EuCN2 — The First,but Not Quite Unexpected Ternary Rare Earth Metal Cyanamide

Red‐orange, transparent single crystals of EuCN₂ (Pnma (62), a = 1232.41(9), b = 395.26(3) and c = 539.43(4) pm, Z = 4) are obtained by the reaction of EuN, C and NaN₃ in arc‐welded Ta ampoules at 1300 K. The first ternary rare earth metal cyanamide is isotypic to α‐SrCN₂ and shows the characteristic frequencies for the CN₂^2— unit in the optical spectra (ν_s = 1244; ν_as = 1969 and 2087; δ = 655 / 666 cm^—1).     

High Resolution FTIR Spectroscopy of Borazine: The Parallel Bands ν8 and ν9 of 10B314N31H6

The high resolution (0.002 cm^–1) FTIR spectra of the A ‐fundamental bands ν₈ and ν₉ of ¹⁰B₃¹⁴N₃¹H₆ were investigated for the first time. Both fundamental bands show a typical parallel band structure, thus confirming the D_3h symmetry of the molecule under consideration. Whilst ν₉ is unperturbed at the present level of precision, ν₈ is heavily perturbed, probably by an α^BB‐resonance with the IR‐forbidden combination tone ν₁₀ + ν₁₇. The molecular constants of the ground state and of the states v₈ = 1 and v₉ = 1, respectively, are given.     

Three Isostructural 4‐Sulfophthalate‐Based Lanthanide Complexes: Syntheses,Crystal Structures,and Luminescent Properties

Three lanthanide complexes with the ligand 4‐sulfophthalate (sp^3–), [Ln(H₂O)₂(sp)]_n [Ln = Dy ( 1 ), Tb ( 2 ), and Er ( 3 )], were solvo‐/hydrothermally synthesized by changing the rare earth cations, and were characterized structurally and photophysically. Complexes 1 – 3 are isostructural, exhibiting a two‐dimensional layered structure with centrosymmetric dinuclear subunits infinitely extended by 4‐connected sp^3– connectors. Photoluminescence spectra of 1 – 3 demonstrate that anionic sp^3– ligand can serve as a functionalized chromophore to sensitize the luminescent emission of the lanthanide ion, suggesting that the sp^3–‐involved lanthanide complexes can be used as novel optical materials.     

Synthese und spektroskopische Charakterisierung von [Rh(SeCN)6]3– und trans‐[Rh(CN)2(SeCN)4]3–, Kristallstruktur von (Me4N)3[Rh(SeCN)6]

Synthesis and Spectroscopic Characterization of [Rh(SeCN)₆]^3– and trans ‐[Rh(CN)₂(SeCN)₄]^3–, Crystal Structure of (Me₄N)₃[Rh(SeCN)₆] Treatment of RhCl₃ with KSeCN in acetone yields a mixture of selenocyanato‐rhodates(III), from which [Rh(SeCN)₆]^3– and trans‐[Rh(CN)₂(SeCN)₄]^3– have been isolated by ion exchange chromatography on diethylaminoethyl cellulose. The X‐ray structure determination on a single crystal of (Me₄N)₃[Rh(SeCN)₆] (trigonal, space group R3, a = 14.997(2), c = 24.437(3) Å, Z = 6) reveals, that the compound crystallizes isotypically to (Me₄N)₃[Ir(SCN)₆]. The exclusively via Se coordinated selenocyanato ligands are bonded with the average Rh–Se distance of 2.490 Å and the Rh–Se–C angle of 104.6°. In the low temperature IR and Raman spectra the metal ligand stretching modes ν(RhSe) of (n‐Bu₄N)₃[Rh(SeCN)₆] ( 1 ) and trans‐(n‐Bu₄N)₃[Rh(CN)₂(SeCN)₄] ( 2 ) are in the range of 170–250 cm^–1. In 2 ν_as(CRhC) is observed at 479 cm^–1. The vibrational spectra are assigned by normal coordinate analysis based on the molecular parameters of the X‐ray determination. The valence force constants are f_d(RhSe) = 1.08 ( 1 ), 1.10 ( 2 ) and f_d(RhC) = 3.14 mdyn/Å ( 2 ). f_d(RhS) = 1.32 mdyn/Å is determined for [Rh(SCN)₆]^3–, which has not been calculated so far. The ¹⁰³Rh NMR resonances are 2287 ( 1 ), 1680 ppm ( 2 ) and the ⁷⁷Se NMR resonances are –32.7 ( 1 ) and –110.7 ppm ( 2 ). The Rh–C bonding of the cyano ligand in 2 is confirmed by a dublett in the ¹³C NMR spectrum at 136.3 ppm.     

Reinterpretation of Dynamic Vibrational Spectroscopy to Determine the Molecular Structure and Dynamics of Ferrocene

Molecular distortion of dynamic molecules gives a clear signature in the vibrational spectra, which can be modeled to give estimates of the energy barrier and the sensitivity of the frequencies of the vibrational modes to the reaction coordinate. The reaction coordinate method (RCM) utilizes ab initio‐calculated spectra of the molecule in its ground and transition states together with their relative energies to predict the temperature dependence of the vibrational spectra. DFT‐calculated spectra of the eclipsed (D_5h) and staggered (D_5d) forms of ferrocene (Fc), and its deuterated analogue, within RCM explain the IR spectra of Fc in gas (350 K), solution (300 K), solid solution (7–300 K), and solid (7–300 K) states. In each case the D_5h rotamer is lowest in energy but with the barrier to interconversion between rotamers higher for solution‐phase samples (ca. 6 kJ mol^?1) than for the gas‐phase species (1–3 kJ mol^?1). The generality of the approach is demonstrated with application to tricarbonyl(η⁴‐norbornadiene)iron(0), Fe(NBD)(CO)₃. The temperature‐dependent coalescence of the ν(CO) bands of Fe(NBD)(CO)₃ is well explained by the RCM without recourse to NMR‐like rapid exchange. The RCM establishes a clear link between the calculated ground and transition states of dynamic molecules and the temperature‐dependence of their vibrational spectra.     

Magnetic Field Directed Rare‐Earth Separations

The separation of rare‐earth ions from one another is challenging due to their chemical and physical similarities. Nearly all rare‐earth separations rely upon small changes in ionic radii to direct speciation or reactivity. Herein, we show that the intrinsic magnetic properties of the rare‐earth ions impact the separations of light/heavy and selected heavy/heavy binary mixtures. Using TriNOx^3? ([{(2‐^tBuNO)C₆H₄CH₂}₃N]^3?) rare‐earth complexes, we efficiently and selectively crystallized heavy rare earths (Tb–Yb) from a mixture with light rare earths (La and Nd) in the presence of an external Fe₁₄Nd₂B magnet, concomitant with the introduction of a concentration gradient (decrease in temperature). The optimal separation was observed for an equimolar mixture of La:Dy, which gave an enrichment factor of EF_La:Dy=297±31 for the solid fraction, compared to EF_La:Dy=159±22 in the absence of the field, and achieving a 99.7 % pure Dy sample in one step. These results indicate that the application of a magnetic field can improve performance in a molecular separation system for paramagnetic rare‐earth cations.     

Incorporating Rare Earth Metal Complexes and Conjugated Organic Cations into Polymeric Iodoargentate: Structures and Properties of Two Hybrid Iodoargentates

Two new polymeric iodoargentate hybrids induced by rare earth metal complexes and conjugated organic cations, {[Er(DMF)₈][Ag₆I₉]}_n ( 1 ) and [(MMP)(AgI₂)]_n ( 2 ) (MMP = 1‐methyl‐4‐methylpyridinium) were obtained by the routine synthetic reaction and structurally determined. In compound 1 , a (Ag₆I₉)_n^3n– chain is defined by edge‐sharing Ag₆I₁₂ units, and in 2 , the (Ag₂I₄)_n^2– chains are constructed by edge‐sharing AgI₄ tetrahedra. C–H ··· I hydrogen bonds between cations and iodoargentate polyanions contribute to their structural extension from 1D to a 2D layer (for 1 ) and a 3D network (for 2 ). The UV/Vis spectra indicate that compared with 2 , compound 1 exhibits a narrower adsorption scope with an onset at about 360 nm, and it has a much wider bandgap of about 3.50 eV.     

Determination of empirical polarity parameters of the cellulose solvent N,N-dimethylacetamide/LiCl by means of the solvatochromic technique

Empirical solvatochromic polarity parameters (α-, β-, and $ \pi ^* $, AN and DN, as well as E_T(30)-values) for cellulose, N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA)/LiCl and cellulose dissolved in DMA/LiCl are presented. The following solvent polarity indicators were applied: 2,6-diphenyl-4-(2,4,6-triphenyl-1- pyridinio)-1-phenolate ( 1 ), bis(4-N,N-dimethylamino)-benzophenone (MK, 2 ), iron(II)-di-cyano-bis(1,10)-phenanthroline, Fe(phen)₂(CN)₂, ( 3 ), and copper(II)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-ethylendiamine-acetylacetonate tetraphenylborate/chloride/bromide (Cu(tmen)(acac)⁺ X⁻ ( 4 )). The solvatochromic shifts (ν_max) of the indicators 1 , 2 , 3 , and 4 adsorbed to cellulose or dissolved in DMA/LiCl reflect the corresponding properties of the surrounding, the dipolarity/polarizability ($ \pi ^* $), the hydrogen bond donating ability or Lewis acidity (α), and the hydrogen bond accepting ability or Lewis basicity (β), respectively. Any indicator employed is well characterized (r > 0.97) by a linear solvation energy relationship (LSER) taking the Kamlet and Taft parameter into account: ν_max(indicator) = ν_max,0 + s$ \pi ^* $ + aα + bβ. Cellulose, DMA/LiCl, and the cellulose/DMA/LiCl solution approach a similar polarity with an E_T(30) parameter about 52 to 53 kcal mol⁻¹. The hypothetical interaction strength parameter (acid-base interactions, dipolar–dipolar interactions) between cellulose and DMA/LiCl are calculated by means of the individual Kamlet–Taft parameters α, β, and $ \pi ^* $ of cellulose and DMA/LiCl via a multiparameter equation. The specific chloride/cellulose interaction plays a dominant role in the cellulose solvent DMA/LiCl. Comparison of the polarity parameters of DMA/LiCl with the polarity parameters of other mixtures—such as N,N-dimethyl- formamide/LiCl, DMA/NaCl, or DMA/LiBr—are presented as well. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 1945–1955, 1998     

Schwingungs- und Elektronenspektren der bindungsisomeren Hexakis(thiocyanato-isothiocyanato)-ruthenate(III)

Vibrational and Electronic Spectra of Bond-Isomeric Hexakis(thiocyanato-isothiocyanato)ruthenates(III) Well resolved IR, Raman, and Electronic spectra of the bond isomeric complexes (TBA)₃[Ru(NCS)_n(SCN)_6?n], n = 1–5, including the pairs of geometric isomers n = 2, 3, 4, are recorded at low temperatures (10 and 80 K). Characteristic vibrations of the N- or S-coordinated ambident ligand SCN^? occur as listed: ν_CS(N): 810–850, ν_CS(S): 690–710, δ_NCS: 450–490, δ_SCN: 420–450, ν_RuN: 300–350, ν_RuS: 270–295 cm^?1. The assignment of the complexes is based on stepwise increasing intensities of the ν_CS(N) modes with increasing number of N-coordinated ligands. Characteristic shifts and splittings in the spectra allow to distinguish the geometric bond isomers according to their different symmetries. Even the absorption spectra in the visible range show within the series of bond isomers and for the cis/trans pairs systematic alternations.     

Infrared spectroscopic studies of hydrogen-bonded complexes in cryogenic sulutions

We have measured the ν_s(OH) band parameters of the IR absorption spectra for a wide variety of hydrogen-bonded (HB) complexes of CH₃OH(D), CF₃CH₂OH, and (CF₃)₃COH(D) with some simplest representatives of various classes of bases in Xe and Kr in the temperature range 120–270 K. The ν_s(OH) absorption bands of the HB complexes in solution in atomic solvents have been demonstrated to be narrower by a factor of 2 to 4 than in molecular solvents at the same temperature. The fact that the ν_s(OH) bandwidths in Xe and in the gas phase at similar temperatures are practically the same indicates that these bandwidths are in both cases governed mainly by the contribution of “hot transitions” from a sequence of excited levels of the ν_β low-frequency bending mode of the hydrogen bond. The other characteristic features revealed for the complexes under study in liquid Xe and Kr at ν_s(OH) frequency shifts up to 500 cm⁻¹ include: (1) slight temperature dependence of the ν_s(OH) bandwidth (0.1–0.3 cm⁻¹/K), (2) almost “normal” isotope frequency ratio ν_s(OH)/ν_s(OD) (1.34–1.36) and (3) low ν_s(OH) temperature shift values (0.1–0.4 cm⁻¹/K).     

Reactions of Rare‐Earth Metal Based Lewis Pairs with Azides†

The reactivity of homoleptic rare‐earth metal aryloxide based Lewis pairs toward organic azide substrates has been investigated herein. Treatment of RE(OAr)₃ (RE = La, Sm, Y, and Sc, Ar = 2,6‐^tBu₂‐C₆H₃), PEt₃ and Me₃SiN₃ in 2 : 1 : 1 molar ratio resulted in formation of separated ion pair complexes [Me₃Si‐PEt₃]⁺[(ArO)₃RE‐N=N=N‐RE(OAr)₃]^– under mild conditions. Replacement of phosphine with the nitrogen‐containing Lewis base 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) produced analogous rare‐earth azide complexes with [Me₃Si‐DABCO]⁺ counterions. In contrast, reaction of the La(OAr)₃/PEt₃ Lewis pair with 1‐adamantyl azide (AdN₃) afforded the typical frustrated Lewis pair‐type 1,1‐addition product. A tetrahydrofuran ring‐opening reaction was also observed for the resulting rare‐earth azide complex with the [Me₃Si‐PEt₃]⁺ cation, with cleavage of the C—O bond by Si/P cooperation.     

Electro‐kinetic Separation of Rare Earth Elements Using a Redox‐Active Ligand

Purification of rare earth elements is challenging due to their chemical similarities. All of the deployed separation methods rely on thermodynamic properties, such as distribution equilibria in solvent extraction. Rare‐earth‐metal separations based on kinetic differences have not been examined. Herein, we demonstrate a new approach for rare‐earth‐element separations by exploiting differences in the oxidation rates within a series of rare earth compounds containing the redox‐active ligand [{2‐(t BuN(O))C₆H₄CH₂}₃N]³⁻. Using this method, a single‐step separation factor up to 261 was obtained for the separation of a 50:50 yttrium–lutetium mixture.     

Dual Functionalization of White Phosphorus: Formation,Characterization, and Reactivity of Rare‐Earth‐Metal Cyclo‐P3 Complexes

The [3+1] fragmentation reaction of rare‐earth metallacyclopentadienes 1 a – c with 0.5 equivalents of P₄ affords a series of rare‐earth metal cyclo‐P₃ complexes 2 a – c and a phospholyl anion 3. 2 a – c demonstrate an unusual η³ coordination mode with one P−P bond featuring partial π‐bonding character. 2 a – c are the first cyclo‐P₃ complexes of rare‐earth metals, and also the first organo‐substituted polyphosphides in the category of Group 3 and f‐block elements. Rare‐earth metallacyclopentadienes play a dual role in the combination of aromatization and Diels–Alder reaction. Compounds 2 a – c can coordinate to one or two [W(CO)₅] units, yielding 4 a – c or 5 c , respectively. Furthermore, oxidation of 2 a with p ‐benzoquinone produces its corresponding phospholyllithium and regenerated P₄.     

Spiral‐Type Heteropolyhedral Coordination Network Based on Single‐Crystal LiSrPO4: Implications for Luminescent Materials

Novel structures of luminescent materials, which are used as light sources for next‐generation illumination, are continuously being improved for use in white‐light‐emitting diodes. Activator‐doped known structures are reported as habitual down‐conversion phosphors in solid‐state lightings and displays. Consequently, the intrinsic qualities of the existent compounds produce deficiencies that limit their applications. Herein we report a spiral‐network single‐crystal orthophosphate (LiSrPO₄) prepared in a platinum crucible with LiCl flux through crystal‐growth reactions of SrCl₂ and Li₃PO₄ in air. It crystallizes in a hexagonal system with a=5.0040(2) and c=24.6320(16) Å, V=534.15(5) ų, and Z=6 in the space group P6₅. The unit cell is comprised of LiO₄ and PO₄ tetrahedrons that form a three‐dimensional LiPO₄^2? anionic framework with a helical channel structure along the c axis in which the Sr²⁺ cation is accommodated. The optical band gap of this composition is about 3.65 eV, as determined by using UV/Vis absorption and diffuse reflection spectra. We used the crystal‐growth method to synthesize blue‐ and red‐emitting crystals that exhibited pure color, low reabsorption, a large Stokes shift, and efficient conversion of ultraviolet excitation light into visible light. Emphasis was placed on the development of gratifying structure‐related properties of rare‐earth luminescent materials and their applications.     

Structural and physicochemical characterization of zinc(II) and cadmium(II) complexes with 1,4‐dimethy‐lhomopiperazine

In order to know the relationship between structures and physicochemical properties of Group 12 metal(II) ions, the complexes with ‘simple’ ligands, such as alkyl cyclic diamine ligand and halide ions, were synthesized by the reaction of 1,4‐dimethylhomopiperazine (hp′) with MX₂ as metal sources (M = Zn, Cd; X = Cl, Br, I). The five structural types, [ZnX₂(hp′)] (X = Cl ( 1 ), Br ( 2 ) and I ( 3 )), [ZnX₃(Hhp′)] (X = Cl ( 1′ ) and Br ( 2′ )), [CdCl₂(hp′)]_n ( 4 ), [{CdCl₂(Hhp′)}₂(µ‐Cl)₂] ( 4′ ) and [{CdX(hp′)}₂(µ‐X)₂] (X = Br ( 5 ), I ( 6 )), were determined by X‐ray analysis. The sizes of both metal(II) and halide ions and the difference in each other's polarizability influence each structure. All complexes were characterized by IR, far‐IR, Raman and UV–Vis absorption spectroscopies. In the far‐IR and Raman spectra, the typical ν(M N) and ν(M X) peaks clearly depend on the five structural types around 540–410 cm⁻¹ and 350–160 cm⁻¹ respectively. The UV–Vis absorption band energy around 204–250 nm also reflects each structural type. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dual Functionalization of White Phosphorus: Formation,Characterization, and Reactivity of Rare‐Earth‐Metal Cyclo‐P3 Complexes

The [3+1] fragmentation reaction of rare‐earth metallacyclopentadienes 1 a – c with 0.5 equivalents of P₄ affords a series of rare‐earth metal cyclo‐P₃ complexes 2 a – c and a phospholyl anion 3. 2 a – c demonstrate an unusual η³ coordination mode with one P−P bond featuring partial π‐bonding character. 2 a – c are the first cyclo‐P₃ complexes of rare‐earth metals, and also the first organo‐substituted polyphosphides in the category of Group 3 and f‐block elements. Rare‐earth metallacyclopentadienes play a dual role in the combination of aromatization and Diels–Alder reaction. Compounds 2 a – c can coordinate to one or two [W(CO)₅] units, yielding 4 a – c or 5 c , respectively. Furthermore, oxidation of 2 a with p ‐benzoquinone produces its corresponding phospholyllithium and regenerated P₄.     

氧化铝对稀土有机配合物掺杂溶胶凝胶玻璃结构及发光性能的影响

Both silica glass materials singly doped with rare earth organic complex and co-doped with Al^3 were prepared by in situ sol-gel method respectively. XRD and SEM measurements were performed to verify the non-crystalline structure of the glass. The excitation spectra, emission spectra and IR spectra were measured to analyze the influence of the glass contents on the structure of the glass and the energy level of the doped Eu(IH) ions. The effect of Al^3 on the photoluminescence properties of rare earth organic complex in silica glass was investigated. The IR spectra indicated that the in situ synthesized europium complex molecule was confined to the micropores of the host and the vibration of the ligands was frozen. When Al2O3 was doped into the silica host gel, the rare earth ions in the silica network were wrapped up and dispersed by Al2O3, so the distribution of Eu(Ⅲ) complex in the host was morehomogeneous, and the luminescence intensity of ^5D0-^7F2 transition emission of the Eu^3 ions was improved. The results showed that an appropriate amount of Al^3 added to the gel glass improved the emission intensity of the complex in the silica glass, and when the content of Al2O3 reached 4 mol%, the maximum emission intensity could be obtained compared with that of other samples containing different Al2O3 contents.     

Darstellung und Charakterisierung von bindungsisomeren Hexakis-(thiocyanato-isothiocyanato)-rhodaten(III) und Di-μ-thiocyanato-N,S-octathiocyanatodirhodat(III)

Preparation and Characterization of Bond-Isomeric Hexakis-(thiocyanato-isothiocyanato)rhodates(III) and Di-μ-thiocyanato-N, S-octathiocyanatodirhodate (III) The reaction of RhCl₃ with an aqueous solution of KSCN does not yield pure [Rh(SCN)₆]^3? as is supposed until now but a mixture of the bond isomers [Rh(NCS)_n(SCN)_6?n]^3?, n = 0–3. By heating the tetrabutylammonium salts N coordination of the ambident SCN^? is favoured forming mixtures with n = 0–4. The pure bond isomers are separated by ion exchange chromatography on diethylaminoethyl cellulose. Extracting the mixture (n = 0–3) with triphenylphosphiniminiumchloride from water into CH₂Cl₂ [Rh₂(SCN)₁₀]^4? is formed, containing two Rh? SCN? Rh bridges and exclusively S-coordinated terminal ligands. Depending on S or N bonding the IR and Raman spectra show typical vibrations: ν_CN(N) and ν_CN(S): 2095–2170, ν_CS(N): 810–835, ν_CS(S): 695–710, δ_NCS: 460–470, δ_SCN: 425–465, ν_RhN: 300–340, ν_RhS: 265–306 cm^?1. The application of group theory indicates that for n = 2 and 4 the cis-, for n = 3 the mer-compound exists. Except the inner ligand vibrations the Rh? N and Rh? S valence vibrations are assigned according to the supposed point symmetries. By interaction of trans-positioned ligands characteristic shifts are caused. The isolated complexes may also be distinguished and identified by their electronic spectra.     

IR,Raman, and Surface‐enhanced Raman Spectroscopic Study on Triruthenium Dipyridylamide Diruthenium Nickel Dipyridylamide Family: Metal‐metal Bonding and Structures

We report the infrared, Raman, and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of triruthenium dipyridylamido complexes and of diruthenium mixed nickel metal‐string complexes. From the results of analysis on the vibrational modes, we assigned their vibrational frequencies and structures. The infrared band at 323–326 cm^?1 is assigned to the Ru₃ asymmetric stretching mode for [Ru₃(dpa)₄Cl₂]^0–2+. In these complexes we observed no Raman band corresponding to the Ru₃ symmetric stretching mode although this mode is expected to have substantial Raman intensity. There is no frequency shift in the Ru₃ asymmetric stretching modes for the complexes with varied oxidational states. No splitting in Raman spectra for the pyridyl breathing line indicates similar bonding environment for both pyridyls in dpa^– , thus a delocalized structure in the [Ru₃]^6–8+ unit is proposed. For Ru₃(dpa)₄(CN)₂ complex series, we assign the infrared band at 302 cm^?1 to the Ru₃ asymmetric stretching mode and the weak Raman line at 285 cm^?1 to the Ru₃ symmetric stretching. Coordination to the strong axial ligand CN^– weakens the Ru‐Ru bonding. For the diruthenium nickel complex [Ru₂Ni(dpa)₄Cl₂]^0–1+, the diruthenium stretching mode ν_Ru‐Ru is assigned to the intense band at 327 and 333 cm^?1 in the Raman spectra for the neutral and oxidized forms, respectively. This implies a strong Ru‐Ru metal‐metal bonding.     

Isoprene polymerization with indolide‐imine supported rare‐earth metal alkyl and amidinate complexes

Reaction of 7‐{(N‐2,6‐R)iminomethyl)}indole ( HL¹ , R = dimethylphenyl; HL² , R = diisopropylphenyl) and rare‐earth metal tris(alkyl)s, Ln(CH₂SiMe₃)₃(THF)₂, generated new rare‐earth metal bis(alkyl) complexes LLn(CH₂SiMe₃)₂(THF) [L = L¹: Ln = Lu ( 1a ), Sc ( 1b ); L = L²: Ln = Lu ( 3a ), Sc ( 3b )] and mono(alkyl) complexes L²₂Lu(CH₂SiMe₃) ( 4a ). Treatment of alkyl complexes 1a and 4a with N,N′‐diisopropylcarbodiimide afforded the corresponding amidinates L¹Lu{iPr₂NC(CH₂SiMe₃)NiPr₂}₂ ( 2a ) and L²₂Lu{iPr₂NC(CH₂SiMe₃)NiPr₂} ( 5a ), respectively. These new rare‐earth metal alkyls and amidinates except 4a in combination with aluminum alkyls and borate generated efficient homogeneous catalysts for the polymerization of isoprene, providing high cis‐1,4 selectivity and high molar mass polyisoprene with narrow molar mass distribution (M_n = 2.65 × 10⁵, M_w/M_n = 1.07, cis‐1,4 98.2%, −60 °C). The environmental hindrance around central metals arising from the bulkiness of the ligands, the Lewis‐acidity of rare‐earth metal ions, the types of aluminum tris(alkyl)s and borate, and polymerization temperature influenced significantly on both the catalytic activity and the regioselectivity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 5251–5262, 2008