Synthesis of a triamidoamine Nd2Cl2(mu(5)-O)Li-3 cluster

[Li(THF)(4)] [N'N-3](2)Nd2Cl2(mu(5)-O)Li-3] (2) ([N-3'N](3-) = ([Me3SiNCH2C H2)(3)N](3-)) was prepared by transmetallation of Li-3[N-3'N] with anhydrou s neodymium trichloride in THE After recrystallization from diethyletheripe ntane (1:2) light blue crystals of 2 were obtained, which were characterize d by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Space group: P2(1)/n, Z = 4, lattice dimensions at 203 K: a = 1260.8(3), b = 3832.5(8), c = 1569.2(3) pm, beta = 106.07(3)degrees, R-1 = 0.0541. In the anion of 2 a nearly trigonal bipyr amidal [Nd2Li3(mu(5)-O)](7+) unit is observed.