Multinuclear 3d - 4f complexes with sandwichlike molecular structures are formed with the Schiff-base ligand bis( 3-methoxysalicylidene) ethylene-1,2-phenylenediamine(H2L). The stoichiometry and structures are dependent on the Zn: Nd ratio and counteranions present. They are trinuclear [Nd(ZnL)(2)(NO3)(2)(H2O)(2)] center dot NO3 center dot EtOH center dot H2O ( 1), [Nd( ZnL)(2)Cl-2(H2O)(3)] center dot Cl center dot 2MeOH center dot 5H(2)O (2), and tetranuclear [Nd-2(ZnL)(2)Cl-6(MeOH)(2)] center dot MeOH (3). Dinuclear complex [NdZnL( NO3)(3)MeCN] center dot MeCN ( 4) was also characterized. Near-infrared ( NIR) lanthanide luminescence is observed in these complexes.