Synthesis and structure of monomeric and solvent-free LPrX2 compounds supported by a new β-diketiminato ligand [L=Et2NCH2CH2NC(Me)CHC(Me)NCH2CH2NEt2, X=Cl, Br, BH4]

Trivalent praseodymium complexes with a new β-diketiminato ligand, possessing two pendant arms, LPrX2, (X=Cl (3), Br (4), BH4 (5)), have been prepared by the reactions of the lithium salt of the ligand with the corresponding halides. X-ray structural and elemental analysis showed that 3, 4, and 5 are neutral, monomeric and solvent-free complexes. These complexes adopt a pseudo-octahedral geometry with the two X (X=Cl, Br, BH4) arranged in the trans positions.