Synthesis and Magnetic and Structural Characterization of the First Homoleptic Lanthanide<i>β</i>-Ketoiminate

Abstract

Unusual thermal robustness is exhibited by a homoleptic ytterbium complex, which sublimes intact at temperatures in excess of 500 °C/760 Torr. Employment of a (N)-nPr substituted ketoiminate ligand provides notable metal encapsulation and ensures substantial air stability and vapor-phase integrity. The octahedral coordination sphere of the metal center is observed as a meridinal (O3,N3) arrangement.