Synthetic and structural studies of a series of soluble cerium(IV) alkoxide and alkoxide nitrate complexes

The reactions of (NH{sub 4}){sub 2}Ce(NO{sub 3}){sub 6}(CAN) with 2-8 equiv of NaOCMe{sub 3} in THF and in tert-butyl alcohol have been studied. A series of ceric alkoxide complexes of general formula Ce(OCMe{sub 3}){sub a}(NO{sub 3}){sub b}(solvent){sub c}Na{sub d} (a = 1-6; b = 0-3; c = 2,4; d = 0,2; a + b = 4 + d) have been identified as well as Ce{sub 2}(OCMe{sub 3}){sub 9}Na and Ce(OCMe{sub 3}){sub 10}O. Interconversion of these complexes by treatment with NaOCMe{sub 3} or NH{sub 4}NO{sub 3} has also been studied. The reactions of these complexes in several different solvents have been studied and are reported. The crystal structure of the complexes are also reported. 59 refs., 3 figs., 6 tabs.