Microwave-assisted synthesis of a neodymium trichloride complex with phenanthroline containing infinite chains, NdCl3(H2O)(phen)

The microwave-assisted solvothermal synthesis (180 °C, 1 h) of a mixture of neodymium chloride, 1-10-phenanthroline (phen) in ethanol gives rise to the crystallization of a new phase, NdCl3(H2O)(phen). Its crystal structure consists of eight-fold coordinated lanthanide atoms, (bicapped trigonal prism, NdN2Cl5(H2O)) linked to each other through μ2-chloro groups via edge-sharing connection mode in order to generate infinite ribbons. The cohesion of the three-dimensional structure is ensured through hydrogen bond interactions between terminal chloride and water groups from distinct chains, as well as π–π interactions between the central benzene ring of two phen ligands. The occurrence of such a chain-like compound, with Nd/phen ratio of 1, is unique in the series of lanthanide-phenanthroline complexes. This compound is obtained by using a microwave heating procedure, which selectively induces the formation of such 1D coordination polymer. Thermogravimetric and infrared analyses are also detailed.