The spectroscopy and structure of some lanthanide chlorides in amide solutions

The absorption spectra of Pr, Nd, Ho, and Er anhydrous and hydrated chlorides in formamide, methyl-, dimethyl-, and diethylformamide solutions have been investigated in the range of 8000 - 4200 cm-1. By the Judd-Oefelt method of intensity analysis and by calculating the nepheloauxetic effect, the first coordination sphere of lanthanide ions and the approximate symmetry of amide solvates of anhydrous and hydrated lanthanide chlorides were determined. A difference between symmetry and coordination numbers for light and heavy lanthanide solvates has been found. Some considerations regarding the structure of lanthanide solvates and structure of amide molecules have been made. (B.T.)