Synthesis, structure and reactivity of rare-earth metal complexes containing anionic phosphorus ligands

A comprehensive review of structurally characterized rare-earth metal complexes containing anionic phosphorus ligands is presented. Since rare-earth elements form hard ions and phosphorus is considered as a soft ligand, the rare-earth metal phosphorus coordination is regarded as a less favorite combination. Three classes of phosphorus ligands, (1) the monoanionic organophosphide ligands (PR 2 − ) bearing one negative charge on the phosphorus atom; (2) the dianionic phosphinidene (PR 2− ) and P 3− ligands; and (3) the pure inorganic polyphosphide ligands (P n x − ), are included here. Particular attention has been paid to the synthesis, structure, and reactivity of the rare-earth metal phosphides. This review deals with the synthesis and the structures of rare-earth metal phosphides and polyphosphides. Moreover, the catalytic applications and the reactivity of certain rare-earth metal phosphides are discussed.