Lanthanide-transition-metal complexes: from ion pairs to extended arrays

New lanthanide-transition-metal (Ln-M) compounds were prepared and the structural relationships of the metal combinations were discerned. Numerous compounds derived from divalent or trivalent lanthanides and from transition metals in groups 7-11 were isolated. Three different types of interactions were observed: (1). Ln-M direct bonds, (2). ionic associations, and (3). carbonyl or cyanide linkers between the metals. These assorted Ln-M interactions influence the assembly of the compounds, and discrete molecules or polymeric arrays were encountered. The extended arrays spanning one, two, and three dimensions can function as heterogeneous catalyst precursors. Two classes of systems, Ln-M carbonyls and cyanides, are described.