Synthesis and Structural Diversity of Heterobimetallic Lanthanide–Potassium Complexes and Catalytic Activity for Amidation of Aldehydes with Amines

Four heterobimetallic lanthanide–potassium complexes stabilized by the carbon-bridged bis(phenolate) ligand MBMP 2– (MBMP = 2,2′-methylene bis(6- tert -butyl-4-methylphenolate)), [{(MBMP) 2 La(THF) 2 } 2 K][K(THF) 6 ] ( 1 ), [(MBMP)Nd(μ-MBMP)K(THF)] 2 ( 2 ), [(THF) 2 Sm(MBMP) 2 K(THF) 2 ] ( 3 ), and [(THF) 2 Yb(MBMP) 2 K(THF) 3 ] ( 4 ), were synthesized, and their structural features were provided. It was found that the ionic radii of lanthanide metals have a profound effect on the structures of the heterobimetallic complexes. Complexes 1 to 4 are efficient catalysts for amidation reactions of aldehydes with amines to produce amides in good to excellent yields under mild conditions.