Unusual thermal robustness is exhibited by a homoleptic ytterbium complex, which sublimes intact at temperatures in excess of 500 degrees C/760 Torr. Employment of a (N)-nPr substituted ketoiminate ligand provides notable metal encapsulation and ensures integrity. The octahedral coordination sphere of the metal arrangement. substantial air stability and vapor-phase center is observed as a meridinal (O-3,N-3) arrangement.