Reduction of acetonitrile by neodymium diiodide: Molecular structure of [{(HNCMe)2MeCNH2}NdI(MeCN)5]I2 and [{(HNCMe)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 {(MeCNH)₂CMeNH₂]NdI(MeCN)₅}I₂ (2) and {(MeCNH)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(MeCN)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.