Templated assembly of a μ6-CO32- dodecanuclear lanthanum dibenzoylmethanide hydroxido cluster with concomitant formation of phenylglyoxylate

Reaction of LaCl3 and dibenzoylmethane (Ph(2)acacH) in methanol with an excess of triethylamine resulted in the unexpected formation of a dodecanuclear hydroxo-bridged La cluster templated by CO32- and phenylglyoxylate (Phgly), as determined by X-ray crystallography.