Crystallographic characterization of divalent organosamarium compound (C₅H₅)₂Sm(THF)₂*

Abstract

The single pot reaction between SmX₂ (X = Cl¯,I¯) and ¹BuLi in THF at -40°C, followed by the addition of C₅H₅¯ Na⁺ results in a dark red solution. Leaving the concentrated reaction mixture at -25°C for two days in a deep freezer results in the formation of the crystals of the compound, (C₅H₅)₂Sm(THF)₂. The compound is insoluble in any solvent and it has been characterized by conventional methods. The crystals are monoclinic with space group C2/c, and a = 13.416(1), b = 9.644(1), c = 14.129(2) pm, β= 109.873(9)° and z = 4 for ρ_ealed = 1.64 g cm^-3. Least squares refinement of the basis of 1804 observed reflections has led to a final R value of 0.037 and R_w = 0.054.