Mixed 3d/4f polynuclear complexes with 2,2′-oxydiacetate as bridging ligand: Synthesis, structure and chemical speciation of La–M compounds (M = bivalent cation)

Heterometallic compounds containing La(III), bivalent cations M (M = Co, Ni, Ca), and 2,2′-oxydiacetate (oda) as connecting ligand have been prepared and characterized. The complexes can be formulated as [La2M3(oda)6(H2O)6] · 12H2O. The structure of [La2Co3(oda)6(H2O)6] shows the presence of the La(III) coordinated by six carboxy and three ether oxygen atoms, and the Co(II) cation bonded to four carboxy oxygens and two molecules of water. An open 3D framework is observed, containing large hexagonal channels. The chemical systems were also investigated in solution (25.0 °C, I = 0.5 M Me4NCl) by potentiometry. The same kind of polynuclear species have been found in aqueous solution.