First use of a divalent lanthanide for visible-light-promoted photoredox catalysis

Divalent ansa-Octaphenyllanthanocenes: Synthesis, Structures, and EuII Luminescence

Reductive dimerization of fulvenes using low-valent metal precursors is a straightforward one-step approach to access ethylene-bridged metallocenes. This process has so far mainly been employed with fulvenes carrying one or two substituents in the exocyclic position. In this work, a new synthesis of the unsubstituted exocyclic 1,2,3,4-tetraphenylfulvene (1), its full structural characterization by NMR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, as well as some photophysical properties and its first use in reductive dimerization are described. This fulvene reacted with different lanthanoid metals in thf to provide the divalent ansa-octaphenylmetallocenes [Ln(C5Ph4CH2)2(thf)n] (Ln = Sm, n = 2 (2); Ln = Eu, n = 2 (3); and Ln = Yb, n = 1 (4)). These complexes were characterized by X-ray diffraction, laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry, and, in the case of Sm and Yb, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, showing the influence of the ansa-bridge on solution and solid-state structures compared to previously reported unbridged metallocenes. Furthermore, the luminescence properties of the Eu ansa complex 3 were studied in solution and the solid state, revealing significant differences with the known octa- and deca-phenyleuropocenes, [Eu(C5Ph4H)2(dme)] and [Eu(C5Ph5)2].

Expanding the Coordination of f-Block Metals with Tris[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl]amine: From Molecular Complexes to Cage-like Structures

Low-valent f-block metals have intrinsic luminescence, electrochemical, and magnetic properties that are modulated with ligands, causing the coordination chemistry of these metals to be imperative to generating critical insights needed to impact modern applications. To this end, we synthesized and characterized a series of twenty-seven complexes of f-metal ions including EuII, YbII, SmII, and UIII and hexanuclear clusters of LaIII and CeIII to study the impact of tris[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl]amine, a flexible acyclic analogue of the extensively studied 2.2.2-cryptand, on the coordination chemistry and photophysical properties of low-valent f-block metals. We demonstrate that the flexibility of the ligand enables luminescence tunability over a greater range than analogous cryptates of EuII in solution. Furthermore, the ligand also displays a variety of binding modes to f-block metals in the solid state that are inaccessible to cryptates of low-valent f-block metals. In addition to serving as a ligand for f-block metals of various sizes and oxidation states, tris[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl]amine also deprotonates water molecules coordinated to trivalent triflate salts of f-block metal ions, enabling the isolation of hexanuclear clusters containing either LaIII or CeIII. The ligand was also found to bind more tightly to YbII and UIII in the solid state compared to 2.2.2-cryptand, suggesting that it can play a role in the isolation of other low-valent f-block metals such CfII, NpIII, and PuIII. We expect that our findings will inspire applications of tris[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl]amine in the design of light-emitting diodes and the synthesis of extremely reducing divalent f-block metal complexes that are of interest for a wide range of applications.

Triple Inverse Sandwich versus End-On Diazenido: Bonding Motifs across a Series of Rhenium-Lanthanide and -Actinide Complexes

While synthesizing a series of rhenium-lanthanide triple inverse sandwich complexes, we unexpectedly uncovered evidence for rare examples of end-on lanthanide dinitrogen coordination for certain heavy lanthanide elements as well as for uranium. We begin our report with the synthesis and characterization of a series of trirhenium triple inverse sandwich complexes with the early lanthanides, Ln[(μ-η5:η5-Cp)Re(BDI)]3(THF) (1-Ln, Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm; Cp = cyclopentadienide, BDI = N,N'-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-3,5-dimethyl-β-diketiminate). However, as we moved across the lanthanide series, we ran into an unexpected result for gadolinium in which we structurally characterized two products for gadolinium, namely, 1-Gd (analogous to 1-Ln) and a diazenido dirhenium double inverse sandwich complex Gd[(μ-η1:η1-N2)Re(η5-Cp)(BDI)][(μ-η5:η5-Cp)Re(BDI)]2(THF)2 (2-Gd). Evidence for analogues of 2-Gd was spectroscopically observed for other heavy lanthanides (2-Ln, Ln = Tb, Dy, Er), and, in the case of 2-Er, structurally authenticated. These complexes represent the first observed examples of heterobimetallic end-on lanthanide dinitrogen coordination. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were utilized to probe relevant bonding interactions and reveal energetic differences between both the experimental and putative 1-Ln and 2-Ln complexes. We also present additional examples of novel end-on heterobimetallic lanthanide and actinide diazenido moieties in the erbium-rhenium complex (η8-COT)Er[(μ-η1:η1-N2)Re(η5-Cp)(BDI)](THF)(Et2O) (3-Er) and uranium-rhenium complex [Na(2.2.2-cryptand)][(η5-C5H4SiMe3)3U(μ-η1:η1-N2)Re(η5-Cp)(BDI)] (4-U). Finally, we expand the scope of rhenium inverse sandwich coordination by synthesizing divalent double inverse sandwich complex Yb[(μ-η5:η5-Cp)Re(BDI)]2(THF)2 (5-Yb), as well as base-free, homoleptic rhenium-rare earth triple inverse sandwich complex Y[(μ-η5:η5-Cp)Re(BDI)]3 (6-Y).

Photocatalytic Generation of Divalent Lanthanide Reducing Agents

Divalent lanthanide (Ln) compounds are excellent reducing agents with unique reactivity profiles. These reagents are typically used in superstoichiometric amounts, often in combination with harmful additives. Reactions catalytic in Ln(II) reagents that retain the reactivity and selectivity of the stoichiometric transformations are currently lacking due to the absence of effective and selective methods to form reactive Ln(II) species from stable precursors. Here, active Ln(II) is generated from a Ln(III) precursor through reduction by a photoexcited coumarin or carbostyril chromophore, which, in turn, is regenerated by a sacrificial reductant. The reductant can be metallic (Zn) or organic (amines) and can be used in strictly stoichiometric amounts. A broad range of reactions, including C-halogen, C═C, C═X (X = O, N), P═O, and N═N reductions, as well as C-C, C-X (X = N, S, P), and N-N couplings were readily carried out in yields and selectivities comparable to or better than those afforded by the analogous stoichiometric transformations. The reaction outcomes could be altered by changing the ligand or the lanthanide or through the addition of environmentally benign additives (e.g., water). EPR spectroscopy supported the formation of both Ln(II) and oxidized chromophore intermediates. Taken together, these results establish photochemical Ln(II) generation as a powerful strategy for rendering Ln(II)-mediated reactions catalytic.

Modulating the electronic properties of divalent lanthanoid complexes with subtle ligand tuning

Five new compounds of formula [Ln^II(Me_ntpa)₂](BPh₄)₂ (Ln = Eu, n = 0 (1-Eu), n = 2 (2-Eu) and n = 3 (3-Eu); Ln = Yb, n = 0 (1-Yb) and n = 2 (2-Yb); tpa = tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, n = 0-3 corresponds to successive methylation of the 6-position of the pyridine rings of Me_ntpa) have been synthesized and their structural, photophysical and electrochemical properties investigated. The Ln^II ions in the five complexes possess cubic coordination geometry and exhibit only small structural differences, due to the lengthening of the Ln-N bonds to accommodate the additional steric bulk associated with increasing methylation of the Me_ntpa ligands. Photophysical studies indicate moderate shifts in absorbance, emission and excitation bands associated with the 4f⁷ ↔ 4f⁶5d¹ (Eu^II) and 4f¹⁴ ↔ 4f¹³5d¹ (Yb^II) transitions, while electrochemistry reveals modulation of the redox potential of the Ln^II to Ln^III oxidation. There is a strong correlation between Ln-N bond lengths and both the photophysical transition energies and metal redox-potentials, revealing how subtle ligand changes and ligand field effects can be used to modulate the electronic properties of complexes of divalent lanthanoid ions. Utilization of these insights may ultimately afford design and property tuning strategies for future functional molecular complexes based on divalent lanthanoid metals.

Back to the future of organolanthanide chemistry

At the dawn of the development of structural organometallic chemistry, soon after the discovery of ferrocene, the description of the LnCp₃ complexes, featuring large and mostly trivalent lanthanide ions, was rather original and sparked curiosity. Yet, the interest in these new architectures rapidly dwindled due to the electrostatic nature of the bonding between π-aromatic ligands and 4f-elements. Almost 70 years later, it is interesting to focus on how the discipline has evolved in various directions with the reports of multiple catalytic reactivities, remarkable potential in small molecule activation, and the development of rich redox chemistry. Aside from chemical reactivity, a better understanding of their singular electronic nature - not precisely as simplistic as anticipated - has been crucial for developing tailored compounds with adapted magnetic anisotropy or high fluorescence properties that have witnessed significant popularity in recent years. Future developments shall greatly benefit from the detailed reactivity, structural and physical chemistry studies, particularly in photochemistry, electro- or photoelectrocatalysis of inert small molecules, and manipulating the spins' coherence in quantum technology.

Properties of Amine-Containing Ligands That Are Necessary for Visible-Light-Promoted Catalysis with Divalent Europium

We describe a study of the influence of amine-containing ligands on the photoredox-relevant properties of Eu^II toward the rational design of Eu^II-containing catalysts for visible-light-promoted photoredox reactions. We report our observations of the effects of the degree of functionalization of amines, denticity, and macrocylic ligands on the absorbance of Eu^II. Ligands that contain secondary amines bathochromically shift the absorbance of EuCl₂ relative to ligands that contain primary or tertiary amines. Similarly, ligands of larger denticity have a larger bathochromic shift of the absorbance than ligands of smaller denticity. We observed that macrocyclic ligands have a larger effect on the absorbance of EuCl₂ than nonmacrocyclic ligands. Also, we report the photoredox reactivity of four new Eu^II-containing complexes. These observations are potentially influential in understanding the ligand properties that promote the use of Eu^II in visible-light-promoted photoredox catalysis.

Controlled monodefluorination and alkylation of C(sp3)-F bonds by lanthanide photocatalysts: importance of metal-ligand cooperativity

The controlled functionalization of a single fluorine in a CF3 group is difficult and rare. Photochemical C-F bond functionalization of the sp3-C-H bond in trifluorotoluene, PhCF3, is achieved using catalysts made from earth-abundant lanthanides, (CpMe4)2Ln(2-O-3,5- t Bu2-C6H2)(1-C{N(CH)2N(iPr)}) (Ln = La, Ce, Nd and Sm, CpMe4 = C5Me4H). The Ce complex is the most effective at mediating hydrodefluorination and defluoroalkylative coupling of PhCF3 with alkenes; addition of magnesium dialkyls enables catalytic C-F bond cleavage and C-C bond formation by all the complexes. Mechanistic experiments confirm the essential role of the Lewis acidic metal and support an inner-sphere mechanism of C-F activation. Computational studies agree that coordination of the C-F substrate is essential for C-F bond cleavage. The unexpected catalytic activity for all members is made possible by the light-absorbing ability of the redox non-innocent ligands. The results described herein underscore the importance of metal-ligand cooperativity, specifically the synergy between the metal and ligand in both light absorption and redox reactivity, in organometallic photocatalysis.

Rare earth element separations by high-speed counter-current chromatography

Following the initial development of High-Speed Counter-Current Chromatography (HSCCC) in the 1960s, several studies have explored its applicability in the separation of rare earth elements (REEs). More recently, however, HSCCC publications have transitioned towards the separation of natural products or pharmaceuticals, leaving the application for REEs largely unexplored from a practical standpoint. Herein, we expand upon prior work in this field by evaluating the suitability of HSCCC to separation of a subset of non-radioactive REEs (Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, and Y) at 10^-4 mol levels using di-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP) in n-heptane as the stationary phase and hydrochloric acid as the mobile phase. First, the effect of flow rate on the stationary phase volume retention ratio and resolution of Nd/Sm/Eu subgroup was evaluated followed by optimization of step-gradient elution profiles resulting in additional recovery of Tb and Y within a seven-hour window. The five REEs were separated at the baseline resolution level or above. Elution profiles obtained from multiple runs across two independently operated columns and across independent runs were cross analyzed. Reproducibility in elution profiles point to future applications in radioelement separation chemistry, where both chemical and radiochemical purity are of importance.

Coordination Chemistry-Driven Approaches to Rare Earth Element Separations

Current projections for global mining indicate that unsustainable practices will cause supply problems for many elements, called critical raw materials, in the next 20 years. These include elements necessary for renewable technologies as well as artisanal sources. Energy critical elements (ECEs) comprise a group used for clean, renewable energy applications that are in low abundance in the Earth's crust or require an economic premium to extract from ores. Sustainable practices of acquiring ECEs is an important problem to address through fundamental research to provide alternative energy technologies such as wind turbines and electric vehicles at cheaper costs for our global energy generation and usage. Some of these green technologies incorporate rare-earth (RE) metals (Sc, Y and the lanthanides), which are challenging to separate from mineral sources because of their similar sizes (i.e., ionic radii) and chemical properties. The current process used to provide REs at requisite purities for these applications is counter-current solvent-solvent extraction, which is scalable and works efficiently for any ore composition. However, this method produces large amounts of caustic waste that is environmentally damaging, especially to areas in China that house major separation facilities. Advancement of the selectivity of this process is challenging since exact molecular speciation that affords separations is still relatively unknown. In this context, we developed a program to investigate new RE separations systems that were aimed at minimizing solvent use, controlled by molecular speciation, and could be targeted at problems in recycling these critical metals.The first ligand system that was developed to impart solubility differences between light and heavy rare-earth ions was [{(2-^tBuNO)C₆H₄CH₂}₃N]^3- (TriNOx^3-) (graphic below). A differential solubility allowed for a separation of Nd and Dy of SF_Nd:Dy = ∼300 in a single step. In other words, a 50:50 Nd/Dy sample was enriched to give 95% pure Nd and Dy through a simple filtration, which is potentially impactful to recycling magnetic materials found in wind turbines. This separations system compares favorably to other state-of-the-art molecular extractants that are based on energetic differences of the thermodynamic parameter to affect separations for neighboring elements. This straightforward, thermodynamically driven method to separate REs primed our future research for new coordination chemistry approaches to separations.Another separations system was accomplished through the variable rate of a redox event from one arm of the TriNOx^3- ligand. It was determined that the rate of this one electron oxidation, which operated through an electrochemical-chemical-electrochemical mechanism, was dependent on the identity of the RE ion. This kinetically driven separation afforded a separation factor (SF) of SF_Eu:Y = 75. We have also described other transformations such as ligand exchange, substituent dependent, and redox-driven chelation processes with well-defined speciation to afford purified RE materials. Recently, we determined that magnetic properties can be used to enhance both thermodynamic and kinetic RE separations processes to give an approximately 100% boost for pairs of paramagnetic/diamagnetic REs. These results have shown that both thermodynamic and kinetic RE separations were efficient for different selected RE binary pairs through coordination chemistry. The focus of this Account will detail the differences that are observed for RE separations when promoted by thermodynamic or kinetic factors. Overall, the development of rationally adjusted speciation of REs provides a basis for future industrial separations processes for technologies applied to ECEs derived from wind turbines, batteries for electric vehicles, and LEDs.

Coordination-Induced Bond Weakening

Coordination-induced bond weakening is a phenomenon wherein ligand X-H bond homolysis occurs in concert with the energetically favorable oxidation of a coordinating metal complex. The coupling of these two processes enables thermodynamically favorable proton-coupled electron transfer reductions to form weak bonds upon formal hydrogen atom transfer to substrates. Moreover, systems utilizing coordination-induced bond weakening have been shown to facilitate the dehydrogenation of feedstock molecules including water, ammonia, and primary alcohols under mild conditions. The formation of exceptionally weak substrate X-H bonds via small molecule homolysis is a powerful strategy in synthesis and has been shown to enable nitrogen fixation under mild conditions. Coordination-induced bond weakening has also been identified as an integral process in biophotosynthesis and has promising applications in renewable chemical fuel storage systems. This review presents a discussion of the advances made in the study of coordination-induced bond weakening to date. Because of the broad range of metal and ligand species implicated in coordination-induced bond weakening, each literature report is discussed individually and ordered by the identity of the low-valent metal. We then offer mechanistic insights into the basis of coordination-induced bond weakening and conclude with a discussion of opportunities for further research into the development and applications of coordination-induced bond weakening systems.

Solid-state and solution-phase characterization of SmII-aza[2.2.2]cryptate and its methylated analogue

Two new Sm^II-azacryptates are reported that differ in steric hindrance and Lewis basicity of donor atoms. The sterically hindered complex has a smaller coordination number and a more negative electrochemical potential than the complex with less steric hindrance.

Structure and Reactivity of Polynuclear Divalent Lanthanide Disiloxanediolate Complexes

Trinuclear molecular complexes of europium (II) and ytterbium(II) [Ln₃{(Ph₂SiO)₂O}₃(THF)₆], 1-Ln₃L₃ (Ln = Eu and Yb), supported by the dianionic tetraphenyl disiloxanediolate ligand, were synthesized via protonolysis of the [Ln{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂(THF)₂] complexes. In contrast, the reaction of [Sm{N(SiMe₃)₂}₂(THF)₂] with the (Ph₂SiOH)₂O ligand led to the isolation of the mixed-valent Sm(II)/Sm(III) complex [Sm₃{(Ph₂SiO)₂O}₃{N(SiMe₃)₂}(THF)₄], 2-Sm₃L₃, which was crystallographically characterized. The Eu(II) complex 1-Eu₃L₃ displays weak ferromagnetic coupling between the Eu(II) metal centers (J = 0.1035 cm^-1). The addition of 3 equiv of (Ph₂SiOK)₂O to 1-Eu₃L₃ resulted in the formation of the polynuclear Eu(II) dimer of dimers [K₄Eu₂{(Ph₂SiO)₂O}₄(Et₂O)₂]₂, 3-Eu₂L₄. Complexes 1-Ln₃L₃ (Ln = Eu and Yb) are stable in solution at room temperature, while 3-Eu₂L₄ shows higher reactivity and rapidly decomposes to give the mixed-valent Eu(II)/Eu(III) species [K₃Eu₂{(Ph₂SiO)₂O}₄], 4-Eu₂L₄. Complex 1-Yb₃L₃ affects the slow reductive disproportionation of carbon dioxide, but 1-Eu₃L₃ does not display any reactivity toward CO₂. However, the presence of one additional (Ph₂SiO^-)₂O per Eu(II) metal center in 3-Eu₂L₄ increases dramatically the reductive ability of the Eu(II) metal centers, affording the first example of carbon dioxide activation by an isolated divalent europium complex. The reduction of CO₂ by 3-Eu₂L₄ is immediate, and carbonate is formed selectively after the addition of a stoichiometric amount of CO_2.

Systematic tuning of the emission colors and redox potential of Eu(ii)-containing cryptates by changing the N/O ratio of cryptands

The λmax, excited-state lifetimes, and the anodic peak potential of Eu2+/Eu3+ for Eu(ii)-containing cryptates depend linearly on the number of N atoms.

Recent Applications of Rare Earth Complexes in Photoredox Catalysis for Organic Synthesis

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In recent years, photoredox catalysis has appeared as a new paradigm for forging a wide range of chemical bonds under mild conditions using abundant reagents. This approach allows many organic transformations through the generation of various radical species, enabling the valorization of non-traditional partners. A continuing interest has been devoted to the discovery of novel radical-generating procedures. Over the last ten years, strategies using rare-earth complexes as either redox-active centers or as redox-neutral Lewis acids have emerged. This review provides an overview of the recent accomplishments made in this field. It especially aims to demonstrate the utility of rare-earth complexes for ensuring photocatalytic transformations and to inspire future developments.

Versatile Para-Substituted Pyridine Lanthanide Coordination Complexes Allow Late Stage Tailoring of Complex Function

A series of cationic and neutral p-Br and p-NO2 pyridine substituted Eu(III) and Gd(III) coordination complexes serve as versatile synthetic intermediates. Nucleophilic aromatic substitution occurs readily at the para position under mild conditions, allowing C-N and C-C bond forming reactions to take place, permitting the introduction of azide, amino and alkynyl substituents. For Eu(III) complexes, this approach allows late stage tuning of absorption and emission spectral properties, exemplified by the lowering of the energy of an LMCT transition accompanied by a reduction in the Eu-Npy bond length. Additionally, these complexes provide direct access to the corresponding Eu(II) analogues. With the Gd(III) series, the nature of the p-substituent does not significantly change the EPR properties (linewidth, relaxation times), as required for their development as EPR spin probes that can be readily conjugated to biomolecules under mild conditions.

Luminescence thermochromism in novel mixed Eu(II)-Cu(I) iodide

A new mixed Eu(II)-Cu(I) iodide [Eu(DME)₄][Cu₂I₄] (1) was synthesized by the reaction of an organosulphide salt of Eu(II) and CuI in DME media. X-ray analysis revealed that 1 is an ate-complex consisting of Eu(DME)₄ dications and tetraiododicuprate dianions. Upon UV light excitation (λ = 365 nm), the compound exhibits intense double-peaked photoluminescence (PL) at 445 and 500 nm. The relative intensity of these peaks changes dramatically when the temperature changes in the range of 180-250 K. To understand the nature of the found PL thermochromism, the structure and time-resolved PL of 1 were studied at various temperatures. The time-resolved PL studies of 1 at various temperatures revealed the presence of two luminescent centers which are excited by the capture of an electron from the conduction band. The ratio of intensities at 445 and 500 nm (R = I₄₄₅/I₅₀₀) in the PL spectra of 1 changes by almost two orders of magnitude and the relative sensitivity S (S = (∂R/∂T)/R) exceeds 5% per K in the range of 190-245 K that makes this compound a promising luminescent thermometer for the range where ammonia exists in a liquid state.

Photo-induced oxidative cleavage of C-C double bonds for the synthesis of biaryl methanone via CeCl3 catalysis

A Ce-catalyzed strategy is developed to produce biaryl methanones via photooxidative cleavage of C-C double bonds at room temperature. This reaction is performed under air and demonstrates high activity as well as functional group tolerance. A synergistic Ce/ROH catalytic mechanism is also proposed based on the experimental observations. This protocol should be the first successful Ce-catalyzed photooxidation reaction of olefins with air as the oxidant, which would provide inspiration for the development of novel Ce-catalyzed photochemical synthesis processes.

Understanding the Stabilization and Tunability of Divalent Europium 2.2.2B Cryptates

Lanthanides such as europium with more accessible divalent states are useful for studying redox stability afforded by macrocyclic organic ligands. Substituted cryptands, such as 2.2.2B cryptand, that increase the oxidative stability of divalent europium also provide coordination environments that support synthetic alterations of Eu(II) cryptate complexes. Two single crystal structures were obtained containing nine-coordinate Eu(II) 2.2.2B cryptate complexes that differ by a single coordination site, the occupation of which is dictated by changes in reaction conditions. A crystal structure containing a [Eu(2.2.2B)Cl]⁺ complex is obtained from a methanol-THF solvent mixture, while a methanol-acetonitrile solvent mixture affords a [Eu(2.2.2B)(CH₃OH)]²⁺ complex. While both crystals exhibit the typical blue emission observed in most Eu(II) containing compounds as a result of 4f⁶5d¹ to 4f⁷ transitions, computational results show that the substitution of a Cl^- anion in the place of a methanol molecule causes mixing of the 5d excited states in the Eu(II) 2.2.2B cryptate complex. Additionally, magnetism studies reveal the identity of the capping ligand in the Eu(II) 2.2.2B cryptate complex may also lead to exchange between Eu(II) metal centers facilitated by π-stacking interactions within the structure, slightly altering the anticipated magnetic moment. The synthetic control present in these systems makes them interesting candidates for studying less stable divalent lanthanides and the effects of precise modifications of the electronic structures of low valent lanthanide elements.

Lanthanoid Complexes as Molecular Materials: The Redox Approach

The development of molecular materials with novel functionality offers promise for technological innovation. Switchable molecules that incorporate redox-active components are enticing candidate compounds due to their potential for electronic manipulation. Lanthanoid metals are most prevalent in their trivalent state and usually redox-activity in lanthanoid complexes is restricted to the ligand. The unique electronic and physical properties of lanthanoid ions have been exploited for various applications, including in magnetic and luminescent materials as well as in catalysis. Lanthanoid complexes are also promising for applications reliant on switchability, where the physical properties can be modulated by varying the oxidation state of a coordinated ligand. Lanthanoid-based redox activity is also possible, encompassing both divalent and tetravalent metal oxidation states. Thus, utilization of redox-active lanthanoid metals offers an attractive opportunity to further expand the capabilities of molecular materials. This review surveys both ligand and lanthanoid centered redox-activity in pre-existing molecular systems, including tuning of lanthanoid magnetic and photophysical properties by modulating the redox states of coordinated ligands. Ultimately the combination of redox-activity at both ligands and metal centers in the same molecule can afford novel electronic structures and physical properties, including multiconfigurational electronic states and valence tautomerism. Further targeted exploration of these features is clearly warranted, both to enhance understanding of the underlying fundamental chemistry, and for the generation of a potentially important new class of molecular material.

Rational Design of High-Relaxivity EuII -Based Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Low-Oxygen Environments

Metal-based contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging present a promising avenue to image hypoxia. EuII -based contrast agents have a unique biologically relevant redox couple, EuII/III , that distinguishes this metal for use in hypoxia imaging. To that end, we investigated a strategy to enhance the contrast-enhancing capabilities of EuII -based cryptates in magnetic resonance imaging by controlling the rotational dynamics. Two dimetallic, EuII -containing cryptates were synthesized to test the efficacy of rigid versus flexible coupling strategies. A flexible strategy to dimerization led to a modest (114 %) increase in contrast enhancement per Eu ion (60 MHz, 298 K), but a rigid linking strategy led to an excellent (186 %) increase in contrast enhancement despite this compound's having the smaller molecular mass of the two dimetallic complexes. We envision the rigid linking strategy to be useful in the future design of potent EuII -based contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging.

Highly efficient and air-stable Eu(II)-containing azacryptates ready for organic light-emitting diodes

Divalent europium 5d-4f transition has aroused great attention in many fields, in a way of doping Eu²⁺ ions into inorganic solids. However, molecular Eu²⁺ complexes with 5d-4f transition are thought to be too air-unstable to explore their applications. In this work, we synthesized four Eu²⁺-containing azacryptates EuX₂-N_n (X = Br, I, n = 4, 8) and systematically studied the photophysical properties in crystalline samples and solutions. Intriguingly, the EuX₂-N₈ complexes exhibit near-unity photoluminescence quantum yield, good air-/thermal-stability and mechanochromic property (X = I). Furthermore, we proved the application of Eu²⁺ complexes in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) with high efficiency and luminance. The optimized device employing EuI₂-N₈ as emitter has the best performance as the maximum luminance, current efficiency, and external quantum efficiency up to 25470 cd m⁻², 62.4 cd A⁻¹, and 17.7%, respectively. Our work deepens the understanding of structure-property relationship in molecular Eu²⁺ complexes and could inspire further research on application in OLEDs.

Though divalent-europium-based complexes are promising materials for next-generation light-emitting devices, their poor air stability limits their applicability. Here, the authors report the design of air stable divalent-europium-based complexes for efficient organic light-emitting diodes.

Synthesis of LnII -in-Cryptand Complexes by Chemical Reduction of LnIII -in-Cryptand Precursors: Isolation of a NdII -in-Cryptand Complex

Lanthanide triflates have been used to incorporate Nd^III and Sm^III ions into the 2.2.2-cryptand ligand (crypt) to explore their reductive chemistry. The Ln(OTf)₃ complexes (Ln=Nd, Sm; OTf=SO₃ CF₃ ) react with crypt in THF to form the THF-soluble complexes [Ln^III (crypt)(OTf)₂ ][OTf] with two triflates bound to the metal encapsulated in the crypt. Reduction of these Ln^III -in-crypt complexes using KC₈ in THF forms the neutral Ln^II -in-crypt triflate complexes [Ln^II (crypt)(OTf)₂ ]. DFT calculations on [Nd^II (crypt)]²⁺ ], the first Nd^II cryptand complex, assign a 4f⁴ electron configuration to this ion.

Lanthanide Luminescence in Visible-Light-Promoted Photochemical Reactions

The excitation of lanthanides with visible light to promote photochemical reactions has garnered interest in recent years. Lanthanides serve as initiators for photochemical reactions because they exhibit visible-light-promoted 4f→5d transitions that lead to emissive states with electrochemical potentials that are more negative than the corresponding ground states. The lanthanides that have shown the most promising characteristics for visible-light promoted photoredox are Sm^II, Eu^II, and Ce^III. By understanding the effects that ligands have on the 5d orbitals of Sm^II, Eu^II, and Ce^III, luminescence and reactivity can be rationally modulated using coordination chemistry. This review briefly overviews the photochemical reactivity of Sm^II, Eu^II, and Ce^III with visible light; the properties that influence the reactivity of these ions; and the research that has been reported towards modulating their photochemical-relevant properties using visible light and coordination chemistry.

Systematic Tuning of the Optical Properties of Discrete Complexes of EuII in Solution Using Counterions and Solvents

We describe a systematic study of the influence of halides and solvents on the optical properties of Eu^II-containing complexes in solution starting from well-defined crystalline precursors. Anionic halides, chloride and bromide, blue-shift the spectroscopic properties of Eu^II, whereas neutral ligands, methanol and acetonitrile, cause a red shift. This system provides evidence that Eu^II has a stronger affinity for chloride, and to some extent bromide, relative to acetonitrile but not methanol. We also describe a simple procedure using an ion-exchange resin for the exchange of iodide counterions to hexafluorophosphate. These findings are a step toward designing ligands that can tune the optical properties of Eu^II-containing complexes for solution-based applications.

Luminescent tungsten(vi) complexes as photocatalysts for light-driven C-C and C-B bond formation reactions

The realization of photocatalysis for practical synthetic application hinges on the development of inexpensive photocatalysts which can be prepared on a large scale. Herein an air-stable, visible-light-absorbing photoluminescent tungsten(vi) complex which can be conveniently prepared at the gram-scale is described. This complex could catalyse photochemical organic transformation reactions including borylation of aryl halides, such as aryl chloride, reductive coupling of benzyl bromides for C-C bond formation, reductive coupling of phenacyl bromides, and decarboxylative coupling of redox-active esters of alkyl carboxylic acid with high product yields and broad functional group tolerance.

Spectroscopic and Electrochemical Trends in Divalent Lanthanides through Modulation of Coordination Environment

Due to the importance of both visible-light luminescence and lanthanides in modern society, the influence of the ligand environment on complexes of Yb^II were studied and compared with analogous complexes of Eu^II. Four ligands with systematically varied electronic and steric characteristics were used to probe the coordination environment and electronic and redox properties of the corresponding Yb^II-containing complexes. Strong-field nitrogenous donors gave rise to bathochromic shifts, leading to visible-light absorption by Yb^II. Trends in properties across the series of Yb^II-containing complexes were compared to trends reported for the analogous Eu^II-containing complexes, revealing the translatability of coordination environment effects across the divalent lanthanide series. These studies provide valuable information regarding the behavior of small and medium-sized divalent lanthanides outside of the solid state.

Measurement of the Dissociation of EuII-Containing Cryptates Using Murexide

The dissociation rates of five Eu^II-containing cryptates in water were measured using UV-visible spectroscopy and murexide at pH 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, and 9. Murexide was used as a coordinating dye for Eu^II. The results for a known cryptate were within experimental error of the value obtained using other methods and enabled the measurement of other cryptates. This validation of the use of murexide to study the dissociation of Eu^II-containing cryptates enables its use with other complexes of Eu^II.

Air stable and efficient rare earth Eu(ii) hydro-tris(pyrazolyl)borate complexes with tunable emission colors

Eu(ii) complexes with high air stability and tunable emission colors were synthesized and characterized.

Reactivity control of a photocatalytic system by changing the light intensity

By using simple optics such as a lens, switching between one- and two-photon driven reaction mechanisms became feasible, which allows the control over the main products of photochemical reactions.

We report a novel light-intensity dependent reactivity approach allowing us to selectively switch between triplet energy transfer and electron transfer reactions, or to regulate the redox potential available for challenging reductions. Simply by adjusting the light power density with an inexpensive lens while keeping all other parameters constant, we achieved control over one- and two-photon mechanisms, and successfully exploited our approach for lab-scale photoreactions using three substrate classes with excellent selectivities and good product yields. Specifically, our proof-of-concept study demonstrates that the irradiation intensity can be used to control (i) the available photoredox reactivity for reductive dehalogenations to selectively target either bromo- or chloro-substituted arenes, (ii) the photochemical cis–trans isomerization of olefins versus their photoreduction, and (iii) the competition between hydrogen atom abstraction and radical dimerization processes.

Contrasting Effect of Additives on Photoinduced Reactions of SmI2

The work described herein compares the effect of additives (HMPA, methanol, ethylene glycol, pinacol, N-methylethanolamine) on thermal and photochemical reactions of samarium diiodide (SmI₂ ). In thermal reactions, additives that coordinate to SmI₂ induce a significant increase in reaction rate. In photochemical reactions, the presence of an electronegative atom with a highly localized negative charge on the substrate leads to a rate deceleration. In order to benefit from the columbic interaction with the positively charged samarium cation, these substrates react preferentially by an inner sphere reduction mechanism. The addition of ligands prevents this close interaction causing rate retardation. Furthermore, studies demonstrate that excited state quenching of Sm^II by ethylene glycol and other additives indicate that it is unlikely to be the major cause for the observed rate retardation. This effect provides a simple diagnostic tool to distinguish between an inner and an outer sphere reduction mechanism.

Facile Encapsulation of Ln(II) Ions into Cryptate Complexes from LnI2(THF)2 Precursors (Ln = Sm, Eu, Yb)

The reactivity of LnI₂(THF)₂ (Ln = Sm, Eu, Yb; THF = tetrahydrofuran) with 2.2.2-cryptand (crypt) was explored to see if these readily accessible precursors could provide new examples of lanthanide-in-crypt complexes. The crystallographically characterized Ln(II)-in-crypt complexes [Ln(crypt)(DMF)₂][I]₂ (Ln = Sm, Eu) and [Yb(crypt)(DMF)][I]₂ (DMF = dimethylformamide) were synthesized by reacting LnI₂(THF)₂ (Ln = Sm, Eu, Yb) with crypt in THF and recrystallizing from DMF. Crystallographic data were also obtained on the Ln(II)-in-crypt (Ln = Sm, Eu) complexes [Ln(crypt)(DMF)₂][BPh₄]₂, which were synthesized by addition of 2 equiv of NaBPh₄ to [Ln(crypt)(DMF)₂][I]₂.

Rare earth elements: Mendeleev’s bane, modern marvels

The rare earths (REs) are a family of 17 elements that exhibit pronounced chemical similarities as a group, while individually expressing distinctive and varied electronic properties. These atomistic electronic properties are extraordinarily useful and motivate the application of REs in many technologies and devices. From their discovery to the present day, a major challenge faced by chemists has been the separation of RE elements, which has evolved from tedious crystallization to highly engineered solvent extraction schemes. The increasing incorporation and dependence of REs in technology have raised concerns about their sustainability and motivated recent studies for improved separations to achieve a circular RE economy.

A strategy to improve the performance of cerium(iii) photocatalysts

A structural modification strategy to improve the photocatalytic performance of molecular cerium(iii) luminophores was demonstrated.

Lanthanide Photocatalysis

The use of earth-abundant, cheap, potent, and readily available lanthanide photocatalysts provides an opportunity to complement or even replace rare and precious metal photosensitizers. Moreover, lanthanide photosensitizers have been demonstrated for the generation of a variety of reactive species, including aryl radicals, alkyl radicals, and others, by single-electron-transfer (SET) and hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) pathways under mild reaction conditions. Some lanthanide photocatalysts have unprecedented reducing power from their photoexcited states, achieving the activation of challenging organic substrates that have not otherwise been activated by reported organic or transition-metal photosensitizers. In this Account, we describe our recent advances in the rational design and strategic application of lanthanide photo(redox)catalysis. Our research goals include understanding the photophysics of lanthanide luminophores and incorporating them into new photocatalysis. Among the lanthanides, we have focused on cerium because of the doublet to doublet 4f → 5d excitation and emission, which affords good conservation of energy without losses through spin-state changes, as well as a large natural abundance of that element. We have performed structural, spectroscopic, computational, and reactivity studies to demonstrate that luminescent Ce(III) guanidinate-amide complexes can mediate photocatalytic C(sp³)-C(sp³) bond forming reactions. Taking advantage of the strong reducing power of the cerium excited states and the cerium-halogen bond forming enthalpies, we determined that the reactive, excited-state cerium metalloradical abstracts chloride anion from benzyl chloride to generate the benzyl radical. To control and predict the photocatalytic reactivities, we have also performed photophysical and photochemical studies on a series of mixed-ligand Ce(III) guanidinate-amide and guanidinate-aryloxide complexes to establish structure-property relationship for Ce(III) photocatalysts. We discovered that the emission color is directly related to ligand type and rigidity of the coordination sphere and that the photoluminescent quantum yield is correlated to variation in steric encumbrance around the cerium centers. The low excited-state reduction potentials ( E_1/2^* ≈ -2.1 to -2.9 V versus Cp₂Fe^0/+) and relatively fast quenching rates ( k_q ≈ 10⁷ M^-1 s^-1) toward aryl halides enabled the Ce(III) guanidinate-amide complexes to participate in photocatalytic C(sp²)-C(sp²) bond forming reactions through either inner-sphere or outer-sphere SET processes. We have also reported a simple, potent, and air-stable ultraviolet A photoreductant, the hexachlorocerate(III) anion ([Ce^IIICl₆]^3-). This complex is a potent photoreductant ( E_1/2^* ≈ -3.45 V versus Cp₂Fe^0/+) and exhibits a fast quenching kinetics ( k_q ≈ 10⁹-10¹⁰ M^-1 s^-1) toward organohalogens. The [Ce^IVCl₆]^2- redox partner can also act as a potent photo-oxidant though a (presumably) long-lived chloride-to-cerium(IV) charge transfer excited state (ε = ∼6000 M^-1 cm^-1), that was used to turnover photocatalytic dechlorination and Miyuara borylation reactions. With [Ce^IIICl₆]^3-, we achieved efficient photoinduced dehalogenation and borylation of unactivated aryl chlorides with broad substrate scope, through formally two-photon cycles where both Ce(III) and Ce(IV) act as photocatalysts. Lanthanide photoredox catalysis is now being applied in several contexts for reactions including photocatalytic dehydrogenation of amines, alkoxy-radical-mediated C-C bond cleavage and amination of alkanols, and C-H activation of alkanes. Overall, simple and potent lanthanide photocatalysis is expected to find practical applications in organic synthesis, pharmaceutical development, and small molecule activation.

Screening of ligands for redox-active europium using magnetic resonance imaging

We report a screening procedure to predict ligand coordination to Eu^II and Eu^III using magnetic resonance imaging in which bright images indicate complexation and dark images indicate no complexation. Here, paramagnetic Gd^III is used as a surrogate for Eu^III in the screening procedure to enable detection with magnetic resonance imaging. The screening procedure was tested using a set of eight ligands with known coordination to Eu^II and Eu^III, and results were found to be consistent with expected binding. Validation of the screening procedure with known coordination chemistry enables use with new ligands in the future.