Largest discrete supramolecular architecture based on a lanthanide ion: [lanthanum(III)18{N,N'-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis(D-alaninate)}18(H2O)36]18+.

The largest discrete octadecameric architecture based on a lanthanide ion has been found in the crystal structure of a La{N,N'-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis(D-alaninate)} complex.