Abstract:

Although a plethora of molecular complexes containing +2 ions for all the rare-earth metals (Ln; Ln = Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu), except radioactive Pm, have been isolated, the factors which determine the successful synthesis and subsequent stability of these Ln(II) complexes are unclear. Molecular complexes containing a +3 or +2 thorium metal ion are far more scarce. Consequently, the factors affecting their successful synthesis are even less understood. The research presented in this dissertation explores the role that steric factors play in the successful isolation of new molecular complexes containing rare-earth metal and actinide metal ions in low oxidation states.