Tailoring functionality through synthetic strategy in heterolanthanide assemblies

An overview of the different strategies proposed for the preparation of heterolanthanide assemblies suitable to work as (multi-) functional materials, highlighting their structure/property relationship, is provided. Three classes of compounds are selected: multi-dimensional coordination frameworks, polynuclear discrete molecules and flexible large molecules formed by two or more coordinating units connected by a linker. Synthetic approaches and potential functionalities are discussed on the basis of lanthanide ion discrimination and the structural arrangement of the heterometallic assembly.