Synthesis and structure of a Zwitterionic Nd complex containing aminophenoxide ligands

In the course of attempting to prepare molecular precursors to lanthanide-a luminum oxide materials the unique Zwitterionic complex, Nd(H2L)(3)(CF3SO3) (3) (1), was discovered(L = [2,4-(Bu-t)(2)-6-((CH2NPr)-Pr-i)PhO]). In the c rystal structure of (1) the three-triflate groups and the three oxygens of the aminophenoxide ligand (H2L) coordinate the Nd atom. To maintain charge balance the three ligands are protonated at the amine nitrogens. This expla ins the fact that the ligand is monodentate and does not displace one (or m ore) of the triflate groups to form a chelated cation. Both hydrogens of th e ammonium groups are hydrogen-bonded to oxygens of the triflates. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.