The crystal structures of [Pr(dbm)3H2O] (1), [Sm(dbm)3H2O] (2), and [Er(dbm)3H2O] (3) have been determined (dbm=dibenzoylmethane). They display seven-coordinate propeller-shaped molecules, which are chiral and crystallize as conglomerates in space group R3. Analysis of the crystal structures reveals supramolecular interactions, including formation of a quadruple helix, which explain how stereochemical information can be transferred between stacks of molecules. A method to quantify the ee in bulk samples of stereochemically labile compounds by using solid-state CD spectroscopy is described. Using this method, it has been shown that compounds 1-3 undergo total spontaneous resolution directly after synthesis, forming a microcrystalline reaction product that is essentially enantiopure. The resolution of bulk quantities of seven-coordinate complexes (without chiral or polydentate ligands) is thus reported for the first time. Because the crystallization starts without seeding, the overall preparation may be regarded as absolute asymmetric synthesis.

Two new six-coordinate Grignard reagents, cis-[(p-CH(3)C(6)H(4))MgBr(dme)(2)] (1) and cis-[MgCH(3)(thf)(dme)(2)]I (2), have been synthesized and their crystal structures have been determined. Both reagents are cis-octahedral and therefore chiral. They crystallize as conglomerates and racemize rapidly in solution. By utilizing these properties, the absolute asymmetric synthesis of specifically the Delta or the Lambda enantiomer was achieved for both Grignard reagents. Enantiopure 1 and 2 were then reacted with butyraldehyde or benzaldehyde to give the corresponding alcohol in up to 22 % enantiomeric excess. At -60 degrees C, the Grignard reagents crystallize as racemic phases instead of conglomerates. Consequently, the crystal structures of rac-cis-[(p-CH(3)C(6)H(4))MgBr(dme)(2)].DME (3) and rac-cis-[MgCH(3)(thf)(dme)(2)]I (4) could be determined.

The right- and left-handed propeller-shaped enantiomers of the eight-coordinate SmI(2) complexes shown can be resolved by crystallization from dimethoxyethane (dme) at ambient temperature. Apart from representing a new type of chiral metal complex, such enantiomers are potential reagents for enantioselective reductions.

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