Volatile Donor-Functionalized Alkoxy Derivatives of Lutetium and Their Structural Characterization1

Reaction of β-functionalized alcohols of type HOCR2CH2do (1a, do = OMe, R = Me; 1b, do = OMe, R = Et; 1c, do = NMe2, R = Me) with Ln[N(SiMe3)3]3 yields highly volatile (sublimation 220 °C/10-3 Torr). Crystallization of 3 affords single crystals 3a featuring the tetranuclear constitution Lu4(O)(OH)(OCMe2CH2OMe)9. 3a represents an unprecedented lanthanide alkoxide comprising both oxo and hydroxo units in addition to alkoxide ligands. The Lu4O15-core structure of 3a adopts a “butterfly” rather than a tetrahedral geometry. Potentiall...