Evidence for Substrate Binding by the Lanthanide Centers in [Li3(thf)n(binolate)3Ln]: Solution and Solid‐State Characterization of Seven‐ and Eight‐Coordinate [Li3(sol)n(binolate)3Ln(S)m] Adducts

A close bond: The heterobimetallic complexes [M3(thf)n(binolate)3Ln] (M=Li, Na, K) are among the most effective asymmetric Lewis acid catalysts. Previous solution and solid-state studies probing the ability of the lanthanide to bind organic substrates have provided ambiguous results. Definitive support for lanthanide–substrate interactions in solution and the solid state is presented.