Channel-containing lanthanide mucate structures

The structure determination of M(2)muc(3).8H(2)O (M = La, Ce, Pr, Nd; muc = mucate, [OOC(CHOH)(4)COO](2-)) shows an open 3D network with hexagonal channels running parallel to the unique direction. A second crystalline form of hydrated Nd(2)muc(3) is obtained, which is shown to be a 2D polymer with the (6,3) topology and with a geometry resembling brickwork. In this structure, sheets of Nd(2)muc(3)(H2O)(4) are cemented to neighbours by an extensive hydrogen bonding system so as to generate parallel channels of almost square cross-section running normal to the sheets. Crystals of Eu(2)muc(3)(H2O)(4).10H(2)O are isostructural with the orthorhombic form of Nd(2)muc(3)(H2O)(4).10H(2)O.