A dianionic lanthanoid(II)-imine azametallacyclopropane complex,[Yb(
2-Ph
2CNPh)(hmpa)
3](hmpa= hexamethylphosphoramide), has been directly synthesized by the reaction of ytterbium metal with
N-(diphenylmethylidene)aniline in THF/HMPA and structurallycharacterized by X-ray analysis.