The Chemistry of Ca~(II) and Yb~(II): Astoundingly Similar But Not Equal!

摘要

The structures and chemical behavior of heavier alkaline-earth metal complexes (Ca, Sr, and Ba) have often been compared to that of early d- and f-block metal complexes. In particular, parallels with hot lanthanide(II) complexes have been observed. Lanthanide complexes are d0 species with a limited radial extension of their f orbitals. Therefore, orbital factors do not affect their chemistry as much as in transition-metal chemistry. As for complexes of the heavier alkaline-earth metals, their bonding and structures are mainly determined by electrostatic and steric factors.