The first crystal and molecular structure of lanthanide homodinuclear macrocyclic complexes showing metal–metal pair interactions

Abstract

Template condensation of 2,6-diformyl-p-cresol with 3,6-dioxa-1,8-octanediamine in the presence of lanthanide nitrates, yields homodinuclear macrocyclic complexes; solution of the structure of the gadolinium complex confirms encapsulation of a lanthanide cation pair in the macrocycle and luminescence of Eu³⁺ indicates Eu–Eu interactions.