New reaction of beta-diketiminatoeuropium complex: sterically induced oxidation-coupling of beta-diketiminato ligands

Attempted synthesis of sterically demanding tris-beta-diketiminate complexes of europium led to oxidation-coupling of beta-diketiminates and the formation of the THF-solvated divalent europium complex Eu(L(2,6-Me2))(2)(THF) (L(2,6-Me2) = [{N(2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3))-C(Me)}(2)CH](-)), while the normal tris-beta-diketiminate complex Eu(L 2-Me) 3 for the less bulky ligand L(2-Me) ([{N(2-MeC(6)H(4))-C(Me)}(2)CH](-)) was isolated by the same procedure.