(R)-Binaphthoxy diiodide lanthanides

The synthesis and characterization of novel enantiopure binaphthoxy-diiodo lanthanides (R)-2-(1-naphthol)-1′-naphthoxide)LnI₂(THF)₃] (Ln=Sm (4a), Yb (4b), La (4c)) are described. These complexes have been prepared by reacting the mono potassium salt of (R)-binaphthol with the corresponding lanthanide triiodides and were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectroscopies. Recrystallization of 4c from THF–hexane led to monocrystals of (R)-2-(1-naphthol)-1′-naphthoxide)]-diiodolanthane-tetrakistetrahydrofurane] (4c*). Complex 4c* crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group, P2₁2₁2₁ with cell parameters a=13.086(1) Å, b=15.496(1) Å, c=18.854(1) Å, V=3823.2(6) ų, and Z=4.