Towards understanding of lanthanide–transition metal bonding: investigations of the first Ce–Fe bonded complex

Abstract

The syntheses, structural, and magnetic characterization of three new organometallic Ce complexes stabilized by PyCp₂²⁻ (PyCp₂²⁻ = [2,6-(CH₂C₅H₃)₂C₅H₃N]²⁻) are reported. Complex 1 provides the first example of a crystallographically characterized unsupported Ce–Fe bond in a molecular compound. Results from IR spectroscopy and computational analyses suggest weaker Fe → Ce electron-donation than in a previously reported Dy–Fe bonded species.