Reactive metal-organics embracing the rare earth and alkaline earth metals

Highly reactive rare earth/lanthanoid and heavy alkaline earth (Ca, Sr, Ba) organometallic and metal-organic
compounds, are to be prepared, especially from the metals, and their structures and reactions studied. The target
systems include pseudo-Grignard reagents Ln(Ae)R(X) including the rare fluorides, intermediates from use of
lanthanoid reagents in organic synthesis, compounds in unusual high oxidation states, complexes primed for C-F
activation, and Ln(Ae)/Al bimetallics as isoprene polymerisation catalysts. The studies provide a knowledge base
and expertise for the utilisation of Australia's abundant rare earth and Ca resources in chemical manufacture,
catalysis, and recycling, and will transform the current behaviour of the elements.