Rare Earth Chelates of 1,1,1,2,2,3,3-Heptafluoro-7,7-Dimethyl-4,6-Octanedione

Fifteen chelates of the ligand 1,1,1,2,2,3,3-heptafluOro-7,7-dimethyl-4,6-octanedione, H(fod), with trivalent rare earth metal ions have been synthesized and investigated. The tris chelates are more volatile than any other known lanthanide compounds. The complexes have been characterized by their elemental analyses, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, melting points, molecular weights, and Karl Fischer titrations. All of the complexes [except that of Set, III), which is anhydrous] are isolated as monohydrates which can be easily dehydrated in vacuo over P₄O₁₀. The complexes have been studied by gas chromatography and thermogravimetric analysis. The results indicate an increase in volatility with a decrease in the radius of the central metal ion.