Synthesis and Structure of the Cerium Schiff‐Base Complexes [Ce(Salen′)₂] and [(THF)₂KCe(Salen′)₂]

The synthesis of [Ce(Salen′) 2 ] ( 1 ) (H 2 Salen′ = N,N′ ‐bis(3,5‐di‐ tert ‐butylsalicylidene)ethylenediamine) was performed using two different approaches. CeCl 3 reacts with two equivalents of K 2 Salen′ in THF under the formation of [(THF) 2 KCe(Salen′) 2 ] ( 2 ). Complex 2 could be converted to the Ce IV complex 1 via oxidation with p ‐benzoquinone and air, respectively. The reversible reduction process was realized using elemental potassium in boiling THF. Furthermore, the reaction of the Ce IV starting material [( t BuO) 4 Ce(THF) 2 ] with the “free” ligand H 2 Salen′ in boiling toluene lead in the formation of 1 as well.