Microporous metal-organic frameworks formed in a stepwise manner from luminescent building blocks

A series of trivalent lanthanides (Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy) have been complexed to the dianionic ligand, 4,4'-disulfo-2,2'-bipyridine-N,N'-dioxide, L, in a 3:1 ratio to form trianionic complex building blocks. These units were then cross-linked into a network solid by addition of BaCl2 to form mixed-metal networks of formula {Ba2(H2O)4[LnL3(H2O)2](H2O)nCl}infinity, Ln = Sm3+ (1), Eu3+ (2), Gd3+ (3), Tb3+ (4), Dy3+ (5). The networks were isostructural and contained open channels which readily absorbed and desorbed water accompanied by a spongelike shrinkage and expansion of the host. CO2 sorption measurements confirmed microporosity giving a DR surface area of 718 m2/gm and an average pore size of 6.4 A. Ligand L sensitized all the lanthanide ions with the exception of Gd3+. Studying the series of Ln complexes allowed the determination of the triplet state energy of L which is itself a new ligand for sensitization purposes. The luminescent properties of the lanthanide building blocks were retained in the porous network solid. From the luminescence data, it was possible to attribute the spongelike properties of the network to the Ba2+ coordination sphere rather than the Ln3+ center. Networks were characterized by X-ray crystallography, PXRD, DSC/TGA, water vapor and gas sorption, and luminescence spectroscopy.     

Bimodal system (luminophore and paramagnetic contrastophore) derived from Ln(III) complexes based on a bipyridine-containing macrocyclic ligand

The synthesis of a new 15-membered polyaza-macrocyclic ligand L3H3, which is based on a 2,2'-bipyridine moiety and a diethylenetriaminetriacetic acid core, is reported. The lanthanide chelates of this octadentate ligand were programmed for bimodal probes, luminescent agents (Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy), and magnetic resonance imaging agents (Gd3+). The neutral 1:1 complexes with these Ln3+ ions were prepared and studied in aqueous solution by luminescence and NMR techniques. The main photophysical characteristics of these complexes (i.e., the absorption and luminescence spectra, the metal-centered lifetimes, and the overall luminescence yields, Phi) were measured. In addition, the role played by nonradiative pathways (vibrational energy transfer involving coordinated water molecules, involvement of ligand-to-metal charge-transfer excited states, or metal --> ligand back transfer) is discussed. The L3.Eu and L3.Tb complexes show very bright luminescence when photoexcited from the lowest-energy absorption band of the bipyridine chromophore. The luminescence quantum yields in an air-equilibrated water solution at room temperature are 0.10 and 0.21, respectively, despite the presence of one water molecule in the first coordination sphere of the metal ion. NMR data show that L3.Gd contains also one H2O molecule in the inner sphere. The proton longitudinal relaxivity, r1, of this complex is 3.4 s(-1) mM(-1) (0.47 T, 310 K) and the rotational correlation time, tau(R), is 57 ps (310 K). These values are comparable to those of the clinically used Gd-DTPA. Interestingly, the water exchange rate between the coordination site and the bulk solvent is slow (tau(M) = 3.5 micros at 310 K). The presence of water molecules in the second sphere and in rapid exchange with the solvent is discussed. Finally, it was found by luminescence and NMR experiments that these lanthanide complexes are stable versus transmetalation by several cations (especially Ca2+ and Zn2+) at physiological pH and have no interaction with blood proteins.     

Lanthanide chelates containing pyridine units with potential application as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging

A new pyridine-containing ligand, N,N'-bis(6-carboxy-2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid (H(4)L), has been designed for the complexation of lanthanide ions. (1)H and (13)C NMR studies in D(2)O solutions show octadentate binding of the ligand to the Ln(III) ions through the nitrogen atoms of two amine groups, the oxygen atoms of four carboxylates, and the two nitrogen atoms of the pyridine rings. Luminescence measurements demonstrate that both Eu(III) and Tb(III) complexes are nine-coordinate, whereby a water molecule completes the Ln(III) coordination sphere. Ligand L can sensitize both the Eu(III) and Tb(III) luminescence; however, the quantum yields of the Eu(III)- and Tb(III)-centered luminescence remain modest. This is explained in terms of energy differences between the singlet and triplet states on the one hand, and between the 0-phonon transition of the triplet state and the excited metal ion states on the other. The anionic [Ln(L)(H2O)]- complexes (Ln=La, Pr, and Gd) were also characterized by theoretical calculations both in vacuo and in aqueous solution (PCM model) at the HF level by means of the 3-21G* basis set for the ligand atoms and a 46+4 f(n) effective core potential for the lanthanides. The structures obtained from these theoretical calculations are in very good agreement with the experimental solution structures, as demonstrated by paramagnetic NMR measurements (lanthanide-induced shifts and relaxation-rate enhancements). Data sets obtained from variable-temperature (17)O NMR at 7.05 T and variable-temperature (1)H nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion (NMRD) on the Gd(III) complex were fitted simultaneously to give insight into the parameters that govern the water (1)H relaxivity. The water exchange rate (k(298)(ex)=5.0 x 10(6) s(-1)) is slightly faster than in [Gd(dota)(H2O)]- (DOTA=1,4,7,10-tetrakis(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane). Fast rotation limits the relaxivity under the usual MRI conditions.     

Definition of an intramolecular Eu-to-Eu energy transfer within a discrete [Eu2L] complex in solution

Ligand L, based on two do3a moieties linked by the methylene groups of 6,6'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine, was synthesized and characterized. The addition of Ln salts to an aqueous solution of L (0.01?M Tris-HCl, pH?7.4) led to the successive formation of [LnL] and [Ln(2)L] complexes, as evidenced by UV/Vis and fluorescence titration experiments. Homodinuclear [Ln(2)L] complexes (Ln = Eu, Gd, Tb, Yb, and Lu) were prepared and characterized. The (1)H and (13)C?NMR spectra of the Lu and Yb complexes in D(2)O solution (pD = 7.0) showed C(1) symmetry of these species in solution, pointing to two different chemical environments for the two lanthanide cations. The analysis of the chemical shifts of the Yb complex indicated that the two coordination sites present square antiprismatic (SAP) coordination environments around the metal ions. The spectroscopic properties of the [Tb(2)L] complex upon ligand excitation revealed conventional behavior with τ(H2O) = 2.05(1)?ms and ?(H2O) = 51%, except for the calculation of the hydration number obtained from the luminescent lifetimes in H(2)O and D(2)O, which pointed to a non-integer value of 0.6 water molecules per Tb(III) ion. In contrast, the Eu complex revealed surprising features such as: 1)?the presence of two and up to five components in the (5)D(0)→(7)F(0) and (5)D(0)→(7)F(1) emission bands, respectively; 2)?marked differences between the normalized spectra obtained in H(2)O and D(2)O solutions; and 3)?unconventional temporal evolution of the luminescence intensity at certain wavelengths, the intensity profile first displaying a rising step before the occurrence of the expected decay. Additional spectroscopic experiments performed on [Gd(2-x)Eu(x)L] complexes (x = 0.1 and 1.9) confirmed the presence of two distinct Eu sites with hydration numbers of 0 (site I) and 2 (site II), and showed that the unconventional temporal evolution of the emission intensity is the result of an unprecedented intramolecular Eu-to-Eu energy-transfer process. A mathematical model was developed to interpret the experimental data, leading to energy-transfer rates of 0.98?ms(-1) for the transfer from the site with q=0 to that with q=2 and vice versa. Hartree-Fock (HF) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations performed at the B3LYP level were used to investigate the conformation of the complex in solution, and to estimate the intermetallic distance, which provided F?rster radii (R(0)) values of 8.1?? for the energy transfer from site I to site II, and 6.8?? for the reverse energy transfer. These results represent the first evidence of an intramolecular energy-transfer equilibrium between two identical lanthanide cations within a discrete molecular complex in solution.     

Luminescence tuning of imidazole-based lanthanide(III) complexes [Ln = Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy

To tune the lanthanide luminescence in related molecular structures, we synthesized and characterized a series of lanthanide complexes with imidazole-based ligands: two tripodal ligands, tris{[2-{(1-methylimidazol-2-yl)methylidene}amino]ethyl}amine (Me(3)L), and tris{[2-{(imidazol-4-yl)methylidene}amino]ethyl}amine (H(3)L), and the dipodal ligand bis{[2-{(imidazol-4-yl)methylidene}amino]ethyl}amine (H(2)L). The general formulas are [Ln(Me(3)L)(H(2)O)(2)](NO(3))(3)·3H(2)O (Ln = 3+ lanthanide ion: Sm (1), Eu (2), Gd (3), Tb (4), and Dy (5)), [Ln(H(3)L)(NO(3))](NO(3))(2)·MeOH (Ln(3+) = Sm (6), Eu (7), Gd (8), Tb (9), and Dy (10)), and [Ln(H(2)L)(NO(3))(2)(MeOH)](NO(3))·MeOH (Ln(3+) = Sm (11), Eu (12), Gd (13), Tb (14), and Dy (15)). Each lanthanide ion is 9-coordinate in the complexes with the Me(3)L and H(3)L ligands and 10-coordinate in the complexes with the H(2)L ligand, in which counter anion and solvent molecules are also coordinated. The complexes show a screw arrangement of ligands around the lanthanide ions, and their enantiomorphs form racemate crystals. Luminescence studies have been carried out on the solid and solution-state samples. The triplet energy levels of Me(3)L, H(3)L, and H(2)L are 21?000, 22?700, and 23?000 cm(-1), respectively, which were determined from the phosphorescence spectra of their Gd(3+) complexes. The Me(3)L ligand is an effective sensitizer for Sm(3+) and Eu(3+) ions. Efficient luminescence of Sm(3+), Eu(3+), Tb(3+), and Dy(3+) ions was observed in complexes with the H(3)L and H(2)L ligands. Ligand modification by changing imidazole groups alters their triplet energy, and results in different sensitizing ability towards lanthanide ions.     

Synthesis, characterization of the luminescent lanthanide complexes with (Z)-4-(4-methoxyphenoxy)-4-oxobut-2-enoic acid

(Z)-4-(4-Methoxyphenoxy)-4-oxobut-2-enoic acid and its solid rare earth complexes LnL3.2H2O (Ln=La, Eu, Tb) were synthesized and characterized by means of MS, elemental analysis, FTIR, 13C NMR and TG-DTA. The IR and 13C NMR results show that the carboxylic groups in the complexes coordinated to the rare earth ions in the form of a bidentate ligand, but the ester carboxylic groups have not taken part in the coordination. The luminescence spectra of Eu(III) and Tb(III) complexes in solid state were also studied. The strong luminescence emitting peaks at 616nm for Eu(III) and 547nm for Tb(III) can be observed, which could be attributed to the ligand has an enhanced effect to the luminescence intensity of the Eu and Tb.     

Engineering of highly luminescent lanthanide tags suitable for protein labeling and time-resolved luminescence imaging

The synthesis of a new ligand LH(4) based on a glutamic acid skeleton bis-functionalized on its nitrogen atom by 6-methylene-6'-carboxy-2,2'-bipyridine chromophoric units is described. UV-vis spectrophotometric titrations revealed the formation of 1:1 M:L complexes with lanthanide(III) cations, and complexation of LH(4) with equimolar amounts of hydrated LnCl(3) salts (Ln = Eu, Gd, and Tb) gave water-soluble and stable complexes of the general formula [LnL(H(2)O)]Na, which were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, (1)H NMR (Ln = Eu), and mass spectrometry. The conditional stability constant for formation of the [EuL(H(2)O)]Na complex was determined by competitive complexation experiments to be log K = 16.5 +/- 0.6 in 0.01 M TRIS/HCl buffer (pH = 7.0). In water solution, the [EuL(H(2)O)]Na and [TbL(H(2)O)]Na complexes were highly luminescent with quantum yields of 8% and 31%, respectively, despite the presence of ca. one water molecule in the first coordination sphere of the metal ions. Activation of the appended carboxylate function of the glutamate moiety in the form of an N-hydroxysuccinimidyl ester allows for the covalent linking of the complexes to primary amino groups of biological compounds. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was labeled with both Eu or Tb complexes, and the Ln-BSA conjugates were characterized by UV-vis absorption and emission spectroscopy and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Labeling ratios (number of complex molecules per BSA) of ca. 8:1 and 7:1 were established for Eu-BSA and Tb-BSA, respectively. The suitability of the tagged compound for use in bioanalytical time-resolved luminescence microscopy was established by comparison with fluorescein-labeled probes.     

Role of inner- and outer-sphere bonding in the sensitization of EuIII-luminescence deciphered by combined analysis of experimental electron density distribution function and photophysical data

A series of lanthanide adducts with different amounts of 1,10-phenanthroline, chloride ions, and water molecules in the inner and outer coordination spheres are investigated with the aim of relating the chemical bonding patternin the crystals to the luminescence properties of the Eu ion: [LnCl1Phen2(H2O)3]Cl2(H2O) (Ln ) Eu, 1Eu; Gd, 1Gd;Tb, 1Tb), [EuCl2Phen2(H2O)2]Cl1(H2O) (2), and [EuCl2Phen1(H2O)4]Cl1(H2O) (3). The influence of inner- versus outersphere ligands on the Ln-X bond lengths and angles in the structure is examined. A detailed topological analysis of the electron density function derived from the X-ray diffraction data for 1Gd is performed within the frame of the"atoms in molecule" theory for the first time for a lanthanide complex. The chemical bonding pattern is interpreted in terms of net atomic charges, bond energies, and electron transfers from the ligands to the metal ion. A noteworthy finding is that the energy of extended noncovalent interactions occurring in the second coordination sphere (H-bonding and pi-stacking interactions) is comparable to that of Ln-ligand bonds. The luminescence properties of the three Eu adducts are interpreted with the results of electron density distribution function topology. An intraligand charge transfer state is identified, and its contribution in the ligand-to-europium energy transfer process is analyzed.The outcome of this study is that specific interionic interactions which are usually not considered in theoretical calculations or in the interpretation of luminescence properties play an important role in the sensitization of the Eu luminescence.     

Luminescent lanthanide complexes of a bis-bipyridine-phosphine-oxide ligand as tools for anion detection

The Gd(3+), Tb(3+), and Eu(3+) complexes of a bis-bipyridine-phenylphosphine oxide ligand PhP(O)(bipy)(2) 1 (bipy for 6-methylene-6'-methyl-2,2'-bipyridine) have been synthesized. In acetonitrile solutions at room temperature, the Tb(3+) and Eu(3+) complexes show a metal-centered luminescence, indicative of an efficient energy transfer from the two bipy subunits to the Ln center. The photophysical properties drastically depend on the nature of the anions present in solution. In particular, addition of 2 equiv of nitrate anions to a solution containing the [Ln.1](OTf-)(3) leads to an 11-fold increase of the luminescence intensity for the Eu(3+) and a 7-fold increase for the Tb(3+) complexes. Similar effects are provided with Cl-, F-, and CH(3)COO- anions. UV-vis titration experiments were used to determine association constants for binding of, respectively, one, two, and three anions. Stepwise anion addition has also been investigated on the molecular level using quantum mechanical (QM) calculations for the Eu complexes. These calculations reproduce the experimental findings, especially if solvent molecule addition is taken into account. The X-ray crystal structure of the nitrate salt of the Tb complex, as well as QM calculation of a similar Eu complex, demonstrates the coordination of three nitrate anions in a bidentate mode and the step-by-step relegation of the bipy subunits in the second coordination sphere. These features give valuable insights into the mechanism of the overall light amplification process.     

Anionically Substituted 1,1′,1″‐Methylidynetris[1H‐pyrazole] Ligands for the Formation of Neutral Lanthanide Complexes in Water: Synthesis,Characterization, and Photophysical Properties

The six‐step synthesis of the new podand‐type ligand 6,6′,6″‐[methylidenetri(1H‐pyrazole‐1,3‐diyl)]tris[pyridine‐2‐carboxylic acid] (LH₃) is described. Reaction of LH₃ with LnCl₃ ?6 H₂O (Ln=Eu, Gd, Tb) in MeOH resulted in the isolation of [LnL]?HCl complexes characterized by elemental analysis, mass and IR spectroscopy. Photophysical studies of the Eu and Tb complexes in aqueous solutions revealed the characteristic luminescence features of the metal atoms, indicative of an efficient ligand‐to‐metal energy‐transfer process. Determination of the luminescence quantum yields in H₂O showed the Tb complex to be highly luminescent (?=15%), while, for the Eu complex, the quantum efficiency was only 2%. Excited‐state‐lifetime measurements in H₂O and D₂O evidenced the presence of ca. three H₂O molecules in the first coordination sphere of the complexes. Investigation of the Gd complex allowed the determination of the ligand‐centered triplet state and showed the ligand to be well suited for energy transfer to the metal. The luminescence properties of the complexes are described, and the properties of the ligand as a suitable complexation pocket is questioned.     

Synthesis, characterization and luminescence property of N,N'-di(pyridine N-oxide-2-yl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide and corresponding lanthanide (III) complexes

A new ligand, N,N'-di(pyridine N-oxide-2-yl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxamide (LH2) and its several lanthanide (III) complexes (La, Eu, Gd, Tb, Y) were synthesized and characterized in detail based on elemental analysis, conductivity measurements, IR, 1H NMR, MS (FAB) and UV spectra and TG-DTA studies. The results indicated that the composition of these binary complexes is [Ln(LH2)(NO3)2.H2O]NO3.nH2O (n=0-1); while the ligand has a good planar structure with strong hydrogen bonds. The fluorescence spectra exhibits that the Tb (III) complex and the Eu (III) complex display characteristic metal-centered fluorescence in solid state while ligand fluorescence is completely quenched. However, the Tb (III) complex displays more effective luminescence than the Eu (III) complex, which is attributed to especial effectivity in transferring energy from the lowest triplet energy level of the ligands (T) onto the excited state (5D4) of Tb (III) than that (5D1) of Eu (III).     

Synthesis, structures, and magnetic properties of face-sharing heterodinuclear Ni(II)-Ln(III) (Ln = Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy) complexes

Heterodinuclear [(Ni (II)L)Ln (III)(hfac) 2(EtOH)] (H 3L = 1,1,1-tris[(salicylideneamino)methyl]ethane; Ln = Eu, Gd, Tb, and Dy; hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate) complexes ( 1.Ln) were prepared by treating [Ni(H 1.5L)]Cl 0.5 ( 1) with [Ln(hfac) 3(H 2O) 2] and triethylamine in ethanol (1:1:1). All 1.Ln complexes ( 1.Eu, 1.Gd, 1.Tb, and 1.Dy) crystallized in the triclinic space group P1 (No. 2) with Z = 2 with very similar structures. Each complex is a face-sharing dinuclear molecule. The Ni (II) ion is coordinated by the L (3-) ligand in a N 3O 3 coordination sphere, and the three phenolate oxygen atoms coordinate to an Ln (III) ion as bridging atoms. The Ln (III) ion is eight-coordinate, with four oxygen atoms of two hfac (-)'s, three phenolate oxygen atoms of L (3-), and one ethanol oxygen atom coordinated. Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility and field-dependent magnetization measurements showed a ferromagnetic interaction between Ni (II) and Gd (III) in 1.Gd. The Ni (II)-Ln (III) magnetic interactions in 1.Eu, 1.Tb, and 1.Dy were evaluated by comparing their magnetic susceptibilities with those of the isostructural Zn (II)-Ln (III) complexes, [(ZnL)Ln(hfac) 2(EtOH)] ( 2.Ln) containing a diamagnetic Zn (II) ion. A ferromagnetic interaction was indicated in 1.Tb and 1.Dy, while the interaction between Ni (II) and Eu (III) was negligible in 1.Eu. The magnetic behaviors of 1.Dy and 2.Dy were analyzed theoretically to give insight into the sublevel structures of the Dy (III) ion and its coupling with Ni (II). Frequency dependence in the ac susceptibility signals was observed in 1.Dy.     

Highly luminescent Eu(3+) and Tb(3+) macrocyclic complexes bearing an appended phenanthroline chromophore

A two-component ligand system (1) containing 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (DO3A) as the hosting unit for the lanthanide cations and an appended asymmetrically functionalized 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) as the chromophore was synthesized. The 1:1 complexes with Eu(3+), Gd(3+), Tb(3+), and Yb(3+) have been prepared and studied in aqueous solution. For Gd.1, a relaxivity value of 2.4 mM(-1) s(-1) has been measured at 20 MHz and 25 degrees C, which indicates that there are no water molecules in the first coordination sphere of the metal ion. The analysis of high resolution (1)H NMR spectra of Yb.1 supports this view and suggests the direct involvement of the phen moiety in the coordination of the metal ion. For Eu.1 and Tb.1, the absorption and luminescence spectra, the overall luminescence efficiencies, and the metal-centered (MC) lifetimes were obtained; coordination features were also determined by comparing luminescence properties in water and deuterated water. For Eu.1 and Tb.1, the overall emission sensitization (se) process in air-equilibrated water was found to be notably effective with phi(se) = 0.21 and 0.11, respectively. A detailed study of the steps originating from light absorption at the phen unit and leading to MC sensitized emission was performed.     

Synthesis, structures, and luminescence properties of lanthanide complexes with structurally related new tetrapodal ligands featuring salicylamide pendant arms

To explore the relationships between the structures of ligands and their complexes, we have synthesized and characterized a series of lanthanide complexes with two structurally related ligands, 1,1,1,1-tetrakis{[(2'-(2-benzylaminoformyl))phenoxyl]methyl}methane (L(I)) and 1,1,1,1-tetrakis{[(2'-(2-picolyaminoformyl))phenoxyl]methyl}methane (L(II)). A series of zero- to three-dimensional lanthanide coordination complexes have been obtained by changing the substituents on the Pentaerythritol. Our results revealed that, complexes of the L(I) ligand, {Ln(4)L(I)(3)(NO(3))(12).nC(4)H(10)O}(infinity) (Ln = Nd, Eu, Tb, Er, n = 3 or 6)] show the binodal 3,4-connected three-dimensional interpenetration coordination polymers with topology of a (8(3))(4)(8(6))(3) notation. Compared to L(I), complexes of L(II) present a cage-like homodinuclear [Ln(2)L(II)(2)(NO(3))(6).2H(2)O].nH(2)O (Ln = Nd, Tb, Dy, n = 0 or 1) or a helical one-dimensional coordination {[ErL(II)(NO(3))(3).H(2)O].H(2)O}(infinity) polymer. The luminescence properties of the resulting complexes formed with ions used in fluoroimmunoassays (Ln = Eu, Tb) are also studied in detail. It is noteworthy that subtle variation of the terminal group from benzene to pyridine not only sensibly affects the overall molecular structures but also the luminescence properties as well.     

Synthesis, crystal structures, and luminescence of organic-lanthanide complexes with nicotinate and isonicotinate ligands

Six lanthanide coordination compounds with two isomeric carboxylic acids, nicotinic acid (HL(1)) and isonicotinic acid (HL(2)), [(L(1))3Ln(H2O)2]2 (Ln = Eu, 1; Gd, 2; Tb, 3) and [( L(2))2Ln(H2O)4][NO3] (Ln = Eu, 4; Gd, 5; Tb, 6), have been synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 1-3 are dimeric whereas 4-6 are polymeric, all with 8-coordination of Ln(3+). The distinction between these lanthanide complexes is readily accomplished from the 10 K high resolution electronic emission spectra. Spectral interpretation is given for the Eu(3+) complexes 1, 4, whereas the spectra of 3 and 6 are more complex. The relationships between spectroscopic and crystallographic site symmetries are discussed. The calculated second rank crystal field strengths of Eu(3+) in 1 and 4 are intermediate in magnitude.     

Nonmacrocyclic luminescent lanthanide complexes stable in biological media

The synthesis of ligand L(P)H(8), based on a 2,6-bispyrazolyl-pyridine scaffold functionalized by iminobismethylenephosphonate functions, is described and its pK values were determined by a combination of pH-spectrophotometric titrations and potentiometry. The interaction of L(P) with Tb(3+) was investigated in water (0.01 M TRIS/HCl pH = 7.0) by means of UV-vis and fluorescence titration experiments and evidenced the formation of at least three species with 1:1; 1:2, and 2:1 M-L ratios, the 1:1 complex appearing as particularly stable under these conditions (log K(cond) > 8). Na(4)[LnL(P)H] complexes (Ln = Eu and Tb) were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and electrospray mass spectrometry. Their photophysical properties were investigated in aqueous solutions, revealing an excellent shielding of the Ln cations from the solvent environment (no water molecules in the first coordination sphere), very long luminescence lifetimes (τ(H(2)(O)) = 1.50 and 3.28 ms, respectively, for Eu and Tb) and reasonable luminescent quantum yields (?(H(2)(O)) = 2.4 and 37%, respectively, for Eu and Tb). Using fetal bovine serum as a model for biological media showed the Tb complex to remain luminescent in these conditions. The structure of the europium complex was studied by means of density functional theory (DFT) modeling, confirming the wrapping of the ligand around the cation, and the very good shielding of the coordinated Ln cation. The conditional stability constant for the formation of the Tb complex with L(P) was determined by competition experiments with EDTA and monitored by fluorescence spectroscopy (log K(TbL(P)cond) = 14.1 ± 0.3, 0.01 M TRIS/HCl, pH = 7.4) and was used to determine the thermodynamic constant (log K(TbL(P)) = 20.4 ± 0.4). A systematic comparison with ligand L(C), in which phosphonate functions are replaced by carboxylate ones, is made throughout the study, highlighting the large interest of the introduction of phosphonate moieties to obtain biologically stable luminescent lanthanide complexes.     

Highly luminescent, visible-emitting lanthanide macrocyclic chelates stable in water and derived from the cyclen framework

Two new tetraazamacrocyclic ligands are designed with the aim of sensitizing the luminescence of Tb(III) and Eu(III) ions in water: L5 [1,4,7,10-tetrakis[N-(phenacyl)carbamoylmethyl]-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane] and L6 [1,4,7,10-tetrakis[N-(4-phenylphenacyl)carbamoylmethyl]-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane]. These ligands react with lanthanide trifluoromethanesulfonates to yield stable 1:1 complexes in water (log K = 12.89 +/- 0.15 for EuL5). X-ray diffraction on [Tb(L5)(H(2)O)](CF(3)SO(3))(3) (P1 macro, a = 13.308(3) A, b = 14.338(3) A, c = 16.130(3) A, alpha = 101.37(3) degrees, beta = 96.16(3) degrees, gamma = 98.60(3) degrees ) shows the Tb(III) ion lying on a C(4) axis and being 9-coordinate, with one water molecule bound in its inner coordination sphere. The absolute quantum yields are determined in aerated water for the complexes formed with ions used in fluoroimmunoassays (Ln = Sm, Eu, Tb, and Dy). Large values are found for [Tb(H(2)O)(L5)](3+) and [Eu(H(2)O)(L6)](3+), in line with the molecular design of the receptors: 23.1% and 24.7%, respectively. The intense luminescence of these ions results from efficient intersystem crossing and L --> Ln energy transfer processes, as well as from a suitable shielding of the emitting ions from radiationless deactivation.     

4-[(1,3-二氧代丁基)氨基]苯甲酸稀土配合物的合成、表征及发光性质

在乙醇体系中,由主配体4-[(1,3-二氧代丁基)氨基]苯甲酸(H2L,C11H11NO4)、稀土硝酸盐及辅助配体邻菲啰啉(phen)反应合成了两个系列8个配合物[Ln2(L)3(H2O)4]n(Ln=Sm(1),Eu(2),Tb(3),Dy(4));[Ln2(NO3)2(L)2(phen)2]n(Ln=Sm(5),Eu(6),Tb(7),Dy(8))。用元素分析、红外光谱、摩尔电导、热重分析进行表征,确定了产物的化学组成,推断了相应的结构。测定了室温时固体产物的激发和发射光谱,结果表明:由主辅配体共同配位的三元配合物的发光强度好于无辅助配体参与的二元配合物。测定了三元配合物的荧光寿命,其中铕和铽配合物显示较长的荧光寿命。     

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.     

Influence of anionic functions on the coordination and photophysical properties of lanthanide(III) complexes with tridentate bipyridines

A series of four ligands based on a 5'-methyl-2,2'-bipyridyl framework substituted in the 6 position by a carboxylic acid, a phosphonic acid, a monoethyl ester phosphonic acid, or a diethyl ester phosphonic acid are described. The pK(a) values of all ligands and their assignments are determined by a combination of UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and (1)H and (31)P NMR spectroscopy. The ability of the tridentate ligands to form complexes with trivalent lanthanide cations (Ln = La, Nd, Eu, and Lu) in buffered water solutions (Tris-HCl, pH = 7.4) is studied by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and (1)H NMR. While the two ester ligands display a weak coordination ability toward lanthanide cations, the acid ligands form stable complexes with 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 Ln/L ratios. A weak selectivity is observed for the middle of the lanthanide series, and the complexes of the phosphonic acid derivative are up to 2 orders of magnitude more stable than those of the carboxylic acid ligand. Photophysical properties of the free phosphonic and carboxylic acid ligands and of their complexes with La, Eu, Gd, Tb, and Lu are investigated in buffered aqueous solutions both at room temperature and 77 K. An efficient ligand-to-metal energy transfer is observed for both the Eu and Tb complexes. Despite a relatively large energy gap between the ligand-centered (3)pipi* and the Eu((5)D(0)) or Tb((5)D(4)) emitting states, the metal-centered luminescence is well sensitized with quantum yields reaching up to 45.5 and 42.2% for the Tb 1:3 complexes with carboxylic and phosphonic acid ligands, respectively.