Joaquim B. Branco

Synthesis and characterization of polynuclear lanthanide aryloxides

The reactions of europium and ytterbium in liquid ammonia with a solution of 1-naphthol in tetrahydrofuran provide a convenient route to lanthanide aryloxides. The polymetallic lanthanide complexes [Eu 4 (μ-OC 10 H 7 ) 6 (OC 10 H 7 ) 2 (THF) 10 ].2THF 1 and [Yb(μ-OC 10 H 7 )-(OC 10 H 7 ) 2 (THF)(MeCN)] 2 .2MeCN 2 were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction studies.

Selective isoprene hydrogenation over LnNi (Ln=Pr, Gd, Tm) intermetallic compounds

Abstract Isoprene hydrogenation on LnNi (Ln=Pr, Gd, Tm) rare earth intermetallic compounds has been studied. The effect of rare earth elements on nickel catalytic behaviour was investigated. The results at steady state indicate that the compounds are all more active than pure nickel. The main reaction products are 2M2B (2-methyl-2-butene) and 2M1B (2-methyl-1-butene) with a selectivity greater than 90%. The activity at t o (initial time reaction) and the selectivity at isoprene isoactivity clearly indicate the promotion of nickel’s catalytic behaviour by the rare earth element.

Europium(II) and ytterbium(II) aryloxide chemistry: synthesis and crystal structure of [Eu(OC6H3But2-2,6)2(THF)3]·0.75C7H8 and [Yb(OC6H3But2-2,6)2(NCMe)4]

Abstract The reactions of europium and ytterbium with 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol were studied by the metal vapour synthesis technique and by dissolution in liquid ammonia. The lanthanide complexes [Eu(OC6H3But2-2,6)2(THF)3]·0.75C7H8 1 and [Yb(OC6H3But2-2,6)2(NCMe)4] 2 were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction studies.