Efficient fixation of atmospheric CO2 as carbonate by lanthanide-based complex via synergistic effect of zinc ion.

Reactions of [Zn(L)(H2O)] precursor and EuCl3 with the aid of CO3(2-) ions derived from atmospheric CO2 affording an unusual heteropolynuclear cluster [Zn4L4Eu4(CO3)6]·EtOH. In the core of the cluster, four hetero-binuclear [ZnLEu] units linked by six CO3(2-) anions forms a well defined [Zn4Eu4] skeleton with good planarity, which plays an important role in stabilizing the cluster.