| This thesis describes the synthesis, structural analysis, and chemistry of tris(trimethylsilylcyclopentadienyl) complexes of lanthanum and lutetium, Cp'3Ln. These complexes were synthesized for the purpose of being used as precursors in the synthesis of new Ln2+ complexes by alkali metal reduction of Cp'3Ln to form [(18-crown-6)K][Cp'3Ln]. Unusual ligand hydrolysis reactivity is discussed as well as the formation of an unusual tetrametallic allyl complex, [Cp'2Lu(micro-&eegr;1:&eegr; 1-C3H5)]4. |
