Complexes of a rare-earth element containing only one radical-anion ligand have been synthesized and isolated in pure states for the first time. The LaI2(bPY)(THF)(3) complex has been prepared from [LaI2(THF)(3)](2)(C10H8) and 2,2-bipyridyl in DME. The semiquinone complex LaI2(SQ)(THF)(3) has been obtained by reaction of lanthanum iodide with 3,6-di-tert-butyl-o-benzoquinone in THF in the presence of lanthanum powder. ESR spectra of the complexes have been studied.