Thermal and spectroscopic investigations of new lanthanide complexes with 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic acid

The new 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylates of lanthanide(III) of the formula Ln(btc)·nH₂O, where btc is 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylate; Ln is La-Lu, and n=2 for Ce; n=3 for La, Yb, Lu; and n=4 for Pr-Tm were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectra and X-ray diffraction patterns. Polycrystalline complexes are isotructural in the two groups: La-Tm and Yb, Lu. IR spectra of the complexes show that all carboxylate groups from 1,2,4-benzentricarboxylate ligands are engaged in coordination of lanthanide atoms. The thermal analysis of the investigated complexes in air atmosphere was carried out by means of simultaneous TG-DTA technique. The complexes are stable up to about 30°C but further heating leads to stepwise dehydration. Next, anhydrous complexes decompose to corresponding oxides. The combined TG-FTIR technique was employed to study of decomposition pathway of the investigated complexes.