Abstract
Lanthanide-oxo/hydroxo clusters (LOCs) in this mini-review refer to polynuclear complexes featuring a polyhedral metal-oxo/hydroxo cluster core of lanthanide ions exclusively or with coexisting 3d metal ions. We summarize herein the recent works using this unique family of cluster complexes for catalysis; this aspect of research stands in stark contrast to their extensively studied synthetic and structural chemistry as well as the much-researched magnetic properties. Following a brief introduction of the synthetic strategies for these clusters, pertinent results from available literature reports are surveyed and discussed according to the types of catalyzed reactions. Particular attention was paid to the selection of a cluster catalyst for a specific type of reactions as well as the corresponding reaction mechanism. To the end, the advantages and challenges in utilizing LOCs as multifunctional catalysts are summarized, and possible future research directions are proposed.
Highlights
Lanthanide-oxo/hydroxo clusters (LOCs) in this mini-review refer to polynuclear complexes featuring a polyhedral metal-oxo/hydroxo cluster core of lanthanide ions exclusively or with coexisting 3d metal ions
Starting from the late 1990s, a unique class of polynuclear Ln complexes characterized with well-defined polyhedral Ln-oxo/hydroxo cluster (LOC) core motifs appeared in the literature [4,5]
Research on LOCs has been primarily concerned with the development of high-nuclearity Gd-containing clusters because of their potential applications for magnetic refrigeration, which is an energy-efficient and environment-friendly cooling technology [8]
Summary
Polynuclear lanthanide (Ln) complexes are of interest because of their attractive molecular structures, interesting luminescence and magnetic properties, and potentially useful applications [1,2,3]. LOCs promise catalytic potentials due to the unique electronic properties inherent to Ln ions. With multiple metal offers theorpossibility for synergistic catalysis; this structural the recognition of the unique electronic and structural features of LOCs, a small number feature is unavailable in mononuclear or low-nuclearity Ln complexes or Ln MOFs. With of have of conducted onand the structural catalytic properties. With of have of conducted onand the structural catalytic properties These exciting thegroups recognition the uniqueresearch electronic features of of LOCs, a small number of results surveyed in this mini-review. Brief summary is provided toward thevein end,may together with some personal thoughts regarding where future research in this vein may take us
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