Solid State and Solution Structures of Lanthanide Nitrate Complexes of Tris-(1-napthylphosphine oxide)

Abstract

Coordination complexes of lanthanide metals with tris-1-naphthylphosphine oxide (Nap₃PO, L) have not been previously reported in the literature. We describe here the formation of lanthanide(III) nitrate complexes Ln(NO₃)₃L₄ (Ln = Eu to Lu) and the structures of [Ln(NO₃)₃L₂]·2L (Ln = Eu, Dy, Ho, Er) and L. The core structure of the complexes is an eight-coordinate [Ln(NO₃)₃L₂] with the third and fourth ligands H-bonded via their oxygen atoms to one of the naphthyl rings. The structures are compared with those of the analogous complexes of triphenylphosphine oxide and show that the Ln-O(P) bond in the Nap₃PO complexes is slightly longer than expected on the basis of differences in coordination numbers. The reaction solutions, investigated by ³¹P and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy in CD₃CN, show that coordination of L occurs across the lanthanide series, even though complexes can only be isolated from Eu onwards. Analysis of the ³¹P NMR paramagnetic shifts shows that there is a break in the solution structures with a difference between the lighter lanthanides (La–Eu) and heavier metals (Tb–Lu) which implies a minor difference in structures. The isolated complexes are very poorly soluble, but in CDCl₃, NMR measurements show dissociation into [Ln(NO₃)₃L₂] and 2L occurs.

1. Introduction

Complexes of lanthanide nitrates and halides with triphenylphosphine oxide have been studied since the 1960s [1,2], and there is a wealth of structural data available on their nitrate complexes. These generally form neutral molecular [Ln(NO₃)₃(Ph₃PO)₃], but also [Ln(NO₃)₃(Ph₃PO)₂EtOH] and ionic [Ln(NO₃)₂(Ph₃PO)₄]⁺ [3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13]. The molecular complexes are invariably nine-coordinate with a pseudo mer-octahedral arrangement around the metal (visualising the nitrates as pseudo-monodentate ligands bonded through the nitrogen) whilst the cationic complexes have a similar trans-octahedral geometry. There are no reports of complexes between lanthanide nitrates and related tris-1-naphthylphosphine oxide (Nap₃PO). Indeed, there seems to be only one report of metal complexes with this ligand, [Re(CO)₃(Nap₃PO)]₂[C₆H₂O₄] and [Re(CO)₃(Nap₃PO)]₂[C₆Cl₂O₄], which were formed serendipitously during in situ oxidation of the phosphine [14]. Naphthyl-substituted phosphines are slightly more basic than the corresponding phenyl compounds [15], and it is reasonable to assume that this acts as a proxy for the basicity of the corresponding oxides. Naphthyl substituents are obviously more sterically demanding, with the cone angle of Nap₃P being around 200° [16], and this combination of effects, together with the lack of literature on the subject, makes a study of the complexes interesting. We report here our investigations into the formation, structures in the solid state and solution properties of complexes of tris-1-naphthylphosphine oxide (L) with lanthanide nitrates.

2. Results and Discussion

The ligand was prepared by oxidation of the phosphine with H₂O₂ in acetone. Attempts to prepare lanthanide nitrate complexes in the conventional manner by heating solutions of the nitrate with a suspension of the ligand in ethanol were not successful. After refluxing for several hours, only unreacted Nap₃PO was recovered. Reactions carried out with a large excess of lanthanide nitrate in acetonitrile in a sealed vessel at 90 °C gave, on slow cooling, yellow crystalline materials for the heavier lanthanides (from Eu onwards). The infrared spectra show typical bands from coordinated nitrate ions [17], and the P=O stretches show the expected decrease in frequency on coordination to the metal. The positions of the main bands are given in Table S1 in the Supplementary Information.

It was not possible to prepare complexes of the lighter metals La to Nd by the same method, and in the case of La(NO₃)₃, this method led only to the isolation of crystals of Nap₃PO (characterised by infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction). The complexes with heavier lanthanides gave elemental analysis for the bulk material corresponding to the composition Ln(NO₃)₃L₄. The high ligand-to-metal ratio in the isolated complexes is surprising since the reactions were all carried out with a large excess of lanthanide nitrates. This presumably reflects a strong preference for the formation of the 1:4 complexes and/or their lower solubility.

2.1. Solution Studies

Solution studies by NMR spectroscopy were carried out with an excess of lanthanide nitrate (to ensure complete coordination of the ligand) with Nap₃PO in CD₃CN. The ratio of Ln(NO₃)₃·6H₂O to Nap₃PO ranged from about 1:1 to 7:1. With lower ratios of metal, incomplete dissolution of Nap₃PO occurred. The spectra are shown in Figure S5, and details of the quantities of reagents and solvent in Table S3 in the Supplementary Information. In some instances, different ratios of metal to ligand were used. These made no significant difference to the spectra obtained. The results show that even though complexes could not be isolated for the lighter metals, they do form in solution. Clear evidence for this is seen in the characteristic paramagnetic shifts, particularly in the ³¹P NMR spectra, together with their strong temperature dependence, which were observed in all cases. Similarly, the ¹³C NMR spectra show shifts in the position of signals relative to the uncoordinated ligand. The NMR data are given in

Table 1. ³¹P NMR data in CD₃CN and CDCl₃.

	CD3CN a				CDCl3 b
	30 °C		80 °C		30 °C				60 °C
	δ c	w1/2 d	δ c	w1/2 d	δfree c	w1/2 d	δcoord c	w1/2 d	δfree c	w1/2 d	δcoord c	w1/2 d
La	42.3	19	42.9	13
Ce	79.3	65	73.9	44
Pr	119.7	200	113.2	120
Nd	111.1	300	108.9	100
Eu	−115.2	450	−99.2	400	41.8	80	Not Obs		40.3	45	−67.6	300
Tb	−206	5500	−185	1100
Dy	−86.6	2500	−94	600	41.0	40	−11.2	4500	40.4	110	−52.1	1300
Ho	−113.3	3000	−111.1	750	41.0	175	−204.0	600
Er					41.0	60	−235.7	200	40.3	40.3	−198.5
Tm	−110.2	2000	−85.8	300
Yb	−1.6	1600	13.1	1000	40.8	75	31.8	440	40.1	150	33.7	1000
Lu	42.8	20	43.8	13	40.8	30	49.2	190	40.3	180	47.9	200
Nap3PO b	39.2	7			41.1	12			40.1	7

^a Reaction solution with excess lanthanide nitrate; ^b isolated complex [Ln(NO₃)₃L₂]·2L; ^c δ/ppm; ^d w_1/2 line width at half height/Hz.

and

Table 2. ¹³C NMR chemical shifts and coupling constants for Nap₃PO and selected complexes in CD₃CN at 30 °C.

δ (ppm)/JC–P (Hz)
	C1	C2	C3	C4	C4a	C5	C6	C7	C8	C8a
Nap3PO	129.0/101.6	133.7/11.5	124.7/14.4	133.4/2.8	134.1/7.6	129.1	126.7	127.2	127.6/5.8	134.2/9.5
La	125.8/106.4	135.3/12.5	124.8/15.3	134.7/2.9	133.4/7.7	129.2	126.9	127.7	127.0/5.7	134.1/9.5
Ce	127.6/104.4	136.5/12.5	125.3/14.4	135.0/2.9	134.3/8.6	129.2	126.7	127.3	127.1/2.4	134.4/10.4
Pr	130.7/111.2	139.1/12.5	126.3/15.4	135.3	135.1	129.5	126.7	127.1	128.3/4.8	136.5
Nd	123.9/126.5	135.0/14.4	125.1/11.5	136.1	133.6	129.3	127.4	126.8	126.2	134.0
Eu	128.6/110.3	133.9/12.5	124.5/15.3	134.4	132.1/7.6	129.2	127.1	127.9	127.8	133.6/8.6
Lu	125.8/107.3	135.3/12.5	124.9/14.8	136.7/2.9	133.2/8.6	129.3	126.9	127.6	127.0/5.8	133.9/9.5

Spectra recorded at 80 °C in CD₃CN from solutions of L plus excess Ln(NO₃)₃.

.

The assignments in the ¹³C NMR spectra of the complexes were made in comparison with the assignments from the ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra of Nap₃PO. For Nap₃PO, the initial assignment of H₈ in the ¹H spectrum was based on it being the highest frequency signal in 1-substituted naphthalenes [18]. From this, the assignment of the remaining protons and the carbons in the NMR spectra was achieved using COSY (to identify strongly coupled protons) and heteronuclear correlation spectra (to give the directly bonded carbons). The assignments were confirmed by analysis of the ¹H–¹³C long-range correlation (HMBC) spectrum. In aromatic systems, the proton couplings to the ortho and para carbon atoms are generally small and give low intensity or completely absent cross peaks in the spectrum. Coupling to the meta carbon, however, is generally in the region of 8 Hz [19] and thus readily observed in the standard HMBC experiment. This was particularly useful in assigning C_4a and C_8a. The assignments and representative spectra are given in Table S2 and Figures S1–S4, respectively, in the Supplementary Information. The main effect on coordination is on the atoms in the A ring which are closest to the coordination sites and/or paramagnetic centres. The ¹³C NMR spectra from the La(NO₃)₃/Nap₃PO system in CD₃CN, from which only unreacted Nap₃PO could be recovered, are shown in Figure 1. Evidence of coordination is seen here particularly in the shift of C₁ (clearly observed as a doublet with no attached hydrogen) which shifts over 3 ppm to a higher field on coordination.

The isolated complexes are very poorly soluble in common organic solvents. Thus, attempts to obtain spectra of the isolated [Ln(NO₃)₃L₂] 2L in CD₃CN in the absence and presence of added Ln(NO₃)₃ (to bind to the non-coordinated ligands) were not successful. The ³¹P NMR spectra can be obtained in CDCl₃ in some instances, on prolonged accumulation at 30 °C and 60 °C, and show two broad signals in an approximately 1:1 ratio, one due to free ligand at about 41 ppm and the other being a broader signal for the lanthanide-coordinated molecule. This implies that the complexes dissolve as [Ln(NO₃)₃L₂] + 2L. The chemical shifts of the coordinated ligands are very different between CD₃CN and CDCl₃, which implies that different lanthanide-containing species are being observed. It might be anticipated that the core [Ln(NO₃)₃L₂] moiety is present in CD₃CN solution due to the excess of lanthanide ions present, but the very different chemical shifts would imply that this is not the case. The chemical shifts in CD₃CN are also very different from the average of the two signals observed in CDCl₃. It is thus unlikely that rapid exchange between [Ln(NO₃)₃L₂] and L is being observed in the spectra in CD₃CN. It is possible that other exchange processes occur; for example, ionisation of one of the nitrates to give [Ln(NO₃)₂L₂(CD₃CN)_n]⁺ in equilibrium with an unionised [Ln(NO₃)₃L₂] complex may be occurring in the more polar solvent. Alternatively, species based on the coordination of a single Nap₃PO as a result of an excess of Ln(NO₃)₃ may be present. There is, however, no direct evidence for any of these possibilities, and thus, explanations remain tentative.

Analysis of lanthanide-induced shifts is an established method used to deduce whether solution structures remain constant across the lanthanide series. Analyses based on the observation of one, two and three nuclei in a complex have been developed [20,21]. Here, due to a combination of low solubility and excessive line broadening, particularly for the heavier lanthanides, only the phosphorus nucleus was observable for all the complexes studied, and hence the single-nucleus analysis of lanthanide-induced shifts was performed. In this method, plots of δ_i/D_i vs. <S_z>_i/D_i and δ_i/<S_z>_i vs. D_i/<S_z>_i are analysed, where δ_i is the paramagnetic shift for a given complex where δ_i = δ_Ln − ½[δ_La − δ_Lu] and δ_Ln, δ_La and δ_Lu are the observed shifts for the lanthanide, lanthanum and lutetium complexes, respectively. <S_z>_i is the spin expectation value for a particular lanthanide ion, and D_i is the Bleaney factor for the lanthanide ion which depends only on its electronic configuration. Both plots are expected to be linear if there is structural uniformity in solution across the series, whilst breaks in one or both imply minor or major structural changes, respectively [22]. For complexes of Nap₃PO, analysis has been carried out on the data at 30 °C and at 80 °C in CD₃CN and indicates that at both temperatures there is a change in structure at the middle of the series. Thus, plots of δ_i/D_i vs. <S_z>_i/D_i and δ_i/<S_z>_i vs. Di/<S_z>_i both show separate good linear trends for Ce–Eu and Tb–Yb as shown in Figure 2. The plots of δ_i/<S_z>_i vs. Di/<S_z>_I show a clear break. The plots of δ_i/D_i vs. <S_z>_i/D_i could also be considered to have a break at the same point. However, it must be pointed out that a best-fit line through all points also gives an acceptable fit (R² = 0.9894), and it is probable that the change in solution structure is thus a minor one. It is interesting to note that the break in the plots coincides with the region where solid complexes of the lighter metals could not be isolated.

2.2. Crystal Structures of Nap₃PO and Its Complexes

The crystal structure of Nap₃PO.mesitylene has been previously determined [14] and is very similar to that obtained here from the recovery of unreacted Nap₃PO in the reaction with lanthanum nitrate in acetonitrile. Its structure is shown in Figure 3. The P=O distance is marginally shorter in the mesitylene adduct, 1.451 Å compared to 1.493 Å, whilst the other distances and angles around the phosphorus atom are essentially the same. There is hydrogen bonding between the P=O group and H3 and H5 on two adjacent molecules (see Figure 3). The O⋯⋯·H distances are ~2.290 Å (to H3) and ~2.602 Å (to H5) compared with the sum of van der Waals radii of 3.05 Å and thus represent a relatively strong hydrogen bond. The packing can be described in terms of a collection of weak face-to-face and edge-to-face C-H aromatic interactions. The example shown in Figure 3 is of an edge-to-face interaction where the H4⋯·C8a distances are ~2.88 Å (sum of the C/H van der Waals radii is 2.98 Å).

Solid complexes suitable for X-ray crystallography were obtained for a range of metals (Ln = Eu, Dy, Ho, Er). Crystals of the Yb and Lu complexes were of poor quality and hence did not provide satisfactory crystal data. The structures show that the complexes crystallise as [Ln(NO₃)₃(Nap₃PO)₂]·2Nap₃PO where the metal is eight-coordinate with two Nap₃PO ligands on opposite sides and nitrates occupying an “equatorial” belt. The remaining two ligands are not coordinated to the lanthanide ion. Full details of the data collection and refinement together with complete listings of bond distances and angles are given in Tables S4–S11 and associated text in the Supplementary Information.

The geometry around the metal was determined by continuous shape measures [23,24]. This sums the deviations (S) of the atoms from their positions in a set of idealised polyhedra. Values of S below 3 represent small distortions from the standard polyhedron. The best descriptions for the Eu, Dy and Ho complexes are distorted hexagonal bipyramids (Eu (S = 4.51), Dy (S = 4.74) and Ho (S = 5.02)), and the best description for Er is cubic (S = 3.76). The structure of the Dy complex is shown as a representative example in Figure 4.

Both the (P)O-Ln and (N)O-Ln bond distances decrease in a linear manner (R² ≥ 0.99) with atomic number from Eu to Er as expected based on the lanthanide contraction as shown in Figure 5.

There are obvious differences between complexes of Ph₃PO and Nap₃PO which are primarily due to the increased steric requirements. This prohibits the formation of the pseudo cis arrangement common in Ph₃PO complexes and allows only two Nap₃PO to coordinate to the lanthanide ions, resulting in a coordination number of 8.

On coordination to the lanthanide ions, the expected increase in P=O distance is observed from 1.493 Å in Nap₃PO to an average of 1.513 (1) in the complexes. This increase is slightly greater than that found for the rhenium complex (1.502 Å) [14] and probably reflects the higher charge on the lanthanide ion. There are similarly small changes to the angles within the Nap₃PO ligand on coordination with a small narrowing of O–P–C (from 113.0° to 111.1°) and a widening of C–P–C (105.9° to 107.8°). These changes are very similar to those found in analogous triphenylphosphine oxide complexes with lanthanide nitrates which are summarised in Figure 6, and it thus appears that the increased steric effect in Nap₃PO does not significantly alter the structure of the ligand on coordination.

There is H-bonding between the oxygen of the non-coordinated Nap₃PO and H2 on one of the naphthyl rings. The distance is ~2.592 Å and is significantly shorter than the sum of the O/H van der Waals radii (3.05 Å) [25].

There are weak intermolecular aromatic interactions similar to those found in Nap₃PO. For instance, the H4····C5 distance shown in Figure 7 is ~2.872 Å.

The coordination geometries are similar to those found in complexes of lanthanide nitrates with the sterically demanding ^tBu₃PO [26] which have subsequently been investigated as single-molecule magnets [27]. It is interesting to note in this respect that tricyclohexyl phosphine oxide (Cy₃PO), for which the cone angle of the parent phosphine is 170°, forms 3:1 complexes [Ln(NO₃)₃(Cy₃PO)₃] [28]. The bulkier ^tBu₃PO (the cone angle for ^tBu₃P is 182°) and Nap₃PO form only 2:1 complexes presumably because of steric effects. Although a direct comparison of the Ln-O bond distances in the Nap₃PO complexes with those in analogous complexes of Ph₃PO is not possible because of the differing ionic radii and coordination numbers, correction for these variables is relatively straightforward. The results of this analysis are given in

Table 3. Comparison of the bond distances (Å) in Ph₃PO and Nap₃PO complexes of lanthanide nitrates corrected for ionic radii of the lanthanide.

		Eu	Dy	Ho	Er	Average
PO-Ln-r a	Ph3PO	1.199	1.199	1.185	1.194	1.194(6)
PO-Ln-r b	Nap3PO	1.204	1.208	1.213	1.212	1.209(4)
NO-Ln-r b	Ph3PO	1.378	1.389	1.377	1.389	1.383(5)
NO-Ln-r b	Nap3PO	1.386	1.390	1.387	1.386	1.387(2)

^a Nine-coordinate ionic radii; ^b eight-coordinate ionic radii.

.

Subtraction of the ionic radii for the nine- and eight-coordinate radii from the observed Ln-O distances would be expected to give the same value. This is clearly seen along each row in Table 3. The values for the (N)O-Ln distances are the same for both Ph₃PO and Nap₃PO complexes, indicating that the bonding to the nitrate is largely unaffected by the presence of the bulkier Nap₃PO. The (P)O-Ln distances are significantly different, with the bond lengths to Nap₃PO being slightly longer than for the Ph₃PO complexes. This most likely arises as a result of the increased steric demands of the Nap₃PO compared to Ph₃PO.

3. Materials and Methods

3.1. Crystallography

Suitable crystals of each compound were selected, coated in protective perfluoroether oil and mounted on a MiTeGen holder. Diffraction data were collected on a Rigaku FRE+ diffractometer equipped with VHF Varimax confocal mirrors and an AFC12 goniometer and HyPix 6000HE detector or a Rigaku 007HF equipped with Varimax confocal mirrors and an AFC11 goniometer and HyPix 6000 detector. The crystals were kept at a steady T = 100(2) K during data collection. The structure was solved with the ShelXT [29,30] structure solution program using the Intrinsic Phasing solution method and by using Olex2 [30] as the graphical interface. The model was refined with version 2014/7 of ShelXL [31] using least squares minimisation. The total number of runs and images was based on the strategy calculation from the program CrysAlisPro [32]. All non-hydrogen atoms were refined with anisotropic thermal displacement parameters. Aromatic and aliphatic hydrogen atoms have been included at their geometrically estimated positions. Model refinement was unremarkable. Further details may, in all cases, be found in the cifs. Further details about the modelling of the disorder may be found in the Supporting Information.

Crystallographic data for the structures in this paper have been deposited with the Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre as supplementary publication numbers CCDC 2334501-2334505 for the Dy, Er, Eu, Ho complexes and Nap₃PO, respectively. Copies of the data can be obtained, free of charge, on application to CCDC, 12 Union Road, Cambridge CB2 1EZ, UK (Fax: +44(0)-1223-336033 or e-mail: [email protected]).

3.2. NMR Spectroscopy

NMR spectra were recorded at 30 °C in CDCl₃ or CD₃CN solution on a JEOL ECX 400 using approximately 1 mg of solid in 1 mL of the appropriate deuterated solvent. The ¹H NMR spectra were measured at 400 MHz, whilst the ³¹P and ¹³C spectra were recorded at 161.9 MHz and 100.5 MHz, respectively. For examination of the reaction solutions, about 4–7 mg of Nap₃PO and 10–20 mg Ln(NO₃)₃·6H₂O were dissolved in about 0.5 g CD₃CN. For some samples, extended accumulations of the order of one day were required due to extremely large linewidths.

3.3. Infrared Spectroscopy

Infrared spectra were recorded with a resolution of ±2 cm⁻¹ on a Thermo Nicolet Avatar 370 FT-IR spectrometer operating in ATR mode. The samples were compressed onto the optical window, and spectra were recorded without further sample pre-treatment.

3.4. Synthesis

Nap₃PO Nap₃P (9.86 g, 23 mmol) was stirred in 100 mL acetone cooled in an ice bath, and H₂O₂ (3.50 g 30% solution, 31 mmol) in 25 mL acetone was added over 10 min. The mixture was stirred at 0 °C for 2 h and allowed to warm to room temperature. Stirring was continued for 1 week until the ³¹P NMR of the mixture showed a single peak at 40.0 ppm with no signal from unreacted phosphine at −34 ppm. The mixture was filtered, washed with water and ethanol, and dried at the pump to give the oxide, 9.15 g (93%) as a white powder. NMR ³¹P (161.9 MHz, CDCl₃) 41.1, ¹³C (100.5 MHz, CDCl₃) 124.5 (CH)(d) J_PC 14.4 Hz, 126.6 (CH)(s), 127.6 (CH)(s), 128.3 (CH)(d) J_PC 5.8 Hz, 128.9 (CH)(s), 128.9 (CP)(d) ¹J_PC 104.4 Hz, 133.4 (CH)(d) J_PC 2.9 Hz, 133.8 (CH)(d) J_PC 12.5 Hz, 134.1 (C)(d) J_PC 8.6 Hz, 134.4 (C)(d) J_PC 7.6 Hz, NMR ³¹P (161.9 MHz, CD₃CN) 39.1, ¹³C (100.5 MHz, CD₃CN) 124.7 (CH)(d) J_PC 14.4 Hz, 126.7 (CH)(s), 127.2 (CH)(s), 127.6 (CH)(d) J_PC 8.6 Hz, 129.1 (CP)(d) ¹J_PC 101.6 Hz, 129.1 (CH)(s), 133.4 (CH)(d) J_PC 2.8 Hz, 133.7 (CH)(d) J_PC 11.5 Hz, 134.1 (C)(d) J_PC 7.6 Hz, 134.2 (C)(d) J_PC 9.5 Hz.

Analysis % required (found) Nap₃PO C 84.10 (83.44) H 4.94 (4.93) N 0.00 (0.10).

Complexes of Nap₃PO were prepared by reacting acetonitrile solutions of excess lanthanide nitrates with Nap₃PO in a sealed vessel. The ligand gradually dissolved on heating between 80 and 90 °C. Representative examples are given below.

Dy(NO₃)₃·6H₂O (0.14 g, 0.31 mmol) was dissolved in 4 mL CH₃CN, and Nap₃PO (0.1033 g, 0.24 mmol) was added. The mixture was heated to between 80 and 90 °C for 5 h, after which a clear yellow solution was obtained. Slow cooling to room temperature gave yellow crystals of Dy(NO₃)₃(Nap₃PO)₄ 0.0907 g (78% based on Nap₃PO).

Analysis % required (found) Dy(NO₃)₃(Nap₃PO)₄ C 69.89 (69.26) H 4.11 (4.10) N 2.04 (2.01).

Er(NO₃)₃·6H₂O (0.16 g, 0.34 mmol) was dissolved in 4 mL CH₃CN, and Nap₃PO (0.06 g, 0.15 mmol) was added. The mixture was heated to between 80 and 90 °C for 16 h, after which a clear yellow solution was obtained. Slow cooling to room temperature gave yellow crystals of Er(NO₃)₃(Nap₃PO)₄ 0.05 g (67% based on Nap₃PO).

Analysis % required (found) Er(NO₃)₃(Nap₃PO)₄ C 69.72 (69.48) H 4.10 (4.09) N 2.03 (2.03).

Yb(NO₃)₃·6H₂O (0.10 g, 0.23 mmol) was dissolved in 5 mL CH₃CN, and Nap₃PO (0.30 g, 0.71 mmol) was added. The mixture was heated to between 80 and 90 °C for 5 h, after which a clear yellow solution was obtained. Slow cooling to room temperature gave yellow crystals of Yb(NO₃)₃(Nap₃PO)₄ 0.31 g (83% based on Nap₃PO).

Analysis % required (found) Yb(NO₃)₃(Nap₂MePO)₄ C 69.53 (69.46) H 4.08 (4.05) N 2.03 (1.98).

Lu(NO₃)₃·6H₂O (0.141 g, 0.3 mmol) was dissolved in 3 mL CH₃CN, and Nap₃PO (0.045 g, 0.1 mmol) was added. The mixture was heated to between 80 and 90 °C for 5 h, after which a clear yellow solution was obtained. Slow cooling to room temperature gave yellow crystals of Ln(NO₃)₃(Nap₃PO)₂·Nap₃PO 0.0392 g (70% based on Nap₃PO).

Analysis % required (found) Lu(NO₃)₃(Nap₃PO)₄ C 69.47 (68.93) H 4.08 (4.03) N 2.03 (2.12).

4. Conclusions

The formation of complexes between Nap₃PO and lanthanide nitrates in CD₃CN for all Ln studied has been established by NMR spectroscopy (¹³C and ³¹P), although their nature in solution is uncertain. Coordination complexes can be isolated for Ln = Eu to Lu and have the composition Ln(NO₃)₃L₄. Single-crystal X-ray crystallography shows that these 4:1 complexes have structures based on [Ln(NO₃)₃ (Nap₃PO)₂]·2L in all cases with two Nap₃PO not directly coordinated to the metal, although they are hydrogen bonded to the naphthyl ring. The complexes differ from the less sterically demanding Ph₃PO complexes in that only two phosphine oxides are directly attached to the lanthanide ion. Although the isolated complexes are poorly soluble, in some cases, ³¹P NMR spectroscopy in CDCl₃ has established that they dissolve as [Ln(NO₃)₃ (Nap₃PO)₂] + 2Nap₃PO.