Two complexes [KLa(HL1)2{(CH3)2NCHO}2(H2O)3] (1) and [Sm(H2O)9](E-H2L2)3·2H2O (2) were synthesized by the reaction of lanthanum(III) and samarium(III) nitrates with potassium 3-(2-(2,4-dioxopentan-3-ylidene)hydrazinyl)-2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzenesulfonate (KH2L1) and potassium (E,Z)-5-chloro-3-(2-(1,3-dioxo-1-phenylbutan-2-ylidene)hydrazinyl)-2-hydroxybenzenesulfonate (KH2L2), respectively. Both complexes were fully characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, ESI-MS and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Cooperative E,Z→E isomerization of KH2L2, induced by resonance assisted hydrogen bonding and ionic interactions, occurs upon the interaction with Sm(III). Catalytic activities of KH2L1,2 and their lanthanide derivatives were evaluated in the Henry reaction of nitroethane with a variety of aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes. Good yields (up to 91%) and diastereoselectivities (syn/anti 3 : 1) were observed in the reactions catalyzed by 1 in water.
