Visible and near-infrared intense luminescence from water-soluble lanthanide [Tb(III), Eu(III), Sm(III), Dy(III), Pr(III), Ho(III), Yb(III), Nd(III), Er(III)] complexes

The synthesis of a new ligand (1) containing a single phenanthroline (phen) chromophore and a flexibly connected diethylenetriamine tetracarboxylic acid unit (DTTA) as a lanthanide (Ln) coordination site is reported [1 is 4-[(9-methyl-1,10-phenantrol-2-yl)methyl]-1,4,7-triazaheptane-1,1,7,7-tetraacetic acid]. From 1, an extended series of water-soluble Ln.1 complexes was obtained, where Ln is Eu(III), Tb(III), Gd(III), Sm(III), Dy(III), Pr(III), Ho(III), Yb(III), Nd(III), and Er(III). The stoichiometry for the association was found 1:1, with an association constant K(A) > or = 10(7) s(-1) as determined by employing luminescence spectroscopy. The luminescence and photophysical properties of the series of lanthanide complexes were investigated in both H2O and D2O solutions. High efficiencies for the sensitized emission, phi(se), in air-equilibrated water were observed for the Ln.1 complexes of Eu(III) and Tb(III) in the visible region (phi(se) = 0.24 and 0.15, respectively) and of Sm(III), Dy(III), Pr(III), Ho(III), Yb(III), Nd(III), and Er(III) in the vis and/or near-infrared region [phi(se) = 2.5 x 10(-3), 5 x 10(-4), 3 x 10(-5), 2 x 10(-5), 2 x 10(-4), 4 x 10(-5), and (in D2O) 4 x 10(-5), respectively]. For Eu.1 and Tb.1, luminescence data for water and deuterated water allowed us to estimate that no solvent molecules (q) are bound to the ion centers (q = 0). Luminescence quenching by oxygen was investigated in selected cases.     

Structural and photophysical properties of visible- and near-IR-emitting tris lanthanide(III) complexes formed with the enantiomers of N,N'-bis(1-phenylethyl)-2,6-pyridinedicarboxamide

The enantiomers of N,N'-bis(1-phenylethyl)-2,6-pyridinedicarboxamide (L), namely, (R,R)-1, and (S,S)-1, react with Ln(III) ions to give stable [LnL(3)](3+) complexes in an anhydrous acetonitrile solution and in the solid state, as evidenced by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, NMR, luminescence titrations, and their X-ray crystal structures, respectively. All [LnL(3)](3+) complexes [Ln(III) = Eu, Gd, Tb, and Yb; L = (R,R)-1 and (S,S)-1] are isostructural and crystallize in the cubic space group I23. Although the small quantum yields of the Ln(III)-centered luminescence clearly point to the poor efficiency of the luminescence sensitization by the ligand and the intersystem crossing and ligand-to-metal energy transfers, the ligand triplet-excited-state energy seems relatively well suited to sensitize many Ln(III) ion's emission for instance, in the visible (Eu and Tb), near-IR (Nd and Yb), or both regions (Pr, Sm, Dy, Er, and Tm).     

A [Cyclentetrakis(methylene)]tetrakis[2‐hydroxybenzamide] Ligand That Complexes and Sensitizes Lanthanide(III) Ions

The synthesis of the cyclen derivative H₄ L ¹ ?2 HBr containing four 2‐hydroxybenzamide groups is described. The spectroscopic properties of the Ln^III conplexes of L ¹ (Ln=Gd, Tb, Yb, and Eu) reveal changes of the UV/VIS‐absorption, circular‐dichroism‐absorption, luminescence, and circularly polarized luminescence spectra. It is shown that at least two metal‐complex species are present in solution, whose relative amounts are pH dependent. At pH>8.0, an intense long‐lived emission is observed (for [Tb L ¹ ] and [Yb L ¹ ]), while at pH<8.0, a weaker, shorter‐lived species predominates. Unconventional Ln^III emitters (Pr, Nd, Sm, Dy, and Tm) were sensitized in basic solution, both in the VIS and in the near‐IR, to measure the emission of these ions.     

Multicolour Optical Coding from a Series of Luminescent Lanthanide Complexes with a Unique Antenna

The bis‐tetrazolate‐pyridine ligand H₂pytz sensitises efficiently the visible and/or near‐IR luminescence emission of ten lanthanide cations (Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb). The Ln^III complexes present sizeable quantum yields in both domains with a single excitation source. The wide range of possible colour combinations in water, organic solvents and the solid state makes the complexes very attractive for labelling and encoding.     

A Novel Architecture of a Heptadentate Macroacyclic 2,6-Bis [(3-methoxy salicylidene) Hydrazino carbonyl] Pyridine Towards Lanthanides: A Synthetic and Structural Studies of Dinuclear Lanthanide (III) Complexes

Reaction of Ln(NO₃)₃ with 2,6-bis[(3-methoxysalicylidene)hydrazino carbonyl]pyridine (BMSPD) afforded binuclear complexes of the type [Ln₂(BMSPD)(NO₃)₂(H₂O)₅]·3H₂O in case of La(III), Pr(III), Nd(III), Sm(III), Eu(III), Gd(III), Tb(III) and Dy(III), and [Ln₂(BMSPD)(NO₃)₂(H₂O)₅] in case of Y(III). The mode of coordination of ligand and the conformational changes on complexation with lanthanides was studied based on elemental analysis, magnetic studies, TG/DTA, IR, ¹H-NMR, Electronic, EPR and Fluorescence spectral studies. The ligand coordinates to one metal centre through enolized deprotonated carbonyls and pyridine nitrogen whereas doubly deprotonated phenolate oxygens and two hydrazonic nitrogens ligate to another lanthanide centre. Both the metal ions are in eight-coordination environments. The ligand and complexes were further tested for antifungal and antibacterial activities.     

Synthesis, characterization, thermal stability, reactivity, and antimicrobial properties of some novel lanthanide(III) complexes of 2-(N-salicylideneamino)-3-carboxyethyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene

Two series of new lanthanide(III) complexes of the type [Ln(HSAT)₂(H₂O)₃Cl₃] and [Ln(HSAT)₂(NO₃)₃], where Ln = La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Tm, Yb, or Lu, and HSAT = 2-(N-salicylideneamino)-3-carboxyethyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene, are synthesized by the reaction of LnCl₃ or Ln(NO₃)₃ with the title ligand in ethanol. The complexes are characterized by elemental analysis, magnetic moment values, molar conductivity, IR, UV-Vis, and ¹H NMR spectral data. Two selected complexes are subject to thermogravimetric analysis, and their kinetic parameters are estimated using Coats-Redfern equation. The complex [La(HSAT)₂(NO₃)₃] underwent facile transesterification when refluxed in methanol. The ligand and some selected complexes are screened for their antimicrobial properties. Antimicrobial activities of the ligand increase on coordination with the metal ion. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Preparation of photoluminescent compounds of Eu(III), Sm(III), and Dy(III) containing anions of tetrafluoroterephthalic acid

The Ln₂(H₂O)₄(L)₃·2H₂O and Ln₂(phen)₂(L)₃·2H₂O complexes [Ln = Eu(III), Sm(III), or Dy(III); H₂L = C₆F₄(COOH)₂, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline] have been prepared. Structures of the prepared compounds have been confirmed by X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy studies. The complexes of Eu(III) have exhibited red photoluminescence stronger than that of the complexes of Sm(III) and Dy(III).     

Complexes of lanthanide nitrates with N,N-diethylantipyrine-4-carboxamide

New complexes of lanthanide nitrates with N, N-diethylantipyrine-4-carboxamide (DEAP), with the general formulae [Ln₂(DEAP)₃] [NO₃]₆ (where Ln = La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Tb, Ho, Er, Yb and Y) have been isolated and characterized by chemical analysis and various physical methods such as electrolytic conductance, IR and¹³C NMR spectral data. Electrolytic conductance values and infrared spectral studies indicate that the nitrate groups are coordinated. Infrared and¹³C NMR spectral analysis show that the ligand DEAP is coordinated to the tripositive metal ion through the diethylcarboxamide carbonyl and antipyrine carbonyl oxygens in a bidentate fashion.     

Yttrium(III) and lanthanide(III) perchlorate complexes with the 2,2,6,6- tetramethylpiperidine nitroxide free radical

Summary 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidine nitroxide free radical (TMPNO) complexes with Y³⁺ and Ln³⁺ (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er or Yb) perchlorates were synthesized and characterized by means of i.r. and e.s.r. spectral, magnetic susceptibility and molar conductance studies. The new complexes are of the general type [M(TMPNO-)₂(OH₂)₃(OCIO₃)](ClO₄)₂ (M = Y or Ln), involving two TMPNO;, three aqua and one unidentate perchlorato ligand in the complex cation, and two anionic C10₄ groups. The NO bond-order in coordinated TMPNO is apparently two, as suggested by the i.r. evidence. The magnetic susceptibility and e.s.r. data were interpreted in terms of partial spin-spin coupling interaction between the unpaired electrons of the two TMPNO- ligands, as well as unpaired f electrons, in the case of paramagnetic lanthanide(Ill) ions. Severe steric hindrance, introduced during coordination of the free radical ligand through the NO oxygen atom, does not seem to allow accommodation of more than two TMPNO molecules in the inner coordination sphere of the central Y³⁺, or Ln³⁺ ion.To whom all correspondence should be directed.     

Complexes of the Lighter Lanthanoid Nitrates with 15-crown-5 and 18-crown-6 ethers: Synthesis and characterization

Complexes of lanthanoid trinitrates Ln(NO₃)₃ with 15-crown-5 ether 1 (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd) and with 18-crown-6 ether 2 (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd) having a 1:1 stoichiometry as well as 4:3 complexes with 2 (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd) have been synthesized and characterized. All the isolated complexes are solvent free. At 170–220° the 1:1 complexes of 2 are quantitatively transformed into 4:3 complexes. X-Ray powder diagrams of the neodymium complexes with 2 indicate that both the 1:1 and 4:3 complexes are genuine compounds. All the 1:1 complexes show a characteristic IR. absorption band at 875–880 cm^?1 absent from both the spectra of the free ligands and of the 4:3 complexes. The spectroscopic properties (IR. and electronic spectra, fluorescence lifetimes) of the complexes and the low magnetic moments of the Ln(III) ions in the complexes with Ln = Ce-Eu are indicative of a strong interaction between the lanthanoid ions and the crown ethers 1 and 2 .     

Synthesis, characterisation and biological evaluation of lanthanide(III) complexes with 3-acetylcoumarin-o-aminobenzoylhydrazone (ACAB)

Lanthanide(III) complexes of the general formula [Ln(ACAB)(2)(NO(3))(2)(H(2)O)(2)].NO(3).H(2)O where Ln=La(III), Pr(III), Nd(III), Sm(III), Eu(III), Gd(III), Tb(III), Dy(III) and Y(III), ACAB=3-acetylcoumarin-o-aminobenzoylhydrazone have been isolated and characterised based on elemental analyses, molar conductance, IR, (1)H- and (13)C-NMR, UV, TG/DTA and EPR spectral studies. The ligand behaves in bidentate fashion coordinating through hydrazide >C=O and nitrogen of >C=N. A coordination number of ten is assigned to the complexes. Antibacterial and Antifungal studies indicate an enhancement of activity of the ligand on complexation.     

4-Nitro and 4-chloro pyridine-N-oxide complexes of lanthanide perchlorates

Adducts of lanthanide perchlorates with 4-nitro and 4-chloro pyridine-Noxides (4-NPNO and 4-CPNO respectively) have been synthesised for the first time and characterised by analysis, electrolytic conductance, infrared, proton-NMR and electronic spectral data. The complexes are of the compositions Ln₂(NPNO)₁₅ (ClO₄)₆ (Ln = La, Pr, Nd and Gd), Tb(NPNO), (C1O₄)₆), Ln₂(NPNO)₁₃ (C1O₄)₆) (Ln = Dy, Ho, and Yb); Ln (CPNO)₈ (C10₄)₃) (Ln = La, Pr, Nd, Tb, Dy, Ho and Yb) and Ln(CPNO), (C1O₄)₃) (Ln = Sm and Gd). Conductivity and IR data provide evidence for the non-coordinated nature of the perchlorate groups. IR and NMR spectra suggest coordinationvia the oxygen of the N-oxide group. Electronic spectral shapes of the Nd⁺³ and Ho⁺³ complexes are interpreted in terms of eight-and seven-coordinate environments in the case of 4-NPNO complexes and eight-coordination in the case of 4-CPNO complexes. IR data indicate bridged structure in NPNO complexes of lanthanides other than Tb.     

The Series of Rare Earth Complexes [Ln2Cl6(μ‐4,4′‐bipy)(py)6], Ln=Y,Pr, Nd,Sm‐Yb: A Molecular Model System for Luminescence Properties in MOFs Based on LnCl3 and 4,4′‐Bipyridine

A series of 12 dinuclear complexes [Ln₂Cl₆(μ‐4,4′‐bipy)(py)₆], Ln=Y, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, ( 1 – 12 , respectively) was synthesized by an anhydrous solvothermal reaction in pyridine. The complexes contain a 4,4′‐bipyridine bridge and exhibit a coordination sphere closely related to luminescent lanthanide MOFs based on LnCl₃ and 4,4‐bipyridine. The dinuclear complexes therefore function as a molecular model system to provide a better understanding of the luminescence mechanisms in the Ln‐N‐MOFs ${\hbox{}{{\hfill 2\atop \hfill \infty }}}$ [Ln₂Cl₆(4,4′‐bipy)₃] ? 2(4,4′‐bipy). Accordingly, the luminescence properties of the complexes with Ln=Y, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, ( 1 , 4 – 8 ) were determined, showing an antenna effect through a ligand–metal energy transfer. The highest efficiency of luminescence is observed for the terbium‐based compound 7 displaying a high quantum yield (QY of 86 %). Excitation with UV light reveals typical emission colors of lanthanide‐dependent intra 4f–4f‐transition emissions in the visible range (Tb^III: green, Eu^III: red, Sm^III: salmon red, Dy^III: yellow). For the Gd^III‐ and Y^III‐containing compounds 6 and 1 , blue emission based on triplet phosphorescence is observed. Furthermore, ligand‐to‐metal charge‐transfer (LMCT) states, based on the interaction of Cl^? with Eu^III, were observed for the Eu^III compound 5 including energy‐transfer processes to the Eu^III ion. Altogether, the model complexes give further insights into the luminescence of the related MOFs, for example, rationalization of Ln‐independent quantum yields in the related MOFs.     

Lanthanide(III) Complexes of Cyclen Triacetates and Triamides Bearing Tertiary Amide-Linked Antennae

The coordination compounds of the trivalent lanthanide ions (Ln(III)) have unique photophysical properties. Ln(III) excitation is usually performed through a light-harvesting antenna. To enable Ln(III)-based emitters to reach their full potential, an understanding of how complex structure affects sensitization and quenching processes is necessary. Here, the role of the linker between the antenna and the metal binding fragment was studied. Four macrocyclic ligands carrying coumarin 2 or 4-methoxymethylcarbostyril sensitizing antennae linked to an octadentate macrocyclic ligand binding site were synthesized. Complexation with Ln(III) (Ln = La, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Yb and Lu) yielded species with overall −1, 0, or +2 and +3-charge. Paramagnetic ¹H NMR spectroscopy indicated subtle differences between the coumarin- and carbostyril-carrying Eu(III) and Yb(III) complexes. Cyclic voltammetry showed that the effect of the linker on the Eu(III)/Eu(II) apparent reduction potential was dependent on the electronic properties of the N-substituent. The Eu(III), Tb(III) and Sm(III) complexes were all luminescent. Coumarin-sensitized complexes were poorly emissive; photoinduced electron transfer was not a major quenching pathway in these species. These results show that seemingly similar emitters can undergo very different photophysical processes, and highlight the crucial role the linker can play.     

Coordination polymers based on inorganic lanthanide(II) sulfate skeletons and an organic isonicotinate N-oxide connector: segregation into three structural types by the lanthanide contraction effect

Fourteen three-dimensional coordination polymers of general formula [Ln(lNO)(H2O)(SO4)]n, where Ln = La, 1.La; Ce, 2.Ce; Pr, 3.Pr; Nd, 4.Nd; Sm, 5.Sm; Eu, 6.Eu; Gd, 7.Gd; Tb, 8.Tb; Dy, 9.Dy; Ho, 10.Ho; Er. 11.Er; Tm, 12.Tm; Yb, 13.Yb; and Lu, 14.Lu; INO = isonicotinate-N-oxide, have been synthesized by hydrothermal reactions of Ln3+, MnCO3, MnSO4 x H2O, and isonicotinic acid N-oxide (HINO) at 155 degrees C and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR, thermal analysis, luminescence spectroscopy, and the magnetic measurement. The structures are formed by connection of layer, chain, or dimer of Ln-SO4 by the organic connector, INO. They belong to three structural types that are governed exclusively by the size of the ions: type I for the large ions, La, Ce, and Pr; type II for the medium ions, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, and Tb; and type III for the small ions, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu. Type I consists of two-dimensional undulate Ln-sulfate layers pillared by INO to form a three-dimensional network. Type II has a 2-fold interpenetration of "3D herringbone" networks, in which the catenation is sustained by extensive pi-pi interactions and O-H...O and C-H...O hydrogen bonds. Type III comprises one-dimensional chains that are connected by INO bridges, resulting in an alpha-Po network. The progressive structural change is due to the metal coordination number decreasing from nine for the large ions via eight to seven for the small ions, demonstrating clearly the effect of lanthanide contraction. The sulfate ion acts as a micro4- or micro3-bridge, connecting two, three, or four metals, and is both mono- and bidentate. The INO ligand acts as a micro3- or micro2-bridge with carboxylate group in syn-syn bridging or bidentate chelating mode. The materials show considerably high thermal stability. The magnetic properties of 4.Nd, 6.Eu, 7.Gd, and 13.Yb and the luminescence properties of 6.Eu and 8.Tb are also investigated.     

Complexes of some 4f metal ions of the mesogenic Schiff-base,N,N′-di-(4-decyloxysalicylidene)-1′,3′-diaminobenzene: synthesis and spectral studies

A mesogenic Schiff-base, N,N′-di-(4-decyloxysalicylidene)-1′,3′-diaminobenzene, H₂ddsdbz (abbreviated as H₂L), that exhibits a nematic mesophase was synthesized and its structure was studied by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, NMR, and IR spectral techniques. The Schiff-base, H₂L, upon condensation with hydrated lanthanide(III) nitrates yields Ln^III complexes, [Ln₂(LH₂)₃(NO₃)₄](NO₃)₂, where Ln?=?La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, and Ho. Analyses of the IR and NMR spectral data imply bidentate Schiff-base through two phenolate oxygen atoms in its zwitterionic form to Ln^III, rendering the overall geometry of the complexes as a seven-coordinate polyhedron – possibly distorted mono-capped octahedron. Polarizing optical microscope and differential scanning calorimetry studies reveal that despite H₂L being mesogenic, none of the Ln^III complexes synthesized under this study exhibits mesomorphism.     

Highly Efficient Visible‐to‐NIR Luminescence of Lanthanide(III) Complexes with Zwitterionic Ligands Bearing Charge‐Transfer Character: Beyond Triplet Sensitization

Two zwitterionic‐type ligands featuring π–π* and intraligand charge‐transfer (ILCT) excited states, namely 1,1′‐(2,3,5,6‐tetramethyl‐1,4‐phenylene)bis(methylene)dipyridinium‐4‐olate (TMPBPO) and 1‐dodecylpyridin‐4(1 H)‐one (DOPO), have been prepared and applied to the assembly of lanthanide coordination complexes in an effort to understand the ligand‐direction effect on the structure of the Ln complexes and the ligand sensitization effect on the luminescence of the Ln complexes. Due to the wide‐band triplet states plus additional ILCT excitation states extending into lower energy levels, broadly and strongly sensitized photoluminescence of f→f transitions from various Ln³⁺ ions were observed to cover the visible to near‐infrared (NIR) regions. Among which, the Pr, Sm, Dy, and Tm complexes simultaneously display both strong visible and NIR emissions. Based on the isostructural feature of the Ln complexes, color tuning and single‐component white light was achieved by preparation of solid solutions of the ternary systems Gd‐Eu‐Tb (for TMPBPO) and La‐Eu‐Tb and La‐Dy‐Sm (for DOPO). Moreover, the visible and NIR luminescence lifetimes of the Ln complexes with the TMPBPO ligand were investigated from 77 to 298 K, revealing a strong temperature dependence of the Tm³⁺ (³H₄) and Yb³⁺ (²F_5/2) decay dynamics, which has not been explored before for their coordination complexes.     

Thermal,spectral and magnetic behaviour of 4-chloro-2-methoxybenzoates of light lanthanides(III)

4-Chloro-2-methoxybenzoates of light lanthanides(III) were obtained as mono-, di-or trihydrates with metal to ligand ratio of 1:3 and general formula Ln(C₈H₆ClO₃)₃·nH₂O, where n=1 for Ln=Ce, Pr, n=2 for Ln=Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd and n=3 for Ln=La. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, thermogravimetric studies, X-ray diffraction and magnetic measurements. The carboxylate group appears to be a symmetrical bidentate, chelating ligand. All complexes seem polycrystalline compounds. Their thermal stabilities were determined in air. When heated they dehydrate to form anhydrous salts which next are decomposed to the oxides of the respective metals. The solubilities of light lanthanide(III) 4-chloro-2-methoxybenzoates in water at 293 K are of the order of 10⁻⁵ mol dm⁻³. The magnetic moments were determined over the range of 77–300 K. They obey the Curie-Weiss law. The values of μ_eff calculated for all compounds are close to those obtained for Ln³⁺ by Hund and Van Vleck. The results indicate that there is no influence of the ligand field of 4f electrons on lanthanide ions and the metal ligand bonding is mainly electrostatic in nature.     

Thermal decomposition of lanthanide(III) complexes of bis-(salicylaldehyde)-1,3-propylenediimine Schiff base ligand

The thermal decomposition of lanthanide complexes, with a general formula: [LnL(NO₃)₂](NO₃), where Ln = La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, and Er; and L = bis-(salicyladehyde)-1,3-propylenediimine Schiff base ligand, was studied by thermogravimetric (TG) and derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) techniques. The TG and DTG data indicated that all complexes are thermostable up to 398 K. The thermal decomposition of all Ln(III) complexes was a two-stage process and the final residues were Ln₂O₃ (Ln = La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, Er), Tb₄O₇, and Pr₆ O₁₁. The activation energies of thermal decomposition of the complexes were calculated from analysis of the TG-DTG curves using the Kissinger, Friedman, and Flynn-Well-Ozawa methods.     

Interactions of trivalent lanthanide cations with a hexadentate Schiff base derived from the condensation of ethylenediamine with 8-hydroxyquinoline-2-carboxaldehyde

Lanthanide(III) complexes [Ln(NO₃)₂(HL)] where Ln?=?La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb and Lu and LH₂?=?N,N′-bis(quinolin-8-ol-2-ylmethylidene)ethane-1,2-diamine, have been obtained by direct reaction of the di-Schiff base ligand and the corresponding hydrated lanthanide(III) nitrates in methanol/DMF solvent systems. All complexes were characterized with microanalyses, spectroscopically (IR and electronic spectra) and thermogravimetrically. Theoretical studies have also been undertaken to estimate possible structures. All the data are discussed in terms of the nature of the bonding and the possible structural types. All complexes appear to be monomeric with the organic ligand being singly deprotonated and behaving as a hexadentate chelating ligand.