The synthesis and lanthanide coordination chemistry of 2,6-bis[(dicyclohexyl)phosphino-methyl]pyridine N,P,P′-trioxide

The title pyridine N-oxide ligand and its pyridine precursor were prepared and characterized by spectroscopic methods. The coordination chemistry was examined with Er(NO3)3, and the 1:1 complex of the pyridine N-oxide ligand, Er(L)(NO3)3 · Me2CO, was isolated and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction methods. The complex contains a nine coordinate Er(III) ion bonded to a tridentate ligand and three bidentate nitrate ions.