Characterization of the Reaction Products of Laser-Ablated Late Lanthanide Metal Atoms with Dinitrogen. Matrix IR Spectra of LnN, (LnN)2, and Ln(NN)x Molecules

This paper comprises the final section of a two-part study of the small nitride molecules and simple dinitrogen complexes of the lanthanide metals, except promethium. Simple nitrides of the general formulas LnN and (LnN) 2 have been identified for Ln = Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu. Further elucidation of the Ln(N 2 ) and Ln(NN) 2 complexes is presented. The evidence supports the anticipated conclusion that the later lanthanide metals are less prone to dinitrogen complexation and that the nitrides of the later lanthanide metals require fewer dinitrogen units to achieve saturation.