Enantiomerically pure lutetium complexes were synthesized as the first rare earth metal complexes containing a chiral amidinate ligand. The catalytic activity and the enantioselectivity in hydroamination reactions were studied.

Chiral Lutetium Benzamidinate Complexes. -A novel enantiomerically pure lutetium complex is prepared and successfully applied as catalyst in the hydroamination reaction of aminoalkynes and aminoalkenes. -(BENNDORF, P.; JENTER, J.; ZIELKE, L.; ROESKY*, P. W.; Chem. Commun. (Cambridge) 47 (2011) 9, 2574-2576, http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/c0cc04962j ; Inst. Anorg. Chem., Karlsruhe Inst. Technol., D-76128 Karlsruhe, Germany; Eng.) -R. Staver 26-022