Rare-earth metal complexes having an unusual indolyl-1,2-dianion through C-H activation with a novel η1:(μ2-η1:η1) bonding with metals.

Studies on the reactions of 3-(tert-butyliminomethine)indole or 3-(tert-butylaminomethylene)indole with rare-earth metal amides [(Me(3)Si)(2)N](3)RE(III)(μ-Cl)Li(THF)(3) (RE = Y, Yb) led to the discovery of different reactivity patterns with isolation of novel rare-earth metal complexes having a unique indolyl-1,2-dianion in a novel η(1):(μ(2)-η(1):η(1)) bonding mode through C-H activation.