The use of 3d-metal complexes as ligands to prepare volatile 4f-3d heterobimetallic complexes

Volatile heterobimetallic complexes can be prepared by reacting lanthanide β-diketonates, Ln(dik)3, with Schiff base d-transition metal complexes M(SB). Complexes M(SB) behave as bidentate oxygen donor Lewis bases to react with Ln(dik)3 Lewis acids, yielding stable heteronuclear complexes of general formula [M(SB)Ln(dik)3]. Complexes with M=Cu, Ni, and H2(SB) Schiff base from ethylenediamine or other diamine and salicylic aldehyde or acetylacetone, have been synthesised. Volatility and thermal stability have been studied for some representative members of the series, in correlation with their crystal structures and thermal behaviours of the parent complexes. Some general principles for designing volatile complexes of formula [M(SB)Ln(dik)3] may be proposed