Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of Volatile Lanthanide Dialkyltriazenides

Several dialkyltriazenide complexes of the lanthanide elements neodymium, europium, and erbium have been prepared; these include the homoleptic complex Er(Bu^tN₃Bu^t)₃, the tetrahydrofuran monoadducts Ln(Bu^tN₃Bu^t)₃(THF) where Ln = Nd or Eu, and the lithium salts [Li(THF)][Ln(MeN₃Bu^t)₄] where Ln = Eu or Er. Crystal structures, nuclear magnetic resonance data, and infrared data are reported for all complexes. The di-tert-butyltriazenide complexes are thermally stable, sublime at reasonably low temperatures, and show smooth volatilization without decomposition, which make them potentially useful in lanthanide separation processes and as chemical vapor deposition precursors for lanthanide nitrides and other phases.