| Abstract: | Recrystallization of Ln(NO3)3 (Ln = Sm, Eu, Yb) in the presence of 18‐crown‐6 under aqueous conditions yielded [Ln(NO3)3(H2O)3] · 18‐crown‐6. X‐ray crystallography revealed isomorphous structures for each of the lanthanide complexes where [Ln(NO3)3(H2O)3] is involved in hydrogen bonding interactions with 18‐crown‐6. The transition point where the structural motif changes from [Ln(18‐crown‐6)(NO3)3] (with the metal residing in the crown cavity) to [Ln(NO3)3(H2O)3] · 18‐crown‐6 has been identified as at the Nd/Sm interface. A similar investigation involving [Ln(tos)3(H2O)6] (tos = p‐toluenesulfonate) and 18‐crown‐6 were resistant to crown incorporation. X‐ray studies show extensive intra‐ and intermolecular hydrogen bonding is present. |
