DNA binding and antibacterial properties of ternary lanthanide complexes with salicylic acid and phenanthroline

Twelve ternary lanthanide complexes RE(sal)₃phen (RE³⁺ = La³⁺, Pr³⁺, Nd³⁺, Sm³⁺, Eu³⁺, Gd³⁺, Tb³⁺, Dy³⁺, Ho³⁺, Tm³⁺, Yb³⁺, Lu³⁺, sal = salicylic acid, phen = phenanthroline) were prepared. Interactions between the complexes and calf thymus DNA (ct‐DNA) were investigated using UV–visible spectrophotometry, fluorescence quench experiment and viscosity measurement. Hypochromicity and red shift of the absorption spectra of complexes were observed in the presence of DNA. The enhanced emission intensity of ethidium bromide (EB) in the presence of DNA was quenched by the addition of lanthanide complexes, which indicated that the lanthanide complexes displaced EB from its binding sites in DNA. Based on the systematic research of the binding constant (K_b) and the fluorescence quenching constant (K_q) of the 12 complexes, we found that the complexes with smaller lanthanide ion radius had stronger binding abilities with DNA. Viscosity measurement showed that the relative viscosity of the DNA solution was enhanced with increasing the amounts of the complexes. All these results suggested that the complexes could bind to DNA and the major binding mode was intercalative binding. Moreover, all these complexes exhibited excellent antibacterial abilities against Escherichia coli. Also, the antibacterial activities of complexes with heavy rare earth were higher than those of complexes with light rare earth. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Potentiometric study of binary complexes of 3-[(1R)-1-hydroxy-2-(methylamino)ethyl]phenol hydrochloride with some lanthanide ions in aqueous and mixed solutions

The complexation of lanthanide ions (Y³⁺, La³⁺, Ce³⁺, Pr³⁺, Nd³⁺, Sm³⁺, Gd³⁺, Tb³⁺, and Dy³⁺) with 3-[(1R)-1-hydroxy-2-(methylamino)ethyl]phenol hydrochloride was studied at different temperatures and different ionic strengths in aqueous solutions by Irving-Rossotti pH titration technique. Stepwise calculation, PKAS and BEST Fortran IV computer programs were used for determination of proton-ligand and metal-ligand stability constants. The formation of species like MA, MA₂, and MA(OH) is considered in SPEPLOT. Thermodynamic parameters of complex formation (ΔG, ΔH, and ΔS) are also evaluated. Negative ΔG and ΔH values indicate that complex formation is favourable in these experimental conditions. The stability of complexes is also studied at in different solvent-aqueous (vol/vol). The stability series of lanthanide complexes has shown to have the “gadolinium break.” Stability of complexes decreases with increase in ionic strength and temperature. Effect of systematic errors like effect of dissolved carbon dioxide, concentration of alkali, concentration of acid, concentration of ligand and concentration of metal have also been explained.     

Lanthanide complexes derived from hexadentate macrocyclic ligand: Synthesis,spectroscopic and thermal investigation

The lanthanide complexes derived from (3,5,13,15-tetramethyl 2,6,12,16,21-22-hexaazatricyclo[15.3.I^1-17I^7-11]cosa-1(21),2,5,7,9,11(22),12,15,17,19-decane) were synthesized. The complexes were found to have general composition [Ln(L)X₂·H₂O]X, where Ln = La³⁺, Ce³⁺, Nd³⁺, Sm³⁺ and Eu³⁺ and X = NO₃^? and Cl^?. The ligand was characterized by elemental analyses, IR, Mass, and ¹H NMR spectral studies. All the complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductance measurements, magnetic susceptibility measurements, IR, Mass, electronic spectral techniques and thermal studies. The ligand acts as a hexadentate and coordinates through four nitrogen atoms of azomethine groups and two nitrogen of pyridine ring. The lanthanum complexes are diamagnetic while the other Ln(III) complexes are paramagnetic. The spectral parameters i.e. nephelauxetic ratio (β), covalency factor (b^1/2), Sinha parameter (δ%) and covalency angular overlap parameter (η) have been calculated from absorption spectra of Nd(III) and Sm(III) complexes. These parameters suggest the metal–ligand covalent bonding. In the present study, the complexes were found to have coordination number nine.     

Crystal structures and thermal decomposition kinetics of lanthanide complexes with 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid and 1,10-phenanthroline

A series of lanthanide complexes with the 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid(3,4,5-tmoba) and 1,10-phenanthroline(phen),[Ln(3,4,5-tmoba) 3 phen] 2(Ln = Pr(1),Nd(2) and Ho(3)),have been synthesized and characterized by a series of techniques including elemental analysis,IR spectra,X-ray crystallography and TG/DSC-FTIR technology.The three complexes have two kinds of coordination modes,in which the Pr 3+ and Nd 3+ cations are nine-coordinated and the Ho 3+ cation is eight-coordinated.The three-dimensional IR accumulation spectra of gaseous products for complexes 1-3 were analyzed and the gaseous products were identified by the typical IR spectra obtained from the 3D surface graphs.Meanwhile,we obtained the activation energy E of the first steps of complexes 1-3 by the integral isoconversional non-linear(NL-INT) method and discussed the non-isothermal kinetics of complexes 1-3 using the Malek method.Finally,SB(m,n) was defined as the kinetic method of the first-step thermal decomposition.The thermodynamic parameters △G≠,△H≠ and △S≠ of activation at the peak temperature were also calculated.     

Adducts of aqua complexes of Ln3+ with a symmetrical octamethyl-substituted cucurbituril: potential applications for isolation of heavier lanthanides

Interaction of a series of lanthanide cations (Ln³⁺) with a symmetrical octamethyl-substituted cucurbituril (OMeQ[6]) has been investigated. X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis has revealed that the interaction results in the formation of adducts of OMeQ[6] with aqua complexes of lanthanide cations ([Ln(H₂O)₈]³⁺), Ln = Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm and Yb in OMeQ[6]–Ln(NO₃)₃–H₂O systems. However, no solid crystals were obtained from systems containing La, Ce, Pr, Nd and Sm. X-ray diffraction analysis has revealed that although the solid adducts fall into two isomorphous groups, there are no significant differences in the interactions between OMeQ[6] and [Ln(H₂O)₈]³⁺ complexes and in the corresponding supramolecular assemblies. Thermodynamic parameters for the interaction between OMeQ[6] and [Ln(H₂O)₈]³⁺ complexes based on isothermal titration calorimetry experiments show two periods corresponding to the above two systems, with the lighter lanthanide cations preferring to remain in solution and the heavier lanthanide cations forming crystalline solids. Electron spectroscopy has shown that interaction of OMeQ[6] with lanthanide cations could provide a means of isolating heavier lanthanide cations from their lighter counterparts.     

Study of lanthanide aromatic acid complexes in silica gels by photoacoustic spectroscopy

Lanthanide complexes Ln(p-ABA)₃·H₂O (p-ABA: p-aminobenzoic acid; Ln³⁺:La³⁺, Tb³⁺ and Er³⁺) have been incorporated into silica gels via a sol–gel method. Upon heat treatment at 120 °C, photoacoustic (PA) intensity of the ligand increases for Tb³⁺, La³⁺ and Er³⁺ complexes in silica gels, respectively, while this difference cannot be observed for the samples without heat treatment. Different PA intensities of the samples are interpreted by comparison with their luminescence spectra. The nephelauxetic parameters and PA branching vectors of Er³⁺ complex in silica gel have been calculated. Spectral results indicate that p-ABA does not coordinate with lanthanide ions in silica matrix without a suitable heat treatment. For the co-doped samples, it is shown that the emissions of Tb³⁺ are enhanced with addition of La(p-ABA)₃·H₂O and remarkably quenched with the addition of Er(p-ABA)₃·H₂O. The possible mechanisms for these phenomena are proposed.     

Development of a ratiometric time-resolved luminescence sensor for pH based on lanthanide complexes

Time-resolved luminescence bioassay technique using lanthanide complexes as luminescent probes/sensors has shown great utilities in clinical diagnostics and biotechnology discoveries. In this work, a novel terpyridine polyacid derivative that can form highly stable complexes with lanthanide ions in aqueous media, (4′-hydroxy-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine-6,6′′-diyl) bis(methylenenitrilo) tetrakis(acetic acid) (HTTA), was designed and synthesized for developing time-resolved luminescence pH sensors based on its Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺ complexes. The luminescence characterization results reveal that the luminescence intensity of HTTA–Eu³⁺ is strongly dependent on the pH values in weakly acidic to neutral media (pK_a = 5.8, pH 4.8–7.5), while that of HTTA–Tb³⁺ is pH-independent. This unique luminescence response allows the mixture of HTTA–Eu³⁺ and HTTA–Tb³⁺ (the HTTA–Eu³⁺/Tb³⁺ mixture) to be used as a ratiometric luminescence sensor for the time-resolved luminescence detection of pH with the intensity ratio of its Tb³⁺ emission at 540 nm to its Eu³⁺ emission at 610 nm, I_540 nm/I_610 nm, as a signal. Moreover, the UV absorption spectrum changes of the HTTA–Eu³⁺/Tb³⁺ mixture at different pHs (pH 4.0–7.0) also display a ratiometric response to the pH changes with the ratio of absorbance at 290 nm to that at 325 nm, A_290 nm/A_325 nm, as a signal. This feature enables the HTTA–Eu³⁺/Tb³⁺ mixture to have an additional function for the pH detection with the absorption spectrometry technique. For loading the complexes into the living cells, the acetoxymethyl ester of HTTA was synthesized and used for loading HTTA–Eu³⁺ and HTTA–Tb³⁺ into the cultured HeLa cells. The luminescence imaging results demonstrated the practical utility of the new sensor for the time-resolved luminescence cell imaging application.     

Thermodynamics of thiocyanate complexes of trivalent actinides and lanthanides

The thermodynamic parameters ΔF, ΔH and ΔS of the complexes of Cm(III), C(III) and Tm(III) with the SCN^? ion have been determined at 30°C in ammonium ion medium of unit ionic strength by the temperature variation method. It has been concluded that both the thiocyanate complexes of trivalent actinides and lanthanides are predominantly inner-sphere type. The higher stability of the second complexes of trivalent actinides is reflected either in the enthalpy or the entropy change depending on the degree of hydration of the trivalent actinide ions. The implications of the greater free energy change for PuSCN²⁺ as compared with other trivalent actinide or lanthanide first thiocyanate complexes are discussed.     

A study of lanthanide p-toluene sulphonic acid complexes in solution

Lanthanide p-toluene sulphonic acid (ptsa) complexes were prepared for La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Dy, Ho, Er and Yb, and found to exist as Ln(ptsa)₃. Conductivity studies of La(ptsa)₃ in DMSO and DMF suggest 1:2 and, possibly, 1:1 electrolyte behaviour in these solvents, respectively. NMR lanthanide-induced chemical shifts (LIS) for aromatic protons in (ptsa)^? and methyl protons in DMSO, were measured for all complexes as a function of the [Ln³⁺[DMSO] in a medium consisting of CCl₄, DMSO, and CH₃CN. Analysis of the LIS data suggests a change in (ptsa)^? coordination round Ln₃₊ across the lanthanide series.     

Effect of lanthanide contraction on the mixed polyamine systems Ln/Sb/Se/(en+dien) and Ln/Sb/Se/(en+trien): Syntheses and characterizations of lanthanide complexes with a tetraelenidoantimonate ligand

Mixed polyamine systems Ln/Sb/Se/(en+dien) and Ln/Sb/Se/(en+trien) (Ln=lanthanide, en=ethylenediamine, dien=diethylenetriamine, trien=triethylenetetramine) were investigated under solvothermal conditions, and novel mixed-coordinated lanthanide(III) complexes [Ln(en)₂(dien)(η²-SbSe₄)] (Ln=Ce(1a), Nd(1b)), [Ln(en)₂(dien)(SbSe₄)] (Ln=Sm(2a), Gd(2b), Dy(2c)), [Ln(en)(trien)(μ-η¹,η²-SbSe₄)]_∞ (Ln=Ce(3a), Nd(3b)) and [Sm(en)(trien)(η²-SbSe₄)] (4a) were prepared. Two structural types of lanthanide selenidoantimonates were obtained across the lanthanide series in both en+dien and en+trien systems. The tetrahedral anion [SbSe₄]³⁻ acts as a monodentate ligand mono-SbSe₄, a bidentate chelating ligand η²-SbSe₄ or a tridentate bridging ligand μ-η¹,η²-SbSe₄ to the lanthanide(III) center depending on the Ln³⁺ ions and the mixed ethylene polyamines, indicating the effect of lanthanide contraction on the structures of the lanthanide(III) selenidoantimonates. The lanthanide selenidoantimonates exhibit semiconducting properties with E_g between 2.08 and 2.51 eV.     

Hybrid materials of MCM-41 functionalized by lanthanide (Tb, Eu) complexes of modified meta-methylbenzoic acid: Covalently bonded assembly and photoluminescence

Novel organic-inorganic mesoporous hybrid materials were synthesized by linking lanthanide (Tb³⁺, Eu³⁺) complexes to the mesoporous MCM-41 through the modified meta-methylbenzoic acid (MMBA-Si) using co-condensation method in the presence of the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactant as template. The luminescence properties of these resulting materials (denoted as Ln-MMBA-MCM-41, Ln=Tb, Eu) were characterized in detail, and the results reveal that luminescent mesoporous materials have high surface area, uniformity in the ordered mesoporous structure. Moreover, the mesoporous material covalently bonded Tb³⁺ complex (Tb-MMBA-MCM-41) exhibits the stronger characteristic emission of Tb³⁺ and longer lifetime than Eu-MMBA-MCM-41 due to the triplet state energy of organic legend MMBA-Si matches with the emissive energy level of Tb³⁺ very well.     

DNA Intercalating Near-Infrared Luminescent Lanthanide Complexes Containing Dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine (dppz) Ligands: Synthesis,Crystal Structures,Stability, Luminescence Properties and CT-DNA Interaction

In order to create near-infrared (NIR) luminescent lanthanide complexes suitable for DNA-interaction, novel lanthanide dppz complexes with general formula [Ln(NO₃)₃(dppz)₂] (Ln = Nd³⁺, Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺; dppz = dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine) were synthesized, characterized and their luminescence properties were investigated. In addition, analogous compounds with other lanthanide ions (Ln = Ce³⁺, Pr³⁺, Sm³⁺, Eu³⁺, Tb³⁺, Dy³⁺, Ho³⁺, Tm³⁺, Lu³⁺) were prepared. All complexes were characterized by IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of the complexes (Ln = La³⁺, Ce³⁺, Pr³⁺, Nd³⁺, Eu³⁺, Er³⁺, Yb³⁺, Lu³⁺) showed that the lanthanide’s first coordination sphere can be described as a bicapped dodecahedron, made up of two bidentate dppz ligands and three bidentate-coordinating nitrate anions. Efficient energy transfer was observed from the dppz ligand to the lanthanide ion (Nd³⁺, Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺), while relatively high luminescence lifetimes were detected for these complexes. In their excitation spectra, the maximum of the strong broad band is located at around 385 nm and this wavelength was further used for excitation of the chosen complexes. In their emission spectra, the following characteristic NIR emission peaks were observed: for a) Nd³⁺: ⁴F_3/2 → ⁴I_9/2 (870.8 nm), ⁴F_3/2 → ⁴I_11/2 (1052.7 nm) and ⁴F_3/2 → ⁴I_13/2 (1334.5 nm); b) Er³⁺: ⁴I_13/2 → ⁴I_15/2 (1529.0 nm) c) Yb³⁺: ²F_5/2 → ²F_7/2 (977.6 nm). While its low triplet energy level is ideally suited for efficient sensitization of Nd³⁺ and Er³⁺, the dppz ligand is considered not favorable as a sensitizer for most of the visible emitting lanthanide ions, due to its low-lying triplet level, which is too low for the accepting levels of most visible emitting lanthanides. Furthermore, the DNA intercalation ability of the [Nd(NO₃)₃(dppz)₂] complex with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was confirmed using fluorescence spectroscopy.     

Intermolecular dynamics and paramagnetic properties of ethylenediaminetetraacetate complexes with the yttrium subgroup rare earth elements using nuclear magnetic resonance

¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements are reported for the D₂O solutions of [Ln³⁺(EDTA^4?)]^? complexes, where EDTA^4? is ethylenediaminetetraacetate anion, Ln³⁺ = Tb³⁺ (I), Ho³⁺ (II), Tm³⁺ (III), Yb³⁺ (IV) and Lu³⁺ (V). Temperature dependencies of the ¹H NMR spectra of paramagnetic I–IV have been analyzed using the dynamic NMR methods. It is found that the activation free energies (ΔG^?₂₉₈ ) of the intermolecular EDTA ions exchange at [Ln³⁺(EDTA^4?)]^? complexes are 60±3 (I), 66±3 (II), 69±3 (III) and 74±3 (IV) kJ/mol (at pD = 7). A monotonic increase of the free energy of chemical exchange processes along the series of lanthanide [Ln³⁺ (EDTA^4?)]^? complexes is probably related to the lanthanide contraction. The obtained results indicate that coordination compounds I–IV may be considered as thermometric NMR sensors and lanthanide paramagnetic probes for in situ temperature control in solution. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis,characterization, and biological activity of some lanthanide ternary complexes

Five complexes have been synthesized by the reaction of lanthanide(III) nitrate with 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone (HTTA) and p-hydroxybenzoic acid (L). The complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivity, FT-IR, UV-Vis, ¹H NMR, TG-DTA, XPS, and transmission electron microscope. The general formula of the complexes is Na[Ln(TTA)₃L] (Ln?=?La³⁺,?Ce³⁺,?Nd³⁺,?Eu³⁺,?Er³⁺). The antibacterial activities indicate that all five complexes exhibit antibacterial ability against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with broad antimicrobial spectrums. The antitumor activity of the five complexes against K562 tumor cell in vitro is measured using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) colorimetry. The results show that the complexes induce K562 tumor cell apoptosis, and the complexes exhibit inhibitory effect on leukemia K562 cells.     

Mono and trinuclear lanthanide complexes of 13-membered tetraaza macrocycle: Synthesis and characterization

The reaction of 1,8-diamino-3,6-diazaoctane and diethyl malonate in dry methanol yielded a 13-membered macrocycle. Complexes of the type [Ln(tatd)Cl₂ (H₂O)₃]Cl [Ln^III=La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy; tatd=1, 5, 8, 11-tetra-azacyclotridecane-2,4-dione] have been synthesized by template condensation. The complex [La(tatd)Cl₂ (H₂O)₃]Cl in methanol was reacted with lanthanide chlorides to yield the trinuclear complexes of type [2{La(tatd)Cl₂(H₂O)₃}LnCl₃]Cl₂ [Ln^III=La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy]. The chemical compositions of mono and trinuclear complexes have been established on the basis of analytical, molar conductance, electrospray (ES) and fast atom bombardment (FAB) mass data. In mononuclear complexes the Ln³⁺ ion is encapsulated by four ring nitrogens and in trimetallic complexes the exo-carbonyl oxygens of two mononuclear units coordinate to the Ln³⁺ ions resulting in a polyhedron around the lanthanide ions. Thus the macrocycle is bonded in a tetradentate fashion in the former complexes and hexadentate in the latter. The coordination number nine around the encapsulated Ln³⁺ and seven around the exo-oxygen bonded Ln³⁺ ions are established. The symmetry of the ligand field around the metal ions is indicated from the emission spectra.     

Synthesis of several new lanthanide Glimepiride complexes for evaluation of microbial activity

The complexation between lanthanide metal ions like Nd(III), Tb(III), and Er(III) with Glimepiride produces 1: 1 molar ratio (metal: Glimepiride) monodentate complexes of general formula: [M(GMP)(H₂O)₄]Cl₃·xH₂O, where: M = Nd, Tb, and Er, x = 1, 10, respectively. The structures of obtained compounds were assigned by IR, ¹H NMR and UV/Vis spectra. Themogravimetric analysis and kinetic thermodynamic parameters have proved the thermal stability of Glimepiride complexes. Obtained lanthanide complexes showed significant effect against some bacteria and fungi.     

Synthesis, characterization and spectroscopic studies of copolymer of styrene with 4-oxe-4(P-hydroxyl phenylamino) but-2-enoic acid and corresponding fluorescent macromolecular lanthanide(III) complexes

Copolymer of styrene with 4-oxe-4(P-hydroxyl phenylamino) but-2-enoic acid (PSHPEA) and its luminescent lanthanide complexes Ln-PSHPEA (Ln = La, Eu, Tb and Y) were synthesized and characterized by means of elemental analysis, FT-IR, thermogravimetric analysis and fluorescence determination. The results showed that the carboxylic groups on the chain of the copolymer acted as bidentate ligands coordinated to lanthanide ions, but the amido carbonyl groups, amino N and hydroxy groups had not taken part in coordination; the coordination degree of -COO⁻/Ln³⁺ which determined the content of metal ions in the macromolecular complexes, was closely dependent on both the pH value of the solution and the molar ratio of St to 4-oxe-4(P-hydroxyl phenylamino) but-2-enoic acid in the polymer ligand. The fluorescence determination showed that the complexes exhibited characteristic fluorescence with comparatively high brightness and good mono-chromaticity. Typical relationship between emission intensity and Ln³⁺ ions content in macromolecular complexes exhibited some extent of fluorescence concentration quenching in our studies. The emission intensity of Tb-PSHPEA complexes was much stronger than that of Eu-PSHPEA complexes, which was attributed to especial effectivity in transferring energy from the lowest triplet energy level of the ligand onto the excited state (⁵D₀) of Tb³⁺ ion than that (⁵D₄) of Eu³⁺ ion.     

DNA-binding properties and antioxidant activity of lanthanide complexes with the Schiff base derived from 3-carbaldehyde chromone and isonicotinyl hydrazine

Structural analyses indicate that the ligand and lanthanide ions form mononuclear 10-coordinate ([Ln L₂ · (NO₃)₂] · NO₃ [Ln(III) = La, Sm, Nd, and Yb; L is chromone-3-carbaldehyde-(isonicotinoyl) hydrazone) complexes with 1 : 2 metal-to-ligand stoichiometry. DNA-binding studies show that the ligand and its lanthanide complexes can bind to calf thymus DNA via an intercalation mode with binding constants of 10⁵ (mol L^?1)^?1, and the lanthanide complexes bind stronger than the free ligand alone. Antioxidant activities of the ligand and lanthanide complexes were determined by superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging methods in vitro. The ligand and complexes possess strong scavenging effects, and the lanthanide complexes show stronger antioxidant activities than the ligand and some standard antioxidants, such as vitamin C.     

Dual-emissive complexes: Visible and near-infrared luminescence from bis-pyrenyl lanthanide(III) complexes

The syntheses and photophysical attributes of a range of dual-emissive lanthanide complexes are described. The simple ligand architecture is based upon a diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) core and appended with two aminopyrenyl chromophores to yield the fluorescent free ligand L^pyr. Reaction of the ligand with Ln(tris-trifluoromethanosulfate) gave the mononuclear complexes Ln · L^pyr (Ln = Nd, Er, Yb). Luminescence studies revealed that the complexes were emissive in both the near-IR and UV–Vis, the latter resulting from pyrene localised emission (λ_em = 390 nm), the former from pyrene-sensitised emission of the lanthanide ion (λ_ex = 337 nm). Time-resolved measurements in the near-IR indicated that the number of coordinated solvent molecules for Nd and Yb was <1, confirming the proposed coordination mode of the octadentate L^pyr. The suitability of pyrene as a sensitiser for near-IR emitting lanthanides was further demonstrated in the rare observation of Er^III emission in a non-deuteriated protic medium.     

Photophysical properties of lanthanide complexes with 5-nitro-1,10-phenanthroline

Abstract  

Five novel lanthanide (Eu³⁺, Tb³⁺, Sm³⁺, Dy³⁺, and Gd³⁺) complexes with 5-nitro-1,10-phenanthroline (phenNO₂) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV, and luminescence spectra. The triplet state energy of phenNO₂ was determined to be 20,048 cm⁻¹ via the phosphorescence spectra of phenNO₂ and its gadolinium complex. The photophysical properties of these complexes indicated that the triplet state energy of the ligand is suitable for the sensitization of the luminescence of Eu³⁺ and Sm³⁺, especially the former.