), cerium(III), thorium(IV), dioxouranyl(IV) complexes with tricine

Equilibrium studies for the heavy metal ions La(III), Ce(III), Th(IV) and UO2(IV) (M) complexes of the zwitterionic buffer tricine (L) in aqueous solution are investigated. Stoichiometry and stability constants for the different complexes formed as well as hydrolysis products of the metal cations are determined at 25 degrees C and ionic strength 0.1 M NaNO3. The stability of the formed complexes are discussed in terms of the nature of the heavy metal cation. The solid complexes are synthesized and characterized by means of elemental analysis, FTIR, and TG analysis. The general molecular formulae of the obtained complexes is suggested to be [M(L)2](NO3)n-2(H2O)x, where n = the charge of the metal cation, x = no. of water molecules.     

Mesomorphic behaviour of praseodymium(III) alkanoates

In this paper, we describe the synthesis, characterization and thermal behaviour of praseodymium(III) alkanoates. The compounds have the stoichiometry [Pr(C _x H_2x+1COO)₃], where x = 5-19, and were characterized by elemental analysis and infrared spectroscopy. The thermal behaviour was investigated by hot-stage polarizing optical microscopy, DSC and high temperature X-ray diffraction. A highly viscous mesophase M and a smectic A phase were observed for the shorter chain compounds (x = 5-8), whereas only a smectic A phase was observed for the longer chain compounds of this type of metallomesogens. The chain length has a pronounced effect on the transition temperatures.