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Double metal cyanide (DMC) complexes represent a unique family of materials with an open framework structure. The main current application of these complexes in chemical industry is their use as catalysts (DMCCs) of the ring-opening polymerization of propylene oxide (PO), yielding branched polyols, highly demanded in production of polyurethanes and surfactants. The actual problem of chemical fixing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere gave new impetus to the development of DMCCs, which turned out to be effective in oxirane/CO2 copolymerization. In recent years, new types and formulations of DMCCs were created, so that greater understanding of the reaction mechanisms was achieved and new fields of catalytic applications were found. In the present review, we summarized background and actual information about the synthesis, structure, and mechanisms of the action of DMCCs, as well as their application in the development of new materials and fine chemicals.

The polymerization of isobutylene allows us to obtain a wide spectrum of polyisobutylenes (PIBs) which differ in their molecular weight characteristics and the chemical structure of chain-end groups. The bulk of the PIBs manufactured worldwide are highly reactive polyisobutylenes (HRPIBs) with –C(Me)=CH2 end-groups and low-molecular weights (Mn < 5 kDa). HRPIBs are feedstocks that are in high demand in the manufacturing of additives for fuels and oils, adhesives, detergents, and other fine chemicals. In addition, HRPIBs and CMe2Cl-terminated PIBs are intensively studied with the aim of finding biomedical applications and for the purpose of developing new materials. Both chain control (molecular weight and dispersity) and chemoselectivity (formation of exo-olefinic or –CMe2Cl groups) should be achieved during polymerization. This review highlights the fundamental issues in the mechanisms of isobutylene polymerization and PIB analysis, examines actual catalytic approaches to PIBs, and describes recent studies on the functionalization and applications of HRPIBs and halogen-terminated PIBs.

A new terbium(III) complex with a (3,4-diphenyl)(2-methylthienyl)cyclopentadienyl ligand was synthesized. Single-crystal X-ray analysis revealed a binuclear biscyclopentadienyl complex with a [TbCl2K]2 core. Luminescence properties of the terbium complex were analyzed.

Modern industry of advanced polyolefins extensively uses Group 4 metallocene and post-metallocene catalysts. High-throughput polyolefin technologies demand the use of heterogeneous catalysts with a given particle size and morphology, high thermal stability, and controlled productivity. Conventional Group 4 metal single-site heterogeneous catalysts require the use of high-cost methylalumoxane (MAO) or perfluoroaryl borate activators. However, a number of inorganic phases, containing highly acidic Lewis and Brønsted sites, are able to activate Group 4 metal pre-catalysts using low-cost and affordable alkylaluminums. In the present review, we gathered comprehensive information on MAO- and borate-free activating supports of different types and discussed the surface nature and chemistry of these phases, examples of their use in the polymerization of ethylene and α-olefins, and prospects of the further development for applications in the polyolefin industry.

The air- and moisture-sensitive title compound, [Tb(C5H5)2(C14H12NO2)], was synthesized from tris(cyclopentadienyl)(tetrahydrofuran)terbium and 2-{[(2-methoxyphenyl)imino]methyl}phenol. Each Tb atom is coordinated by two cyclopentadienyl ligands in an η5-coordination mode and by one N and two O atoms of the organic ligand in a tridentate κ3O,N,O′-mode.

Despite large-scale investigations of homogeneous single-site metallocene catalysts and systems based on them, there are still unsolved problems related to the control of their activity and chemo- and stereoselectivity. A solution to these problems is required to develop efficient methods for the synthesis of practically useful products of alkene transformations, such as dimers, oligomers, and polymers. Here we studied the catalytic activity of structurally diverse zirconocenes (L2ZrCl2, L = Cp, C5Me5, Ind, L2 = Me2CCp2, Me2SiCp2, Me2C2Cp2, rac-Me2CInd2, rac-H4C2Ind2, BIPh(Ind)2, H4C2[THInd]2), and co-catalysts activating the system, namely HAlBui2, MMAO-12, and (Ph3C)[B(C6F5)4], at low activator/Zr ratios in a 1-hexene oligomerization reaction. The influence of catalyst structure and system composition on the alkene conversion, the type of products, and the reaction stereoselectivity were investigated. The composition of hydride intermediates formed in the L2ZrCl2–HAlBui2–activator system (L2 = ansa-Me2CCp2, Ind) was studied by NMR spectroscopy. Participation of the bis-zirconium hydride complex as the precursor of catalytically active sites of the alkene dimerization reaction was shown.

Macromolecules containing acidic fragments in side-groups—polyacids—occupy a special place among synthetic polymers. Properties and applications of polyacids are directly related to the chemical structure of macromolecules: the nature of the acidic groups, polymer backbone, and spacers between the main chain and acidic groups. The chemical nature of the phosphorus results in the diversity of acidic >P(O)OH fragments in sidechain phosphorus-containing polyacids (PCPAs) that can be derivatives of phosphoric or phosphinic acids. Sidechain PCPAs have many similarities with other polyacids. However, due to the relatively high acidity of –P(O)(OH)2 fragment, bone and mineral affinity, and biocompatibility, sidechain PCPAs have immense potential for diverse applications. Synthetic approaches to sidechain PCPAs also have their own specifics. All these issues are discussed in the present review.

The mononuclear title complex, [Eu(C24H34O4P)3(CH4O)5]·CH4O, (1), has been obtained as a minor product in the reaction between EuCl3(H2O)6 and lithium bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl) phosphate in a 1:3 molar ratio in a methanol medium. Its structure exhibits monoclinic (P21/c) symmetry at 120 K and is isostructural with the La, Ce and Nd analogs reported previously [Minyaev et al. (2018a). Acta Cryst. C74, 590–598]. In (1), all three bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl) phosphate ligands display the terminal κ1O-coordination mode. All of the hydroxy H atoms are involved in O—H...O hydrogen bonding, exhibiting four intramolecular and two intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Photophysical studies have demonstrated luminescence of (1) with a low quantum yield.

Among natural and synthetic polymers, main-chain phosphorus-containing polyacids (PCPAs) (polyphosphodiesters), stand in a unique position at the intersection of chemistry, physics, biology and medicine. The structural similarity of polyphosphodiesters PCPAs to natural nucleic and teichoic acids, their biocompatibility, mimicking to biomolecules providing the ‘stealth effect’, high bone mineral affinity of polyphosphodiesters resulting in biomineralization at physiological conditions, and adjustable hydrolytic stability of polyphosphodiesters are the basis for various biomedical, industrial and household applications of this type of polymers. In the present review, we discuss the synthesis, properties and actual applications of polyphosphodiesters.

A series of potassium salts of di- and tri-arylsubstituted cyclopentadienes has been obtained by the metalation of the corresponding cyclopentadienes with benzylpotassium in THF media. Crystals of all compounds, afforded by recrystallization from THF/hexane, diglyme-THF/hexane and toluene/hexane mixtures, have been studied by X-ray diffraction. All studied potassium cyclopentadienides exhibit the luminescence at room temperature and overall quantum yield of photoluminescence for potassium salt of diarylsubstituted cyclopentadiene is 18%.

Olefin and diene transformations, catalyzed by organoaluminum-activated metal complexes, are widely used in synthetic organic chemistry and form the basis of major petrochemical processes. However, the role of M–(μ-Cl)–Al bonding, being proven for certain >C=C< functionalization reactions, remains unclear and debated for essentially more important industrial processes such as oligomerization and polymerization of α-olefins and conjugated dienes. Numerous publications indirectly point at the significance of M–(μ-Cl)–Al bonding in Ziegler–Natta and related transformations, but only a few studies contain experimental or at least theoretical evidence of the involvement of M–(μ-Cl)–Al species into catalytic cycles. In the present review, we have compiled data on the formation of M–(μ-Cl)–Al complexes (M = Ti, Zr, V, Cr, Ni), their molecular structure, and reactivity towards olefins and dienes. The possible role of similar complexes in the functionalization, oligomerization and polymerization of α-olefins and dienes is discussed in the present review through the prism of the further development of Ziegler–Natta processes and beyond.

Reductive cyclization of 1,3,5-triphenyl- and 3-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1,5-diphenylpentane-1,5-diones by zinc in acetic acid medium leads to the formation of 1,2,4-triphenylcyclopentane-1,2-diol [1,2,4-Ph3C5H5-1,2-(OH)2, C23H22O2, (I)] and 4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1,2-diphenylcyclopentane-1,2-diol [4-(2-MeOC6H4)-1,2-Ph2C5H5-1,2-(OH)2, C24H24O3, (II)]. Their single crystals have been obtained by crystallization from a THF/hexane solvent mixture. Diols (I) and (II) crystallize in orthorhombic (Pbca) and triclinic (P\overline{1}) space groups, respectively, at 150 K. Their asymmetric units comprise one [in the case of (I)] and three [in the case of (II)] crystallographically independent molecules of the achiral (1R,2S,4r)-diol isomer. Each hydroxyl group is involved in one intramolecular and one intermolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond, forming one-dimensional chains. Compounds (I) and (II) have been used successfully as precatalyst activators for the ring-opening polymerization of ∊-caprolactone.

The solvated centrosymmmtric title compound, [Li2(C24H34O4P)2(C10H8N2)2]·2C7H8, was formed in the reaction between {Li[(2,6-iPr2C6H3-O)2POO](MeOH)3}(MeOH) and 2,2′-bipyridine (bipy) in toluene. The structure has monoclinic (P21/n) symmetry at 120 K and the asymmetric unit consists of half a complex molecule and one molecule of toluene solvent. The diaryl phosphate ligand demonstrates a μ-κO:κO′-bridging coordination mode and the 2,2′-bipyridine ligand is chelating to the Li+ cation, generating a distorted tetrahedral LiN2O2 coordination polyhedron. The complex exhibits a unique dimeric Li2O4P2 core. One isopropyl group is disordered over two orientations in a 0.621 (4):0.379 (4) ratio. In the crystal, weak C—H...O and C—H...π interactions help to consolidate the packing. Catalytic systems based on the title complex and on the closely related complex {Li[(2,6-iPr2C6H3-O)2POO](MeOH)3}(MeOH) display activity in the ring-opening polymerization of ∊-caprolactone and l-dilactide.

Single crystals of the title compound, [Al(iBu)2(O2CCPh3)]2 or [Al2(C4H9)4(C20H15O2)2], have been formed in the reaction between tris(tetrahydrofuran)tris(triphenylacetato)neodymium, [Nd(Ph3CCOO)3(THF)3], and triisobutylaluminium, Al(iBu)3, in hexane followed by low-temperature crystallization (243 K) from the reaction mixture. The structure has triclinic (P\overline{1}) symmetry at 120 K. The dimeric complex [Al(iBu)2(O2CCPh3-μ-κO:κO′)]2 is located about an inversion centre. The triphenylacetate ligand displays a μ-κO:κO′-bridging coordination mode, leading to the formation of an octagonal Al2O4C2 core. The complex displays HPh...CPh intermolecular interactions.

The title compound, [Al2La2(C20H15O2)4(CH3)6(CH3O)2]·4CH3C6H5 or [{La(Ph3CCOO)2(Me3AlOMe)}2]·4CH3C6H5, was formed in a reaction between lanthanum tris(tetramethylaluminate) and triphenylacetic acid (1:1) with unintended partial oxidation. The triphenylacetate ligand exhibits μ2-κ1O:κ1O′ bridging and μ2-κ2O,O′:κ1O semi-bridging coordination modes, forming a dimeric La2(μ-OCO)4 core. The semi-bridging triphenylacetate group provides additional bonding with an La3+ cation via the π-system of one of its phenyl rings. The trimethylmethoxyaluminate anion, which is coordinated to the La3+ cation by its O atom, displays a rather long La—CMe bond. Two toluene molecules are each disordered over two orientations about centres of symmetry with site occupancy factors of 0.5. The title compound represents the first example of an LnIII complex containing both alkyl alkoxide aluminate and π-bounded arene fragments.

Biodegradable polyesters represent an advanced alternative to polyolefin plastics in various applications. Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) can compete with polyolefins in terms of their mechanical characteristics and melt processing conditions. The properties of PBAT depend on the molecular weight, dispersity, and architecture of the copolymer. Long-chain branching (LCB) of the PBAT backbone is an efficient method for the improvement of the copolymer characteristics. In the present work, we studied branching agents (BAs) 1–7 of different structures in the two-stage polycondensation of 1,4-butanediol, dimethyl terephthalate, and adipic acid and investigated the composition and melt rheology of the copolymers. According to the results of the research, 1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)ethane 2 and 3-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylpropanoic acid 5 outperformed glycerol 1 as BAs in terms of shear thinning behavior and viscoelasticity.

The title compound, [Mn(C24H34O4P)(CH3OH)5](C24H34O4P)·3CH3OH, was formed in the reaction between a hydrate of a manganese(II) salt [either Mn(NO3)2(H2O)6 or MnCl2(H2O)4] with a methanol solvate of lithium bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl) phosphate, {Li[OOP(O-2,6-iPr2C6H3)2]·(CH4O)3}·CH4O, in methanol. The structure has monoclinic (Cc) symmetry at 150 K. The complex consists of an [Mn{OOP(O-2,6-iPr2C6H3)2}(CH3OH)5]+ cation, an [OOP(O-2,6-iPr2C6H3)2]− anion and three non-coordinating methanol molecules. The anion demonstrates disorder of an isopropyl group [occupancy ratio is 0.57 (4):0.43 (4)]. The diarylphosphate ligand in the cation exhibits a κ1O terminal coordination mode. The Mn atom is in a nearly unperturbed octahedral environment. The [Mn{OOP(O-2,6-iPr2C6H3)2}(CH3OH)5]+ cation exhibits one intramolecular O—H...O bond, and is coordinated via two intermolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds to the [OOP(O-2,6-iPr2C6H3)2]− anion. The cations, anions and non-coordinating methanol molecules are linked into infinite chains along the c-axis direction via 0—H...O hydrogen bonding. The complex is of interest as a possible inhibitor for the thermal decomposition of polydimethylsiloxane. The crystal studied was refined as an inversion twin with a domain ratio of 0.47 (3):0.53 (3).

The title compounds, C9H12O6 and C10H14O6, were formed by careful hydrolysis of the corresponding diethyl esters. Their single crystals were grown from an ethyl acetate/hexane mixture. Crystals of both compounds have monoclinic (P21) symmetry with a single molecule in the asymmetric unit. Both crystal structures are very similar and display four –CO—OH...O=C(OH)– hydrogen bonds, forming a two-dimensional double-layered framework.

The title complex, [Lu2(C17H28O4P)6]·2C7H16, was formed in the reaction between potassium 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenyl ethyl phosphate, [K(2,6-tBu2-4-MeC6H2-O)(EtO)PO2], and LuCl3(H2O)6 in water, followed by vacuum drying and recrystallization from heptane. Its crystal structure has triclinic (P\overline{1}) symmetry at 120 K. The lutetium tris(phosphate) complex has a binuclear [Lu2(μ-OPO)4] core and the organophosphate ligand exhibits κ2O,O′ terminal and μ2-κ1O:κ1O′ bridging coordination modes with the LuIII ion being sixfold coordinated. The complex is of interest as a precatalyst in the acrylonitrile polymerization process and displays good catalytic activity under mild conditions.

The aim of the research is the development of a one-pot method for the synthesis of lignans, natural compounds that show a wide spectrum of biological activities. For this purpose, the ansa-zirconocenes of various structures were tested as catalysts of allylbenzene cyclometalation with ethylaluminum dichloride (EtAlCl2) and Mg. The effects of the organophosphorus compounds, hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA) and triphenylphosphine (PPh3), on the chemo- and regioselectivity of the reaction were studied. The use of η5-indenyl or fluorenyl ansa-complexes with ethanediyl or dimethylsilylene bridges, as well as a biscyclopentadienyl complex with Si-bound ligands as catalysts in the presence of HMPA, yields the formation of cyclometalation products in a total yield of 70%. Cyclometalation product composition is represented by two regioisomers, 3,4-dibenzyl- and 2,4-dibenzyl-substituted alumolanes, with a ratio of (1-2):1, in which hydrolysis provides corresponding dibenzylbutane lignan and 9,8′-neo-lignan.

Ultra-high molecular weight poly-α-olefins are widely used as drag reducing agents (DRAs) for pipeline transportation of oil and refined petroleum products. The synthesis of polyolefin DRAs is based on low-temperature Ziegler–Natta (ZN) polymerization of higher α-olefins. 1-Hexene based DRAs, the most effective at room temperature, typically lose DR activity at low temperatures. The use of 1-hexene copolymers with C8–C12 linear α-olefins appears to offer a solution to the problem of low-temperature drag reducing. The present work aims to develop two-stage synthesis of polyolefin DRAs that is based on selective oligomerization of ethylene in the presence of efficient chromium/aminodiphosphine catalysts (Cr-PNP), followed by polymerization of the olefin mixtures, formed at oligomerization stage, using efficient titanium–magnesium ZN catalyst. We have shown that oligomerization of ethylene in α-olefin reaction media proceeds faster than in saturated hydrocarbons, providing the formation of 1-hexene, 1-octene, and branched C10 and C12 olefins; the composition and the ratio of the reaction products depended on the nature of PNP ligand. Oligomerizates were used in ZN polymerization ‘as is’, without additional treatment. Due to branched character of C10+ hydrocarbons, formed during oligomerization of ethylene, resulting polyolefins demonstrate higher low-temperature DR efficiency at low polymer concentrations (~1 ppm) in comparison with benchmark polymers prepared from the mixtures of linear α-olefins and from pure 1-hexene. We assume that faster solubility and more efficient solvation of the polyolefins, prepared using ‘tandem’ ethylene-based process, represent an advantage of these type polymers over conventional poly(1-hexene) and linear α-olefin-based polymers when used as ‘winter’ DRAs.

Low-temperature properties of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), and their blends were studied. The analyzed low-temperature mechanical properties involve the deformation resistance and impact strength characteristics. HDPE is a bimodal ethylene/1-hexene copolymer; LDPE is a branched ethylene homopolymer containing short-chain branches of different length; LLDPE is a binary ethylene/1-butene copolymer and an ethylene/1-butene/1-hexene terpolymer. The samples of copolymers and their blends were studied by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), 13C NMR spectroscopy, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) using testing machines equipped with a cryochamber. It is proposed that such parameters as “relative elongation at break at −45 °C” and “Izod impact strength at −40 °C” are used instead of the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature to assess frost resistance properties because these parameters are more sensitive to deformation and impact at subzero temperatures for HDPE. LLDPE is shown to exhibit higher relative elongation at break at −45 °C and Izod impact strength at −20 ÷ 60 °C compared to those of LDPE. LLDPE terpolymer added to HDPE (at a content ≥ 25 wt.%) simultaneously increases flow properties and improves tensile properties of the blend at −45 °C. Changes in low-temperature properties as a function of molecular weight, MWD, crystallinity, and branch content were determined for HDPE, LLDPE, and their blends. The DMA data prove the resulting dependences. The reported findings allow one to understand and predict mechanical properties in the HDPE–LLDPE systems at subzero temperatures.

In the title compound, [(tBuSiMe2O)2MoO2(2,2′-bipyridine)] or [Mo(C6H15OSi)2O2(C10H8N2)], the MoVI atom has a distorted octahedral environment with the siloxy substituents occupying the trans positions. The complex contains a rare (R3SiO)2MO2 (M = Mo, W) structural motif and was formed in a reaction between sodium molybdate and tert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride in the presence of 2,2-bipyridine. In the crystal, neighbouring molecules are linked by C—H...O=Mo hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along the a-axis direction.

The data presented in this paper are related to the research article entitled ''Mechanistic study of transesterification in TBD-catalyzed ring-opening polymerization of methyl ethylene phosphate'' (Nifant'ev et al., 2019). In this data article, we present 3D molecular information of 76 structures for TBD-catalyzed transformations of methyl ethylene phosphate (MeOEP) and trimethyl phosphate (TMP). We also present 3D molecular information for 24 complexes that model the reaction profile of transesterification of poly(MeOEP) and TMP catalyzed by 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenoxy magnezium species, complementing the article ''Mechanistic insights of BHT-Mg-catalyzed ethylene phosphate's coordination ring-opening polymerization: DFT modeling and experimental data'' (Nifant'ev et al., 2018). The data contains stationary points and transition states (TS) along the first propagation step of MeOEP ring-opening polymerization (ROP) for alternative amide and donor-acceptor mechanisms, initiated by EtOH in the presence of TBD; stationary points and TS for MeOH and HOCH2CH2OP(O)(OMe)2 initiated ROP of MeOEP; and stationary points and TS for transesterification of poly(MeOEP) and TMP. In addition, the data contains stationary points and transition states for the ROP of MeOEP and transesterification of poly(MeOEP) and TMP catalyzed by 2,6-di-tert-butylphenoxy magnesium complex. The data are provided in a PDB format that can be used for further studies. Keywords: DFT, Ring-opening polymerization, Ethylene phosphates, Organocatalysis, Coordination catalysis

The compositions based on bimodal high-density polyethylene (HDPE, copolymer of ethylene with hexene-1) and in mixture with monomodal tercopolymer of ethylene with butene-1/hexene-1 (LLDPE, low-density polyethylene) have been studied. Phase equilibrium, thermodynamic parameters of interdiffusion in a wide range of temperatures and ratios of co-components were identified by refractometry, differential scanning calorimetry, optical laser interferometry, X-ray phase analysis. The phase state diagrams of the HDPE—LLDPE systems were constructed. It has been established that they belong to the class of state diagrams of “solid crystal solutions with unrestricted mixing of components”. The paired parameters of the components interaction and their temperature dependences were calculated. Thermodynamic compatibility of α-olefins in the region of melts and crystallization of one of the components has been shown. The kinetics of formation of interphase boundaries during crystallization of α-olefins has been analyzed. The morphology of crystallized gradient diffusion zones has been analyzed by optical polarization microscopy. The sizes of spherulites in different areas of concentration profiles and values of interdiffusion coefficients were determined.

The expansion of the range of physico-chemical methods in the study of industrially significant α-olefin oligomers and polymers is of particular interest. In our article, we present a comparative Raman study of structurally uniform hydrogenated dimers, trimers, tetramers, and pentamers of 1-hexene and 1-octene, that are attractive as bases for freeze-resistant engine oils and lubricants. We found out that the joint monitoring of the disorder longitudinal acoustic mode (D-LAM) and symmetric C–C stretching modes allows the quantitative characterization of the number and length of alkyl chains (i.e., two structural characteristics), upon which the pour point and viscosity of the hydrocarbons depend, and to distinguish these compounds from both each other and linear alkanes. We demonstrated that the ratio of the contents of CH2 and CH3 groups in these hydrocarbons can be determined by using the intensities of the bands in the spectra, related to the asymmetric stretching vibrations of these groups. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations were applied to reveal the relations between the wavenumber and bandshape of the symmetric C–C stretching mode and a conformation arrangement of the 1-hexene and 1-octene dimers. We found that the branched double-chain conformation results in the splitting of the C–C mode into two components with the wavenumbers, which can be used as a measure of the length of branches. This conformation is preferable to the extended-chain conformation for hydrogenated 1-hexene and 1-octene dimers.

Organophosphate-chloride complexes [{(2,6-iPr2C6H3-O)2POO}2LnCl(CH3OH)4]·2CH3OH, Ln = Nd (1), Eu (2), Gd (3), and Tb (4) have been obtained and structurally characterized. Their reaction with 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine leads to the formation of 1:1 adducts ([{(2,6-iPr2C6H3-O)2POO}2LnCl(terpy)(H2O)2(CH3OH)], Ln = Eu (5), Gd (6), Tb (7) with exception of Nd, where tris-diisopropylphenylphosphate complex [{(2,6-iPr2C6H3-O)2POO}3Nd) (terpy)(H2O)(CH3OH)] (8) was obtained due to the ligand metathesis. A bright luminescence observed for the Eu and Tb organophosphate complexes is the first example of an application of organophosphate ligands for 4f-ions luminescence sensitization. Photophysical properties of all complexes were analyzed by optical spectroscopy and an energy transfer scheme was discussed. A combination of two types of ligands into the coordination sphere (phosphate and phenanthroline) allows designing the Eu surrounding with very high intrinsic quantum yield QEuEu (0.92) and highly luminescent Ln complexes for both visible and near-infrared (NIR) regions.

Crystals of the title compound, [Li{OOP(O-2,6-iPr2C6H3)2}(CH3OH)3]·CH3OH or [Li(C24H34O4P)(CH3OH)3]·CH3OH, have been formed in the reaction between HOOP(O-2,6-iPr2C6H3)2 and LiOH in methanol. The title compound is of interest as it represents the first reported crystal structure of the family of lithium phosphate diesters. The {Li(CH3OH)3[O2P(O-iPr2C6H3)2]} unit displays the Li atom in a slightly distorted tetrahedral coordination environment and exhibits one intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond between a coordinating methanol molecule and the terminal non-coordinating O atom of the phosphate group. The unit is connected with two non-coordinating methanol molecules through two intermolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds, and with a neighbouring unit through two other O—H...O interactions. These intermolecular hydrogen bonds lead to the formation of infinite chains along [100]. There are no significant interactions between the chains.