Reduction of acetonitrile by neodymium diiodide: Molecular structure of [{(HNdouble bond; length as m-dashCMe)2MeCNH2}NdI(MeCN)5]I2 and [{(HNdouble bond; length as m-dashCMe)2MeCNH2}Nd(MeCN)6]I3

The reaction of neodymium diiodide NdI2 (1) with acetonitrile is accompanied by C–C coupling and formation of bis(ethylimine)ethylamine/acetonitrile complexes {[(MeCdouble bond; length as m-dashNH)2CMeNH2]NdI(MeCN)5}I2 (2) and {[(MeCdouble bond; length as m-dashNH)2CMeNH2]Nd(MeCN)6}I3 (3). Yields of the products are 9% and 50%, respectively. Probable scheme of the complexes formation is discussed. Treatment of 3 with 2 equiv. of 1 in THF affords NdI3(THF)3, hydrogen and monoiodide complex containing presumably bis(imide)amine ligand, NdI[(MeCdouble bond; length as m-dashN)2CMeNH2]. The X-ray analysis revealed that in the molecule of 2 one I− anion is directly bonded to Nd3+ cation while two other I−anions are not in contact to the metal centre. The molecule of 3 is isostructural to previously obtained Dy and Tm analogues. All three I− anions in it are located away from Nd3+ cation.