Chalcogen-rich lanthanide clusters: compounds with Te(2-), (TeTe)(2-), TePh, TeTePh, (TeTeTe(Ph)TeTe)(5-), and [(TeTe)(4)TePh](9-) ligands; single source precursors to solid-state lanthanide tellurides

Lanthanide metals react with PhTeTePh and elemental Te in pyridine to give (py)(y)Ln(4)(Te)(TeTe)(2)(TeTeTe(Ph)TeTe)(Te(x)TePh) (Ln = Sm (y = 9; x = 0); Tb, Ho (y = 8, x = 0.1)), and (py)(7)Tm(4)(Te)[(TeTe)(4)TePh](Te(0.6)TePh) clusters. The Sm, Tb, and Ho compounds contain a square array of Ln(III) ions all connected to a central Te(2-) ligand. Two adjacent edges of the square are bridged by ditelluride ligands, with the Ln ion that is eta(2) bound to both of these TeTe ligands also coordinating to a terminal TePh ligand. The other two edges of the square are spanned by ditellurides that both coordinate a TePh ligand that has been displaced from the Ln ion by pyridine, to give the pentaanion (mu-eta(2)-eta(2)-Te(2)Te(Ph)Te(2)).(5-) In the Tm compound, the displaced TePh interacts with all four TeTe units. The compounds are air-, light-, and temperature-sensitive. Upon thermolysis, they decompose to give solid-state TbTe(2-x), HoTe, or TmTe, with elimination of Te and TePh(2).     

Reactions of lanthanoid metals with 3,5-diphenylpyrazole at elevated temperatures: synthesis and structures of both homoleptic, [Ln3(Ph2pz)9] (Ln = La, Nd), [Ln2(Ph2pz)6] (Ln = Er, Lu), and heteroleptic, [Ln(Ph2pz)3(Ph2pzH)2] (Ln = La, Nd, Gd, Tb, Er or Yb), pyrazolate complexes

The direct reaction of lanthanoid metals with 3,5-diphenylpyrazole (Ph2pzH) at 300 degrees C under vacuum in the presence of mercury gives the structurally characterized [Ln3(Ph2pz)9] (Ln = La or Nd), [Ln2(Ph2pz)6] (Ln = Er or Lu). Similar reactions provided heteroleptic [Ln(Ph2pz)3(Ph2pzH)2] (Ln = La, Nd, Gd, Tb, Er and Y). The last was obtained only from impure Ph2pzH, but was subsequently prepared by treatment of [Yb(Ph2pz)3(thf)2] with Ph2pzH. Reactions of Yb with Ph2pzH at 200 degrees C gave a poorly soluble divalent species which was converted by 1,2-dimethoxyethane into [Yb(Ph2pz)2(dme)2]. Single crystal X-ray structures established a bowed trinuclear pyrazolate-bridged structure for [Ln3(Ph2pz)9] (Ln = La or Nd), Ln...Ln...Ln being 135.94(1) degrees (La) and 137.41(1) degrees(Nd). There are two eta2-Ph2pz ligands on the terminal Ln atoms and one on the central metal with adjacent Ln atoms linked by one mu-eta2:eta2 and one mu-eta5 (to terminal Ln):eta2 pyrazolate group. Thus the terminal Ln atoms are formally nine-coordinate and the central Ln, ten-coordinate. By contrast, [Ln2(Ph2pz)6] (Ln = Er or Lu) complexes are dimeric with two terminal (eta2) and two bridging (mu-eta2:eta2) pyrazolates and eight-coordinate lanthanoids. All six heteroleptic complexes [Ln(Ph2pz)3(Ph2pzH)2] (Ln = La, Nd, Gd, Tb, Er or Yb) are isomorphous with three equatorial eta2-Ph2pz groups, transoid(N-Ln-N 158.18(6)-161.43(9) degrees) eta1-pyrazole ligands, and eight-coordinate Ln throughout.     

Metal-to-ligand charge-transfer sensitisation of near-infrared emitting lanthanides in trimetallic arrays M2Ln (M=Ru, Re or Os; Ln=Nd, Er or Yb)

The new pro-ligand 4-methyl-4'-(carbonylamino(2-(tert-butoxycarbonylamino)ethyl))-2,2'-bipyridyl (L1) has been prepared and used to synthesise the complex fac-Re(I)Cl(CO)3(L1) 1 and the complex salts [M(II)(bipy)2(L1)](PF6)2 (M=RuII 8 or OsII 15). Deprotection with trifluoroacetic acid affords the amine-functionalised derivatives fac-Re(I)Cl(CO)3(L2) 2, [M(II)(bipy)2(L2)](PF6)2 (M=RuII 9 or OsII 16) which react with the dianhydride of diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) to give the binuclear complex {fac-Re(I)Cl(CO)3}2(L3) 3 and the complex salts [{M(II)(bipy)2}2(L3)](PF6)4 (M = RuII 10 or OsII 17). The latter react with salts Ln(OTf)3 to afford a series of 12 heterotrimetallic compounds that contain a lanthanide (Ln) ion in the DTPA binding site; {fac-Re(I)Cl(CO)3}2(L3)LnIII (Ln=Nd 4, Er 5, Yb 6 or Y 7) and [{M(II)(bipy)2}2(L3)LnIII](PF6)(OTf)3 (M=RuII, Ln=Nd 11, Er 12, Yb 13 or Y 14; M=OsII, Ln=Nd 18, Er 19, Yb 20 or Y 21). All of these trimetallic species display absorption bands ascribed to metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) excitations, and luminescence measurements show that these excited states can be used to sensitise near-infrared emission from LnIII (Ln=Nd, Er or Yb) ions. Single crystal X-ray structures of L1 and [RuII(bipy)2(L2H)](H2PO4)3.(CH3)2CO.0.8H2O were obtained, the latter revealing the presence of H2PO4- counter anions, the source of which is presumed to be hydrolysis of PF6- ions.     

Controllable synthesis and tunable luminescence properties of Y2(WO4)3:Ln3+ (Ln = Eu, Yb/Er, Yb/Tm and Yb/Ho) 3D hierarchical architectures

Yttrium tungstate precursors with novel 3D hierarchical architectures assembled from nanosheet building blocks were successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method with the assistance of sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate (SDBS). After calcination, the precursors were easily converted to Y(2)(WO(4))(3) without an obvious change in morphology. The as-prepared precursors and Y(2)(WO(4))(3) were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and photoluminescence (PL) spectra, respectively. The results reveal that the morphology and dimensions of the as-prepared precursors can be effectively tuned by altering the amounts of organic SDBS and the reaction time, and the possible formation mechanism was also proposed. Upon ultraviolet (UV) excitation, the emission of Y(2)(WO(4))(3):x mol% Eu(3+) microcrystals can be tuned from white to red, and the doping concentration of Eu(3+) has been optimized. Furthermore, the up-conversion (UC) luminescence properties as well as the emission mechanisms of Y(2)(WO(4))(3):Yb(3+)/Ln(3+) (Ln = Er, Tm, Ho) microcrystals were systematically investigated, which show green (Er(3+), (4)S(3/2), (2)H(11/2)→(4)I(15/2)), blue (Tm(3+), (1)G(4)→(3)H(6)) and yellow (Ho(3+), (5)S(2)→(5)I(8)) luminescence under 980 nm NIR excitation. Moreover, the doping concentration of the Yb(3+) has been optimized under a fixed concentration of Er(3+) for the UC emission of Y(2)(WO(4))(3):Yb(3+)/Er(3+).     

Controllable synthesis and up-conversion properties of tetragonal BaYF5:Yb/Ln (Ln=Er, Tm, and Ho) nanocrystals

The nanocrystals (NCs) of tetragonal barium yttrium fluoride (BaYF(5)) doped 1 mol% Ln(3+) (Ln=Er, Tm, Ho) and 20 mol% Yb(3+) with different morphologies and sizes have been successfully synthesized through a facile hydrothermal method. The influences of pH values of the initial solution and fluorine sources on the final structure and morphology of the products have been well investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) were used to characterize the size, structure and morphology of these samples prepared at different conditions. And it is found that BaYF(5):Yb/Ln NCs prepared at pH value of 10 using NaBF(4) as F(-) source have a uniform spherical morphology with average diameter of 25 nm. Additionally, the up-conversion (UC) properties of Yb/Er, Yb/Tm, and Yb/Ho doped BaYF(5) nanoparticles were also discussed. Under 980 nm laser excitation, the BaYF(5):Yb/Er, BaYF(5):Yb/Tm, and BaYF(5):Yb/Ho NCs exhibit green, whitish blue, and yellow green UC luminescence, respectively. The luminescence mechanisms for the doped lanthanide ions were thoroughly analyzed.     

Structural,electrical, and magnetic properties of a series of molecular conductors based on BDT-TTP and lanthanoid nitrate complex anions (BDT-TTP = 2,5-Bis(1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene)-1,3,4,6-tetrathiapentalene)

The platelike crystals of a series of novel molecular conductors, which are based on the pi-donor molecules BDT-TTP (2,5-bis(1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene)-1,3,4,6-tetrathiapentalene) with a tetrathiapentalene skeleton and lanthanide nitrate complex anions [Ln(NO3)x](3-x)(Ln = La, Ce, (Pr), Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu) with localized 4f magnetic moments, were synthesized. Except for the Ce complex, the salts were composed of (BDT-TTP)(5)[Ln(NO(3))(5)] and were isostructural. Even though the Ce crystal had a different composition, (BDT-TTP)(6)[Ce(NO(3))(6)](C(2)H(5)OH)(x)() (x approximately 3), the crystals all had the space group P(-)1. Although the X-ray examination of the Pr salts was insufficient, the existence of two modifications was suggested in these systems by preliminary X-ray examination. Previously, we reported the crystal structures and unique magnetic properties of (BDT-TTP)(5)[Ln(NO(3))(5)] (Ln = Sm, Eu, Nd, Gd). Thus, by combining the results of this work with previous one, we for the first time succeeded in obtaining a complete set of organic conductors composed of the identical pi-donors (BDT-TTP in this case) and all the lanthanide nitrate complex anions (except the complex with Pm(3+)). The crystals were all metallic down to 2 K. Electronic band structure calculations resulted in two-dimensional Fermi surfaces, which was consistent with their stable metallic states. Except for the Lu complex, which lacked paramagnetic moments, the magnetic susceptibilities were measured on the six heavy lanthanide ion complex salts by a SQUID magnetometer (Ln = Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb). The large paramagnetic susceptibilities, which were caused by the paramagnetic moments of the rare-earth ions, were obtained. The Curie-Weiss law fairly accurately reproduced the temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibilities of (BDT-TTP)(5)[Ho(NO(3))(5)] in the experimental temperature range (2-300 K) and a comparatively large Weiss temperature (|THETAV;|) was obtained (THETAV;(Ho) = -15 K). A Weiss temperature (THETAV;(Tm) = -8 K) was also obtained for Tm. The |THETAV;| values of other (BDT-TTP)(5)[Ln(NO(3))(5)] salts and (BDT-TTP)(6)[Ce(NO(3))(6)](C(2)H(5)OH)x(x approximately 3) were as follows: |THETAV;|/K = 4 (Er), < or =2 (Ce, Tb, Dy, Yb). The comparatively strong intermolecular magnetic interaction between Ho(3+) ions, which was suggested by the |THETAV;| value, is inconsistent with the traditional image of strongly localized 4f orbitals shielded by the electrons in the outer 5s and 5p orbitals. The dipole interactions between Ln(3+) ions causing the Curie-Weiss behavior and the comparatively large THETAV; value of (BDT-TTP)(5)[Ho(NO(3))(5)] is inconsistent with the data, since the complexes exhibit isostructural properties and there is not a clear relationship between the magnitudes of THETAV; values and those of magnetic moments. Therefore, it is possible that the 4f orbitals of Ho atom are sensitive to the ligand field, which will have an effect on the orbital moment of the Ho(3+) ion and/or produce a small amount of mixing between 4f and ligand orbitals to give rise to "real" intermolecular antiferromagnetic interaction through intermolecular overlapping between pi (BDT-TTP) and ligand orbitals of lanthanide nitrate complex anions.     

Precursor approach to lanthanide dioxo monocarbodiimides Ln2O2CN2 (Ln=Y, Ho, Er, Yb) by insertion of CO2 into organometallic Ln-N compounds

We present two organometallic precursor approaches leading to the hitherto-unknown dioxo monocarbodiimides (Ln(2)O(2)CN(2)) of the late lanthanides Ho, Er, and Yb as well as yttrium. One involves insertion of CO(2), and the other one is a straightforward route using a molecular single-source precursor. To this end the reactivity of the activated amido lanthanide compound [(Cp(2)ErNH(2))(2)] towards carbon dioxide absorption under supercritical conditions was studied. Selective insertion of CO(2) into the amido complex yielded the single-source precursor [Er(2)(O(2)CN(2)H(4))Cp(4)], which was characterized by vibrational spectroscopy and thermal and elemental analyses. Ammonolysis of this amorphous compound at 700 degrees C affords Er(2)O(2)CN(2). To gain deeper insight into the structural characteristics of the amorphous precursor, a similar molecular carbamato complex was synthesized and fully characterized. X-ray structure analysis of the dimeric complex [Cp(4)Ho(2){mu-eta(1):eta(2)-OC(OtBu)NH}] shows an unusual bonding mode of the tert-butylcarbamate ligand, which acts as both a bridging and side-on chelating group. Ammonolysis of this compound also yielded dioxo monocarbodiimides, and therefore the crystalline carbamato complex turned out to be an alternative precursor for the straightforward synthesis of Ln(2)O(2)CN(2). Analogously, the dioxo monocarbodiimides of Y, Ho, Er, and Yb were synthesized by this route. The crystal structures were determined from X-ray powder diffraction data and refined by the Rietveld method (Ln=Ho, Er). Further spectroscopic characterization and elemental analysis evidenced the existence of phase-pure products. The dioxo monocarbodiimides of holmium and erbium crystallize in the trigonal space group P[over]3m1. According to X-ray powder diffraction, they adopt the Ln(2)O(2)CN(2) (Ln=Ce-Gd) structure type.     

Chalcogen-rich lanthanide clusters: cluster reactivity and the influence of ancillary ligands on structure.

Ytterbium metal reacts with PhEEPh (E = S, Se, Te) and elemental Se in pyridine to give (pyridine)(8)Yb(4)(SeSe)(2)(Se)(2)(mu(2)-SPh)(2)(SPh)(2), (py)(8)Yb(4)Se(SeSe)(3)(SeSeSePh)(Se(0.38)SePh), and (py)(8)Yb(4)Se(SeSe)(3)(SeSeTePh)(SeTePh), respectively. The SePh and TePh compounds contain a square array of Ln(III) ions all connected to a central Se(2)(-) ligand. Three edges of the square are bridged by diselenide ligands, with the fourth SeSe unit coordinating to an EPh ligand that has been displaced from an inner Yb coordination sphere. Differences in the two compounds have their origin in the relative strength of the Yb-E(Ph) bond. In the TePh compound, there is a complete insertion of Se into the remaining Yb-Te(Ph) bond to give a terminal SeTePh ligand, while in the SePh compound there is a compositional disorder in the structure comprised of a terminal SePh ligand and a minor component that has Se inserted into the Yb-Se(Ph) bond to give a terminal SeSePh ligand. The thiolate compound differs dramatically, crystallizing as a rhombohedral array of four Yb(III) ions connected by a pair of mu(3)-Se(2)(-) ligands, with the edges of the rhombus spanned by alternating diselenide and SPh. The SPh coordinate directly to Yb(III) ions in terminal or bridging modes. Cluster interconversion is facile: (py)(4)Yb(SePh)(2) reduces (py)(8)Yb(4)Se(SeSe)(3)(SeSeSePh)(Se(0.38)SePh) to give the cubane cluster [(py)(2)YbSe(SePh)](4), and the cubane reacts with elemental Se to give (py)(8)Yb(4)Se(SeSe)(3)(SeSeSePh)(Se(0.38)SePh). Upon thermolysis, these compounds give YbSe(x)().     

Synthesis of Arenethiolate Complexes of Divalent and Trivalent Lanthanides from Metallic Lanthanides and Diaryl Disulfides: Crystal Structures of [{Yb(hmpa)(3)}(2)(&mgr;-SPh)(3)][SPh] and Ln(SPh)(3)(hmpa)(3) (Ln = Sm, Yb; hmpa = Hexamethylphosphoric Triamide)

A convenient and one-pot synthetic method of lanthanide thiolate compounds was developed. An excess of metallic samarium, europium, and ytterbium directly reacted with diaryl disulfides in THF to give selectively Ln(II) thiolate complexes, [Ln(SAr)(&mgr;-SAr)(thf)(3)](2) (1, Ln = Sm; 2, Ln = Eu; Ar = 2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl), Yb(SAr)(2)(py)(4) (3, py = pyridine), and [{Ln(hmpa)(3)}(2)(&mgr;-SPh)(3)][SPh] (6, Ln = Sm; 7, Ln = Eu; 8, Ln = Yb; hmpa = hexamethylphosphoric triamide). Reaction of metallic lanthanides with 3 equiv of disulfides afforded Ln(III) thiolate complexes, Ln(SAr)(3)(py)(n)()(thf)(3)(-)(n)() (9a, Ln = Sm, n = 3; 9b, Ln = Sm, n = 2; 10, Ln = Yb, n = 3) and Ln(SPh)(3)(hmpa)(3) (11, Ln = Sm; 12, Ln = Eu; 13, Ln = Yb). Thus, Ln(II) and Ln(III) thiolate complexes were prepared from the same source by controlling the stoichiometry of the reactants. X-ray analysis of 8 revealed that 8 has the first ionic structure composed of triply bridged dinuclear cation and benezenethiolate anion [8, orthorhombic, space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) with a = 21.057(9), b = 25.963(7), c = 16.442(8) ?, V = 8988(5) ?(3), Z = 4, R = 0.040, R(w) = 0.039 for 5848 reflections with I > 3sigma(I) and 865 parameters]. The monomeric structures of 11 and 13 were revealed by X-ray crystallographic studies [11, triclinic, space group P&onemacr; with a = 14.719(3), b = 17.989(2), c = 11.344(2) ?, alpha = 97.91(1), beta = 110.30(2), gamma = 78.40(1) degrees, V = 2751.9(9) ?(3), Z = 2, R = 0.045, R(w) = 0.041 for 7111 reflections with I > 3sigma(I) and 536 parameters; 13, triclinic, space group P&onemacr; with a = 14.565(2), b = 17.961(2), c = 11.302(1) ?, alpha = 97.72(1), beta = 110.49(1), gamma = 78.37(1) degrees, V = 2706.0(7) ?(3), Z = 2, R = 0.031, R(w) = 0.035 for 9837 reflections with I > 3sigma(I) and 536 parameters]. A comparison with the reported mononuclear and dinuclear lanthanide thiolate complexes has been made to indicate that the Ln-S bonds weakened by the coordination of HMPA to lanthanide metals have ionic character.     

Novel heterometal-organic complexes as first single source precursors for up-converting NaY(Ln)F4 (Ln = Yb, Er, Tm) nanomaterials

First heterometal-organic single source precursors for NaYF(4) nanomaterials as a host matrix for up-conversion emission are reported. These novel heterobimetallic derivatives NaY(TFA)(4)(diglyme) (1), [Na(triglyme)(2)][Y(2)(TFA)(7)(THF)(2)] (2) and Na(2)Y(TFA)(5)(tetraglyme) (3) (TFA = trifluoroacetate), which were fully characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR and (1)H NMR spectroscopy, TG-DTA data as well as single crystal X-ray structures, are advantageous in terms of being anhydrous and having lower decomposition temperatures in comparison to the homometallic precursor Y(TFA)(3)(H(2)O)(3). In addition, they also contain chelating glyme ligands, which act as capping reagents during decomposition to control the NaYF(4) particle size and render them monodisperse in organic solvents. On decomposition in 1-octadecene, the molecular derivatives 1 and 3 are converted, in the absence of any surfactant or capping reagent, to cubic NaYF(4) nanocrystals at significantly lower temperatures (below 250 °C). At higher temperature, a mixture of the cubic and hexagonal phases was obtained, the relative ratio of the two phases depending on the reaction temperature. A pure hexagonal phase, which is many folds more efficient for UC emission than the cubic phase, was obtained by calcining nanocrystals of mixed phase at 400 °C. In order to co-dope this host matrix with up-converting lanthanide cations, analogous complexes NaLn(TFA)(4)(diglyme) [Ln = Er (4), Tm (5), Yb (6)] and Na(2)Ln(TFA)(5)(tetraglyme) [Ln = Er (7), Yb (8)] were also prepared and characterized. The decomposition in 1-octadecene of suitable combinations and appropriate molar ratios of these yttrium, ytterbium and erbium/thulium derivatives gave cubic and/or hexagonal NaYF(4): Yb(3+), Er(3+)/Tm(3+) nanocrystals (NCs) capped by diglyme or tetraglyme ligands, which were characterized by IR, TG-DTA data, EDX analysis and TEM studies. Surface modification of these NCs by ligand exchange reactions with poly acrylic acid (PAA) and polyethyleneglycol (PEG) diacid 600 was also carried out to render them water soluble. The THF solutions of suitable combinations of the diglyme derivatives were also used to elaborate the thin films of NaYF(4):Yb(3+), Er(3+)/Tm(3+) on a glass or Si wafer substrate by spin coating. The multicolour up-conversion fluorescence was successfully realized in the Yb(3+)/Er(3+) (green/red) and Yb(3+)/Tm(3+) (blue/violet) co-doped NaYF(4) nanoparticles and thin films, which demonstrates that they are promising UC nanophosphors of immense practical interest. The up-conversion excitation pathways for the Er(3+)/Yb(3+) and Tm(3+)/Yb(3+) co-doped materials are discussed.     

Lanthanide clusters with internal Ln: fragmentation and the formation of dimers with bridging Se(2-) and Se2(2-) ligands

Reactions of "LnI(x)(SePh)(3-x)" (Ln = Dy, Ho) with elemental S/Se give (THF)14Ln10S6(Se2)6I6. The compounds are composed of a Ln6S6 double cubane core, with two twisted "Ln2(SeSe)3" units condensed onto opposing rectangular sides of the Ln6S6 fragment. This deposition of Ln2Se6 totally encapsulates the two central Ln's with chalcogen atoms (four S and four Se atoms), excluding neutral THF donors or iodides from the two primary coordination spheres. Reactions of Ln(10) clusters with a stronger Lewis base result in fragmentation and, in the case of Ln = Er, the isolation of (py)6Er2(Se2)(S0.8Se0.2)I2, with two Ln(III) ions spanned by E2- and (EE)2- ligands. The related homochalcogen dimers (py)6Ln2(Se2)(Se)Br2 (Ln = Ho, Yb) were prepared to establish that such molecules could be prepared rationally, and to confirm the isolability of E2- ligands coordinated to only two sterically unconstrained Ln ions.     

Synthesis and single-crystal x-ray diffraction examination of a structurally homologous series of tetracoordinate heteroleptic anionic lanthanide complexes: Ln[N[Si(CH3)2CH2CH2Si(CH3)2]]3(mu-Cl)Li(L)3 (Ln = Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb; (L)3 =(THF)3, (Et2O)3, (THF)2(Et2O)

Anhydrous lanthanide(III) chlorides (Ln = Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb) react with 3 equiv of lithium 2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-2,5-disila-1-azacyclopentanide, Li[N[Si(CH3)2CH2Ch2Si(CH3)2]], in THF or Et(2)O to afford the monomeric four-coordinate heteroleptic ate complexes Ln[N[Si(CH3)2CH2CH2Si(CH3)2]]3(mu-Cl)Li(THF/Et2O)3 (Ln = Sm (1), Eu (2), Gd (3), Tb (4), Dy (5), Ho (6), Er (7), Tm (8), Yb (9)), whose solid-state structures were determined by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. All complexes additionally were characterized by melting point determination, elemental analyses, and mass spectrometry.     

Lanthanoid Single-Ion Magnets Based on Polyoxometalates with a 5-fold Symmetry: The Series [LnP(5)W(30)O(110)](12-) (Ln(3+) = Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb)

A robust, stable and processable family of mononuclear lanthanoid complexes based on polyoxometalates (POMs) that exhibit single-molecule magnetic behavior is described here. Preyssler polyanions of general formula [LnP(5)W(30)O(110)](12-) (Ln(3+) = Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb) have been characterized with static and dynamic magnetic measurements and heat capacity experiments. For the Dy and Ho derivatives, slow relaxation of the magnetization has been found. A simple interpretation of these properties is achieved by using crystal field theory.     

Expanding dinitrogen reduction chemistry to trivalent lanthanides via the LnZ3/alkali metal reduction system: evaluation of the generality of forming Ln2(mu-eta2:eta2-N2) complexes via LnZ3/K

The Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/K dinitrogen reduction system, which mimicks the reactions of the highly reducing divalent ions Tm(II), Dy(II), and Nd(II), has been explored with the entire lanthanide series and uranium to examine its generality and to correlate the observed reactivity with accessibility of divalent oxidation states. The Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/K reduction of dinitrogen provides access from readily available starting materials to the formerly rare class of M(2)(mu-eta(2):eta(2)-N(2)) complexes, [[(Me(3)Si)(2)N](2)(THF)Ln](2)(mu-eta(2):eta(2)-N(2)), 1, that had previously been made only from TmI(2), DyI(2), and NdI(2) in the presence of KN(SiMe(3))(2). This LnZ(3)/alkali metal reduction system provides crystallographically characterizable examples of 1 for Nd, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Y, Tm, and Lu. Sodium can be used as the alkali metal as well as potassium. These compounds have NN distances in the 1.258(3) to 1.318(5) A range consistent with formation of an (N=N)(2)(-) moiety. Isolation of 1 with this selection of metals demonstrates that the Ln[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)/alkali metal reaction can mimic divalent lanthanide reduction chemistry with metals that have calculated Ln(III)/Ln(II) reduction potentials ranging from -2.3 to -3.9 V vs NHE. In the case of Ln = Sm, which has an analogous Ln(III)/Ln(II) potential of -1.55 V, reduction to the stable divalent tris(amide) complex, K[Sm[N(SiMe(3))(2)](3)], is observed instead of dinitrogen reduction. When the metal is La, Ce, Pr, or U, the first crystallographically characterized examples of the tetrakis[bis(trimethylsilyl)amide] anions, [M[N(SiMe(3))(2)](4)](-), are isolated as THF-solvated potassium or sodium salts. The implications of the LnZ(3)/alkali metal reduction chemistry on the mechanism of dinitrogen reduction and on reductive lanthanide chemistry in general are discussed.     

Homolysis of the Ln-N (Ln = Yb, Eu) bond. Synthesis, structural characterization and catalytic activity of ytterbium(II) and europium(II) complexes with methoxyethyl functionalized indenyl ligands

The interaction of methoxyethyl functionalized indene compounds (C(9)H(6)-1-R-3-CH(2)CH(2)OMe, R =t-BuNHSiMe(2)(1), Me(3)Si (2), H (3)) with [(Me(3)Si)(2)N](3)Ln(mu-Cl)Li(THF)(3)(Ln=Yb (4), Eu (5)) produced a series of new ytterbium(II) and europium(II) complexes via tandem silylamine elimination/homolysis of the Ln-N (Ln=Yb, Eu) bond. Treatment of the lanthanide(III) amides [(Me(3)Si)(2)N](3)Ln(mu-Cl)Li(THF)(3)(Ln=Yb (4), Eu (5) with 2 equiv. of, 1,2 and 3, respectively, produced, after workup, the ytterbium(II) complexes [eta5:eta1-Me(2)Si(MeOCH(2)CH(2)C(9)H(5))(NHBu-t)](2)Yb(II) (6), (eta5:eta1-MeOCH(2)CH(2)C(9)H(5)SiMe(3))(2)Yb(II) (7), (eta5:eta1-MeOCH(2)CH(2)C(9)H(6))(2)Yb(II)(8) and the corresponding europium(II) complexes [eta5:eta1-Me(2)Si(MeOCH(2)CH(2)C(9)H(5))(NHBu-t)](2)Eu(II)(9), (eta5:eta1-MeOCH(2)CH(2)C(9)H(5)SiMe(3))(2)Eu(II)(10) and (eta5:eta1-MeOCH(2)CH(2)C(9)H(6))(2)Eu(II)(11) in moderate to good yield. In contrast, interaction of the corresponding indene compounds 1, 2 or 3 with the lanthanide amides [(Me(3)Si)(2)N](3)Ln (Ln = Yb, Eu) was not observed, while addition of 0.5 equiv. of anhydrous LiCl to the corresponding reaction mixture produced, after workup, the corresponding ytterbium(II) or europium(II) complexes. All the new compounds were fully characterized by spectroscopic and elemental analyses. The structures of complexes, and were determined by single-crystal X-ray analyses. The catalytic activity of all the ytterbium(II) and europium(II) complexes on MMA polymerization was examined. It was found that all the ytterbium(II) and europium(II) complexes can function as single-component MMA polymerization catalysts. The temperature, solvent and ligand effects on the catalytic activity were studied.     

Facile synthesis and multicolor luminescent properties of uniform Lu2O3:Ln (Ln=Eu3+, Tb3+, Yb3+/Er3+, Yb3+/Tm3+, and Yb3+/Ho3+) nanospheres

Multicolor Lu(2)O(3):Ln (Ln=Eu(3+), Tb(3+), Yb(3+)/Er(3+), Yb(3+)/Tm(3+), and Yb(3+)/Ho(3+)) nanocrystals (NCs) with uniform spherical morphology were prepared through a facile urea-assisted homogeneous precipitation method followed by a subsequent calcination process. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDS), Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR), thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), and photoluminescence (PL) spectra as well as kinetic decays were employed to characterize these samples. The XRD results reveal that the as-prepared nanospheres can be well indexed to cubic Lu(2)O(3) phase with high purity. The SEM images show the obtained Lu(2)O(3):Ln samples consist of regular nanospheres with the mean diameter of 95 nm. And the possible formation mechanism is also proposed. Upon ultraviolet (UV) excitation, Lu(2)O(3):Ln (Ln=Eu(3+) and Tb(3+)) NCs exhibit bright red (Eu(3+), (5)D(0)→(7)F(2)), and green (Tb(3+), (5)D(4)→(7)F(5)) down-conversion (DC) emissions. Under 980 nm NIR irradiation, Lu(2)O(3):Ln (Ln=Yb(3+)/Er(3+), Yb(3+)/Tm(3+), and Yb(3+)/Ho(3+)) NCs display the typical up-conversion (UC) emissions of green (Er(3+), (4)S(3/2),(2)H(11/2)→(4)I(15/2)), blue (Tm(3+), (1)G(4)→(3)H(6)) and yellow-green (Ho(3+), (5)F(4), (5)S(2)→(5)I(8)), respectively.     

Reactivity of lanthanocene hydroxides toward ketene, isocyanate, lanthanocene alkyl, and triscyclopentadienyllanthanide complexes

The reactivity of [Cp(2)Ln(mu-OH)(THF)]2 (Ln = Y (1), Er (2), Yb (3)) toward PhEtCCO, PhNCO, Cp3Ln, [Cp2Ln(mu-CH3)]2, and the LiCl adduct of Cp2Ln(n)Bu(THF)x was examined. In all cases, OH-centered reactivity is observed: complexes 1-3 react with PhEtCCO to form the O-H addition products [Cp2Ln(mu-eta1:eta2-O2CCHEtPh)]2 (Ln = Yb (5), Er (6), Y (7), respectively, for 1-3), whereas treatment of 1 with PhNCO affords the addition/CpH-elimination/rearrangement product [{Cp2Y(THF)}2(mu-eta2:eta2-O2CNPh)] (8), which contains an unusual PhNCO(2) dianionic ligand. Analogous compound [Cp2Ln(THF)]2(mu-eta2:eta2-O2CNPh) (Ln = Yb (9), Er (10)) and 8 can be obtained in a higher yield by treatment of [Cp2Ln(mu-OH)(THF)]2 with PhNCO followed by reaction with the corresponding Cp3Ln. However, attempts to prepare the corresponding heterobimetallic complex by reacting stoichiometric amounts of [Cp2Y(mu-OH)(THF)]2 with PhNCO followed by treating it with Cp3Yb are unsuccessful. Instead, only rearrangement products 8 and 9 are obtained. Furthermore, the reaction of 3 with [Cp2Yb(mu-CH3)]2 or Cp3Yb forms oxo-bridged compound [Cp2Yb(THF)]2(mu-O) (11), whereas the reaction of [Cp2ErCl]2 with Li(n)Bu followed by treatment with 2 affords unexpected mu-oxo lanthanocene cluster (Cp2Er)3(mu-OH)(mu3-O)(mu-Cl)Li(THF)4 (12). In contrast to 1 and 2, 3 shows a strong tendency to undergo the intermolecular elimination of CpH at room temperature, giving trinuclear species [Cp2Yb(mu-OH)]2[CpYb(THF)](mu3-O) (4). The single-crystal X-ray diffraction structures of 1, 2, and 4-12 are described. All the results offer an interesting contrast to transition- and main-metal hydroxide complexes.     

CO activation on the late lanthanide dimers: matrix infrared spectra of the Ln2[eta2(mu2-C, O)]x (Ln = Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Lu; x = 1, 2) molecules

Reactions of laser-ablated late lanthanide atoms (Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu) with dilute carbon monoxide molecules in solid argon have been investigated using matrix-isolation infrared spectroscopy. The Ln2[eta2(mu2-C, O)]x (Ln = Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Lu; x = 1, 2) molecules are observed upon sample annealing, whereas no product is observed for Tm and Yb. The C-O stretching frequencies in these dilanthanide carbonyls range from 1100 to 1300 cm-1, far below the value of free CO in the gas phase (2143.5 cm-1), implying that the C-O bonds are highly activated. Density functional theory calculations have been performed on these products. These Ln2[eta2(mu2-C, O)]x molecules are predicted to have planar structures, which carry asymmetrically bridging CO moieties that are tilted to the side.     

Elevated-temperature metathesis syntheses of structurally novel alkali-metal tetrakis(3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazolato)lanthanoidate(III) complexes: toluene-coordinated discrete bimetallic complexes and supramolecular chains

Sodium and potassium tetrakis(3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazolato)lanthanoidate(III) complexes [M[Ln(tBu(2)pz)(4)]] have been prepared by reaction of anhydrous lanthanoid trihalides with alkali metal 3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazolates at 200-300 degrees C, and a 1,2,4,5-tetramethylbenzene flux for M=K. On extraction with toluene (or occasionally directly from the reaction tube) the following complexes were isolated: [Na(PhMe)[Ln(tBu(2)pz)(4)]] (1 Ln; 1 Ln=1 Tb, 1 Ho, 1 Er, 1 Yb), [K(PhMe)[Ln(tBu(2)pz)(4)]].2 PhMe (2 Ln; 2 Ln=2 La, 2 Sm, 2 Tb, 2 Ho, 2 Yb, 2 Lu), [Na[Ln(tBu(2)pz)(4)]](n) (3 Ln; 3 Ln=3 La, 3 Tb, 3 Ho, 3 Er, 3 Yb), [K[Ln(tBu(2)pz)(4)]](n) (4 Ln; 4 Ln=4 La, 4 Nd, 4 Sm, 4 Tb, 4 Ho, 4 Er, 4 Yb, 4 Lu), with the last two classes generally being obtained by loss of toluene from 1 Ln or 2 Ln, and [Na(tBu(2)pzH)[Ln(tBu(2)pz)(4)]].PhMe (5 Ln; 5 Ln=5 Nd, 5 Er, 5 Yb). Extraction with 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) after isolation of 2 Ho yielded [K(dme)[Ho(tBu(2)pz)(4)]] (6 Ho). X-ray crystal structures of 1 Ln (=1 Tb, 1 Ho; P2(1)/c), 2 Ln (=2 La, 2 Sm, 2 Tb, 2 Yb, 2 Lu; Pnma), 3,4 Ln (=3 La, 3 Er, 4 Sm; P2(1)/m), and 5 Ln (=5 Nd, 5 Er, and 5 Yb; P1) show each group to be isomorphous regardless of the size of the Ln(3+) ion. All complexes contain eight-coordinate [Ln(eta(2)-tBu(2)pz)(4)] units. These are further linked to the alkali metal by bridging through two (1,2,5 Ln) or three (3,4 Ln) tBu(2)pz groups which show striking coordination versatility. Sodium is coordinated by an eta(4)-PhMe, a micro-eta(2):eta(2)-tBu(2)pz, and a micro-eta(4)(Na):eta(2)(Ln)-tBu(2)pz ligand in 1 Ln, and by one eta(1)-tBu(2)pzH and two micro-eta(3)(Na):eta(2)(Ln) ligands in 5 Ln. By contrast, potassium has one eta(6)-PhMe and two micro-eta(5)(K):eta(2)(Ln) ligands in 2 Ln. Classes 3,4 Ln form polymeric chains with the alkali metal bonded by two micro-eta(3)(NNC-M):eta(2)(Ln)-tBu(2)pz ligands within [MLn(tBu(2)pz)(4)] units which are joined together by eta(1)(C)-tBu(2)pz-Na, K linkages.     

Synthesis and controlled hydrolysis of organolanthanide complexes with mono- and dianionic benzimidazole-2-thiolate ligands

Treatment of Cp(3)Er with one equivalent of benzimidazole-2-thiol (H(2)Bzimt) in THF affords the monoanionic HBzimt(-) complex Cp(2)Er(η(2)-HBzimt)(THF)(2) (1). Reaction of Cp(3)Yb with two equivalents of H(2)Bzimt gives complex CpYb(η(2)-HBzimt)(2)(THF) (2) at room temperature. Treatment of Cp(3)Ln with three equivalents of H(2)Bzimt in reflux THF affords the homoleptic Ln(η(2)-HBzimt)(3)(THF)(2) (Ln = Er (3), Y (4)). Cp(3)Ln reacts with 0.5 equivalents of H(2)Bzimt to afford the dianionic Bzimt(2-) complexes [(Cp(2)Ln)(THF)](2)(μ-Bzimt) (Ln = Yb (5), Er (6), Dy (7), Y (8)) in good yields, in which the Bzimt(2-) ligand bridges the two metals in an μ-η(2):η(2) coordination mode. Interestingly, controlled hydrolysis of complexes Cp(2)Ln(η(2)-HBzimt)(THF)(2), CpLn(η(2)-HBzimt)(2)(THF) and [(Cp(2)Ln)(THF)](2)(μ-Bzimt) produces the same tetranuclear complexes [CpLn(μ(3)-OH)(μ-η(1):η(2)-HBzimt)](4) (Ln = Yb (9), Er (10), Y (11)), indicating that the hydrolysis selectivity greatly depends on the number of coordinated cyclopentadienyl groups. All complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopic properties and X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis.