Structural and photophysical properties of coordination networks combining [Ru(Bpym)(CN)4]2- or [[Ru(CN)4]2(mu-bpym)]4- anions (bpym = 2,2'-bipyrimidine) with lanthanide(III) cations: sensitized near-infrared luminescence from Yb(III), Nd(III), and Er(III) following Ru-to-lanthanide energy transfer

Reaction of the cyanoruthenate anions [Ru(bpym)(CN)4]2- and [[Ru(CN)4]2(mu-bpym)]4- (bpym = 2,2'-bipyrimidine) with lanthanide(III) salts resulted in the crystallization of coordination networks based on Ru-CN-Ln bridges. Four types of structure were obtained: [Ru(bpym)(CN)4][Ln(NO3)(H2O)5] (Ru-Ln; Ln = Sm, Nd, and Gd) are one-dimensional helical chains; [Ru(bpym)(CN)4]2[Ln(NO3)(H2O)2][Ln(NO3)(0.5)(H2O)(5.5)](NO3)(0.5).5.5H2O (Ru-Ln; Ln = Er and Yb) are two-dimensional sheets containing cross-linked chains based on Ru2Ln2(mu-CN)4 diamond units, which are linked into one-dimensional chains via shared Ru atoms; [[Ru(CN)4]2(mu-bpym)][Ln(NO3)(H2O)5]2.3H2O (Ru2-Ln; Ln = Nd and Sm) are one-dimensional ladders with parallel Ln-NC-Ru-CN-Ln-NC strands connected by the bipyrimidine "cross pieces" acting as rungs on the ladder; and [[Ru(CN)4]2(mu-bpym)][Ln(H2O)6](0.5)[Ln(H2O)4](NO3)(0.5).nH2O (Ru2-Ln; Ln = Eu, Gd, and Yb; n = 8.5, 8.5, and 8, respectively) are three-dimensional networks in which two-dimensional sheets of Ru2Ln2(mu-CN)4 diamonds are connected via cyanide bridges to Ln(III) ions between the layers. Whereas Ru-Gd shows weak triplet metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (3MLCT) luminescence in the solid state from the Ru-bipyrimidine chromophore, in Ru-Nd, Ru-Er, and Ru-Yb, the Ru-based emission is quenched, and all of these show, instead, sensitized lanthanide-based near-IR luminescence following a Ru --> Ln energy transfer. Similarly, Ru2-Nd and Ru2-Yb show lanthanide-based near-IR emission following excitation of the Ru-bipyrimidine chromophore. Time-resolved luminescence measurements suggest that the Ru --> Ln energy-transfer rate is faster (when Ln = Yb and Er) than in related complexes based on the [Ru(bipy)(CN)4]2- chromophore, because the lower energy of the Ru-bpym 3MLCT provides better spectroscopic overlap with the low-energy f-f states of Yb(III) and Er(III). In every case, the lanthanide-based luminescence is relatively short-lived as a result of the CN oscillations in the lattice.     

Study of the luminescent and magnetic properties of a series of heterodinuclear [Zn(II)Ln(III)] complexes

Herein, we report the synthesis, structural investigation, and magnetic and photophysical properties of a series of 13 [Zn(II)Ln(III)] heterodinuclear complexes, which have been obtained employing a Schiff-base compartmental ligand derived from o-vanillin [H(2)valpn = 1,3-propanediylbis(2-iminomethylene-6-methoxy-phenol)]. The complexes have been synthesized starting from the [Zn(valpn)(H(2)O)] mononuclear compound and the corresponding lanthanide nitrates. The crystallographic investigation indicated two structural types: the first one, [Zn(H(2)O)(valpn)Ln(III)(O(2)NO)(3)], contains 10-coordinated Ln(III) ions, while in the second one, [Zn(ONO(2))(valpn)Ln(III)(H(2)O)(O(2)NO)(2)]·2H(2)O, the rare earth ions are nine-coordinated. The Zn(II) ions always display a square-pyramidal geometry. The first structural type encompasses the larger Ln ions (4f(0)-4f(9)), while the second is found for the smaller ions (4f(8)-4f(11)). The dysprosium derivative crystallizes in both forms. Luminescence studies for the heterodinuclear compounds containing Nd(III), Sm(III), Tb(III), Dy(III), and Yb(III) revealed that the [Zn(valpn)(H(2)O)] moiety acts as an antenna. The magnetic properties for the paramagnetic [Zn(II)Ln(III)] complexes have been investigated.     

Dynamic chiral-at-metal stability of tetrakis(d/l-hfc)Ln(III) complexes capped with an alkali metal cation in solution

Chiral tetrakis(β-diketonate) Ln(III) complexes Δ-[NaLa(d-hfc)(4)(CH(3)CN)] (1) and Λ-[NaLa(l-hfc)(4) (CH(3)CN)] (2) (d/l-hfc(-) = 3-heptafluo-robutylryl-(+)/(-)-camphorate) are a pair of enantiomers and crystallize in the same Sohncke space group (P2(1)2(1)2(1)) with dodecahedral (DD) geometry. Typically positive and negative exciton splitting patterns around 320 nm were observed in the solid-state circular dichroism (CD) spectra of complexes 1 and 2, which indicate that their shell configurational chiralities are Δ and Λ, respectively. The apparent bisignate couplets in the solid-state CD spectra of [CsLn(d-hfc)(4)(H(2)O)] [Ln = La (3), Yb (5)] and [CsLn(l-hfc)(4)(H(2)O)] [Ln = La (4), Yb (6)] show that they are a pair of enantiomers and their absolute configurations are denoted Δ and Λ, respectively. The crystallographic data of 5 reveals that its coordination polyhedron is the square antiprism (SAP) geometry and it undergoes a phase transition from triclinic (α phase, P1) to monoclinic (β phase, C2) upon cooling. The difference between the two phases is brought about by the temperature dependent behaviour of the coordination water molecules, but this did not affect the configurational chirality of the Δ-SAP-[Yb(d-hfc)(4)](-) moiety. Furthermore, time-dependent CD, UV-vis and (19)F NMR were applied to study the solution behavior of these complexes. It was found that the chiral-at-metal stability of the three pairs of complexes is different and affected by both the Ln(3+) and M(+) ion size. The results show that the Cs(+) cation can retain the metal center chirality and stablize the structures of [Ln(d/l-hfc)(4)](-) or the dissociated tris(d/l-hfc)Ln(III) species in solution for a longer time than that of the Na(+) cation, and it is important that the Cs(+) ion successfully lock the configurational chirality around the Yb(3+) center of the complex species in solution. This is reasoned by the short Cs(+)···FC, Cs(+)···O-Yb and Cs(+)···Yb(3+) interactions observed in the crystal structure of α-5 and further confirmed by the chiral self-assembly of 5 or 6 from [Yb(H(2)O)(d/l-hfc)(3)] induced by CsI in a CHCl(3) solution.     

Unequivocal synthetic pathway to heterodinuclear (4f,4f') complexes: magnetic study of relevant (Ln(III), Gd(III)) and (Gd(III), Ln(III)) complexes

The tripodal ligand tris[4-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-aza-3-buten]amine (LH(3)) is capable of coordinating to two different lanthanide ions to give complexes formulated as [LLnLn'(NO(3))(3)].x H(2)O. The stepwise synthetic procedure consists of introducing first a Ln(III) ion in the inner N(4)O(3) coordination site. The isolated neutral complex LLn is then allowed to react with a second and different Ln' ion that occupies the outer O(6) site, thus yielding a [LLnLn'(NO(3))(3)].x H(2)O complex. A FAB(+) study has confirmed the existence of (Ln, Ln') entities as genuine, when the Ln' ion in the outer site has a larger ionic radius than the Ln ion in the inner site. The qualitative magnetic study of the (Gd, Ln) and (Ln, Gd) complexes, based on the comparison of the magnetic properties of (Gd, Ln) (or (Ln, Gd)) pairs and (Y, Ln) (or (Ln, La)) pairs, is very informative. Indeed, these former complexes are governed by the thermal population of the Ln(III) Stark levels and the Ln-Gd interaction, while the latter are influenced by the thermal population of the Ln(III) Stark levels. We have been able to show that a ferromagnetic interaction exists at low temperature in the (Gd, Nd), (Gd, Ce), and (Yb, Gd) complexes. In contrast, an antiferromagnetic interaction occurs in the (Dy, Gd) and (Er, Gd) complexes. Although we cannot give a quantitative value to these interactions, we can affirm that their magnitudes are weak since they are only perceptible at very low temperature.     

Explorations of new quaternary phases in the Ln(III)-V(V)(d0)-Se(IV)-O (Ln = Nd, Eu, Gd, Tb) systems

Systematic explorations of new phases in the Ln(III)-V(V)-Se(IV)-O systems by hydrothermal syntheses led to four new quaternary compounds, namely, Nd(2)(V(V)(2)O(4))(SeO(3))(4)·H(2)O (1), Ln(V(V)O(2))(SeO(3))(2) (Ln = Eu 2, Gd 3, Tb 4). The structure of Nd(2)(V(V)(2)O(4))(SeO(3))(4)·H(2)O features a 3D framework composed of the 2D layers of [N d(SeO(3))](+) bridged by the infinite [VO(2)(SeO(3))](-) chains with the lattice water molecules located at the 6-membered ring tunnels formed. The structure of Ln(V(V)O(2))(SeO(3))(2) (Ln = Eu, Gd, Tb) also features a 3D framework composed of 2D layers of [Ln(SeO(3))](+) bridged by the infinite [(VO(2))(SeO(3))](-) double chains. The 1D vanadium oxide selenite chain of 1 differs significantly from those in compounds 2-4 in terms of the coordination modes of the selenite groups and the connectivities between neighbouring VO(6) octahedra. Luminescent and magnetic properties of these compounds were also measured.     

Structure and properties of new mixed-valent [Mn(III)2Mn(IV)3Ln(III)5O5] complexes (Ln(III) = Tm(III), Lu(III), and Yb(III))

By using 2'-hydroxyacetophenoxime, a new family of complexes with an [Mn(III)(2)Mn(IV)(3)Ln(5)O(5)] core was obtained with Ln = Tm (1), Lu (2), and Yb (3). Heterometallic Mn/Tm and Mn/Lu combinations have had no precedence so far. Studies of the magnetic properties indicate the presence of intracomplex antiferromagnetic interactions in 1 and 3, as well as a dominating ferromagnetic interaction between Mn(III) and Mn(IV) spins in 2, leading to an S(T) = 5/2 ground state.     

Cyanide-bridged Os(II)/Ln(III) coordination networks containing [Os(phen)(CN)4]2- as an energy donor: structural and photophysical properties

Slow evaporation of aqueous solutions containing mixtures of Na 2[Os(phen)(CN) 4], Ln(III) salts (Ln = Pr, Nd, Gd, Er, Yb), and (in some cases) an additional ligand such as 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) or 2,2'-bipyrimidine (bpym) afforded crystalline coordination networks in which the [Os(phen)(CN) 4] (2-) anions are coordinated to Ln(III) cations via Os-CN-Ln cyanide bridges. The additional diimine ligands, if present, also coordinate to the Ln(III) centers. Several types of structure have been identified by X-ray crystallographic studies. Photophysical studies showed that the characteristic emission of the [Os(phen)(CN) 4] (2-) chromophore, which occurs at approximately 680 nm in this type of coordination environment with a triplet metal-to-ligand charge transfer ( (3)MLCT) energy content of approximately 16 000 cm (-1), is quenched by energy transfer to those Ln(III) centers (Pr, Nd, Er, Yb) that have low-lying f-f states capable of accepting energy from the Os(II)-based (3)MLCT state. Time-resolved studies on the residual (partially quenched) Os(II)-based luminescence allowed the rates of Os(II) --> Ln(III) energy transfer to be evaluated. The measured rates varied substantially, having values of >5 x 10 (8), approximately 1 x 10 (8), and 2.5 x 10 (7) s (-1) for Ln = Nd, Er or Yb, and Pr, respectively. These differing rates of Os(II) --> Ln(III) energy transfer can be rationalized on the basis of the availability of f-f states of the different Ln(III) centers that are capable of acting as energy acceptors. In general, the rates of Os(II) --> Ln(III) energy transfer are an order of magnitude faster than the rates of Ru(II) --> Ln(III) energy transfer in a previously described series of [Ru(bipy)(CN) 4] (2-)/Ln(III) networks. This is ascribed principally to the lower energy of the Os(II)-based (3)MLCT state, which provides better spectroscopic overlap with the low-lying f-f states of the Ln(III) ions.     

Syntheses, structures and properties of seven isomorphous 1D Ln3+complexes Ln(BTA)(HCOO)(H2O)3 (H2BTA = bis(tetrazoly)amine, Ln = Pr, Gd, Eu, Tb, Dy, Er, Yb) and two 3D Ln3+ complexes Ln(HCOO)3 (Ln = Pr, Nd)

Seven isomorphous 1D chain Ln3+ complexes Ln(BTA)(HCOO)(H2O)3 (Ln = Pr (1), Gd (2), Eu (3), Tb (4) Dy (5), Er (6) and Yb (7)), and two formate coordinating and bridging 3D Ln3+ complexes Ln(HCOO)3 (Ln = Pr (8) and Nd (9)) have been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Although the Ln3+ ions in 1-7 have different radius, the trivalent lanthanide ions in 1-7 show the same coordinated environment. The well-defined single crystal structures of 8 and 9 are first samples for formate-bridged Ln3+ metallic complexes. The luminescent properties of solid samples of 2-5 at room temperature and the magnetic property of 2 have been also reported and discussed in this paper.     

Ln(III)(2)Mn(III)(2) heterobimetallic "butterfly" complexes displaying antiferromagnetic coupling (Ln = Eu, Gd, Tb, Er)

The isostructural heterometallic complexes [Ln(III)(2)Mn(III)(2)O(2)(ccnm)(6)(dcnm)(2)(H(2)O)(2)] (Ln = Eu (1Eu), Gd (1Gd), Tb (1Tb), Er (1Er); ccnm = carbamoylcyanonitrosomethanide; dcnm = dicyanonitrosomethanide) have been synthesised and structurally characterised. The in situ transition metal promoted nucleophilic addition of water to dcnm, forming the derivative ligand ccnm, plays an essential role in cluster formation. The central [Ln(III)(2)Mn(III)(2)(O)(2)] moiety has a "butterfly" topology. The coordinated aqua ligands and the NH(2) group of the ccnm ligands facilitate the formation of a range of hydrogen bonds with the lattice solvent and neighbouring clusters. Magnetic measurements generally reveal weak intracluster antiferromagnetic coupling, except for the large J(MnMn) value in 1Gd. There is some evidence for single molecule magnetic (SMM) behaviour in 1Er. Comparisons of the magnetic properties are made with other recently reported butterfly-type {Ln(III)(x)M(III)(4-x) (d-block)} clusters, x = 1, 2; M = Mn, Fe.     

Investigation on structures, luminescent and magnetic properties of Ln(III)-M (M = Fe(II)(HS), Co(II)) coordination polymers

The structures, luminescent and magnetic properties of three series of coordination polymers with formulas-{[Fe(3)Ln(2)(L(1))(6)(H(2)O)(6)]·xH(2)O}(n) (Ln = Pr-Er; 1-9), {[Co(3)Ln(2)(L(1))(6)(H(2)O)(6)]·yH(2)O}(n) (Ln = Pr-Dy, Yb; 10-17) and {[Co(2)Ln(L(2))(HL(2))(2)(H(2)O)(7)]·zH(2)O}(n) (Ln = Eu-Yb; 18-25) (H(2)L(1) = pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid, H(3)L(2) = 4-hydroxyl-pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid) were systematically explored in this contribution. [Fe(II)(HS)-L(1)-Ln(III)] (1-9) and [Co(II)-L(1)-Ln(III)] (10-17) series are isostructural, and display 3D porous networks with 1D nanosized channels constructed by Fe/Co-OCO-Ln linkages. Furthermore, two types of "water" pipes are observed in 1D channels. [Co(II)-L(2)-Ln(III)] (18-25) series exhibit 2D open frameworks based on double-stranded helical motifs, which are further assembled into 3D porous structures by intermolecular hydrogen bonds between hydroxyl groups. The variety of the resulting structures is mainly due to the HO-substitution effect. These 3D coordination polymers show considerably high thermal stability, and do not decomposed until 400 °C. The high-spin Fe(II) ion in [Fe(II)(HS)-L(1)-Ln(III)] was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, M?ssbauer spectroscopy and magnetic studies. The luminescent spectra of coordination polymers associated with Sm(III), Eu(III), Tb(III) and Dy(III) were systematically investigated, and indicate that different d-metal ions in d-f systems may result in dissimilar luminescent properties. The magnetic properties of [Fe(II)(HS)-L(1)-Ln(III)] (3, 6, 7, 9, 13), [Co(II)-L(1)-Ln(III)] (15-17) and [Co(II)-L(2)-Ln(III)] (19-24) coordination polymers were also studied, and the χ(M)T values decrease with cooling. For the single ion behavior of Co(II) and Ln(III) ions, the magnetic coupling nature between Fe(II)(HS)/Co(II) and Ln(III) ions cannot be clearly depicted as antiferromagnetic coupling.     

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.     

Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of a novel family of heterometallic nonanuclear Na(I)2Mn(III)6Ln(III) (Ln = Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy) complexes

The structures and magnetic properties of four isomorphous nonanuclear heterometallic complexes [Na(2){Mn(3)(III)(μ(3)-O(2-))}(2)Ln(III)(hmmp)(6)(O(2)CPh)(4)(N(3))(2)]OH·0.5 CH(3)CN·1.5H(2)O are reported, where Ln(III) = Eu (1), Gd (2), Tb (3) and Dy (4), H(2)hmmp = 2-[(2-hydroxyethylimino)methyl]-6-methoxyphenol. Complexes 1-4 were prepared by the reactions of hmmpH(2) with a manganese salt and the respective lanthanide salt together with NaO(2)CPh and NaN(3). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that the six Mn(III) and one Ln(III) metal topology in the aggregate can be described as a bitetrahedron. The two peripheral [Mn(III)(3)(μ(3)-O(2-))](7+) triangles are each bonded to a central Ln(III) ion with rare distorted octahedral geometry. The magnetic properties of all the complexes were investigated using variable temperature magnetic susceptibility and both antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic interactions exist in the [Mn(III)(3)(μ(3)-O(2-))](7+) triangle. Weak ferromagnetic exchange between the Ln(III) and Mn(III) ions has been established for the corresponding Gd derivative. The Gd, Tb and Dy complexes show no evidence of slow relaxation behaviour above 2.0 K.     

Carboxylate-free Mn(III)2Ln(III)2 (Ln = lanthanide) and Mn(III)2Y(III)2 complexes from the use of (2-hydroxymethyl)pyridine: analysis of spin frustration effects

The initial employment of 2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine for the synthesis of Mn/Ln (Ln = lanthanide) and Mn/Y clusters, in the absence of an ancillary organic ligand, has afforded a family of tetranuclear [Mn(III)(2)M(III)(2)(OH)(2)(NO(3))(4)(hmp)(4)(H(2)O)(4)](NO(3))(2) (M = Dy, 1; Tb, 2; Gd, 3; Y; 4) anionic compounds. 1-4 possess a planar butterfly (or rhombus) core and are rare examples of carboxylate-free Mn/Ln and Mn/Y clusters. Variable-temperature dc and ac studies established that 1 and 2, which contain highly anisotropic Ln(III) atoms, exhibit slow relaxation of their magnetization vector. Fitting of the obtained magnetization (M) versus field (H) and temperature (T) data for 3 by matrix diagonalization and including only axial anisotropy (zero-field splitting, ZFS) showed the ground state to be S = 3. Complex 4 has an S = 0 ground state. Fitting of the magnetic susceptibility data collected in the 5-300 K range for 3 and 4 to the appropriate van Vleck equations revealed, as expected, extremely weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the paramagnetic ions; for 3, J(1) = -0.16(2) cm(-1) and J(2) = -0.12(1) cm(-1) for the Mn(III)···Mn(III) and Mn(III)···Gd(III) interactions, respectively. The S = 3 ground state of 3 has been rationalized on the basis of the spin frustration pattern in the molecule. For 4, J = -0.75(3) cm(-1) for the Mn(III)···Mn(III) interaction. Spin frustration effects in 3 have been quantitatively analyzed for all possible combinations of sign of J(1) and J(2).     

Structural and photophysical properties of coordination networks combining [Ru(bipy)(CN)4]2- anions and lanthanide(III) cations: rates of photoinduced Ru-to-lanthanide energy transfer and sensitized near-infrared luminescence

Co-crystallization of K2[Ru(bipy)(CN)4] with lanthanide(III) salts (Ln = Pr, Nd, Gd, Er, Yb) from aqueous solution affords coordination oligomers and networks in which the [Ru(bipy)(CN)4]2- unit is connected to the lanthanide cation via Ru-CN-Ln bridges. The complexes fall into two structural types: [{Ru(bipy)(CN)4}2{Ln(H2O)m}{K(H2O)n}] x xH2O (Ln = Pr, Er, Yb; m = 7, 6, 6, respectively), in which two [Ru(bipy)(CN)4]2- units are connected to a single lanthanide ion by single cyanide bridges to give discrete trinuclear fragments, and [{Ru(bipy)(CN)4}3{Ln(H2O)4}2] x xH2O (Ln = Nd, Gd), which contain two-dimensional sheets of interconnected, cyanide-bridged Ru2Ln2 squares. In the Ru-Gd system, the [Ru(bipy)(CN)4]2- unit shows the characteristic intense (3)metal-to-ligand charge transfer luminescence at 580 nm with tau = 550 ns; with the other lanthanides, the intensity and lifetime of this luminescence are diminished because of a Ru --> Ln photoinduced energy transfer to low-lying emissive states of the lanthanide ions, resulting in sensitized near-infrared luminescence in every case. From the degree of quenching of the Ru-based emission, Ru --> Ln energy-transfer rates can be estimated, which are in the order Yb (k(EnT) approximately 3 x 10(6) sec(-1), the slowest energy transfer) < Er < Pr < Nd (k(EnT) approximately 2 x 10(8) sec(-1), the fastest energy transfer). This order may be rationalized on the basis of the availability of excited f-f levels on the lanthanide ions at energies that overlap with the Ru-based emission spectrum. In every case, the lifetime of the lanthanide-based luminescence is short (tens/hundreds of nanoseconds, instead of the more usual microseconds), even when the water ligands on the lanthanide ions are replaced by D2O to eliminate the quenching effects of OH oscillators; we tentatively ascribe this quenching effect to the cyanide ligands.     

Effects of large halides on the structures of lanthanide(III) and plutonium(III) borates

Reactions of LnBr(3) or LnOI with molten boric acid result in formation of Ln[B(5)O(8)(OH)(H(2)O)(2)Br] (Ln = La-Pr), Nd(4)[B(18)O(25)(OH)(13)Br(3)], or Ln[B(5)O(8)(OH)(H(2)O)(2)I] (Ln = La-Nd). Reaction of PuOI with molten boric acid yields Pu[B(7)O(11)(OH)(H(2)O)(2)I]. The Ln(III) and Pu(III) centers in these compounds are found as nine-coordinate hula-hoop or 10-coordinate capped triangular cupola geometries where there are six approximately coplanar oxygen donors provided by triangular holes in the polyborate sheets. The borate sheets are connected into three-dimensional networks by additional BO(3) triangles and/or BO(4) tetrahedra that are roughly perpendicular to the layers. The room-temperature absorption spectrum of single crystals of Pu[B(7)O(11)(OH)(H(2)O)(2)I] shows characteristic f-f transitions for Pu(III) that are essentially indistinguishable from Pu(III) in other compounds with alternative ligands and different coordination environments.     

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.     

Near-infrared luminescent hybrid materials doped with lanthanide (Ln) complexes (Ln = Nd, Yb) and their possible laser application

The crystal structures of ternary Ln(DBM)(3)phen complexes (DBM = dibenzoylmethane, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, and Ln = Nd, Yb) and their in situ syntheses via the sol-gel process are reported. The properties of the Ln(DBM)(3)phen complexes and their corresponding Ln(3+)/DBM/phen-co-doped luminescent hybrid gels obtained via an in situ method (Ln-D-P gel) have been studied. The results reveal that the lanthanide complexes are successfully in situ synthesized in the corresponding Ln-D-P gels. Both Ln(DBM)(3)phen complexes and Ln-D-P gels display sensitized near-infrared (NIR) luminescence upon excitation at the maximum absorption of the ligands, which contributes to the efficient energy transfer from the ligands to the Ln(3+) ions (Ln = Nd, Yb), an antenna effect. The radiative properties of the Nd(3+) ion in a Nd-D-P gel are discussed using Judd-Ofelt analysis, which indicates that the (4)F(3/2) --> (4)I(11/2) transition of the Nd(3+) ion in the Nd-D-P gel can be considered as a possible laser transition.     

Dual shell-like magnetic clusters containing Ni(II) and Ln(III) (Ln = La, Pr, and Nd) ions

Dual shell-like nanoscopic magnetic clusters featuring a polynuclear nickel(II) framework encapsulating that of lanthanide ions (Ln = La, Pr, and Nd) were synthesized using Ni(NO3)(2).6H2O, Ln(NO3)(3).6H2O, and iminodiacetic acid (IDA) under hydrothermal conditions. Structurally established by crystallographic studies, these clusters are [La20Ni30(IDA)30(CO3)6(NO3)6(OH)30(H2O)12](CO3)(6).72H2O (1), [Ln20Ni21(C4H5NO4)21(OH)24(C2H2O3)6(C2O4)3(NO3)9(H2O)12](NO3)9.nH2O [C2H2O3 is the alkoxide form of glycolate; Ln = Pr (2), n = 42; Nd (3), n = 50], and {[La4Ni5Na(IDA)5(CO3)(NO3)4(OH)5(H2O)5][CO3].10H2O} infinity (4). Carbonate, oxalate, and glycolate are products of hydrothermal decomposition of IDA. Compositions of these compounds were confirmed by satisfactory elemental analyses. It has been found that the cluster structure is dependent on the identity of the lanthanide ion as well as the starting Ln/Ni/IDA ratio. The cationic cluster of 1 features a core of the Keplerate type with an outer icosidodecahedron of Ni(II) ions encaging a dodecahedral kernel of La(III). Clusters 2 and 3, distinctly different from 1, are isostructural, possessing a core of an outer shell of 21 Ni(II) ions encapsulating an inner shell of 20 Ln(III) ions. Complex 4 is a three-dimensional assembly of cluster building blocks connected by units of Na(NO3)/La(NO3)3; the structure of the building block resembles closely that of 1, with a hydrated La(III) ion internalized in the decanuclear cage being an extra feature. Magnetic studies indicated ferromagnetic interactions in 1, while overall antiferromagnetic interactions were revealed for 2 and 3. The polymeric, three-dimensional cluster network 4 displayed interesting ferrimagnetic interactions.     

Magnetism of cyano-bridged hetero-one-dimensional Ln3+-M3+ complexes (Ln3+ = Sm,Gd, Yb; M3+ = FeLS,Co)

The reaction of Ln(NO(3))(3).aq with K(3)[Fe(CN)(6)] or K(3)[Co(CN)(6)] and 2,2'-bipyridine in water led to five one-dimensional complexes: trans-[M(CN)(4)(mu-CN)(2)Ln(H(2)O)(4) (bpy)](n)().XnH(2)O.1.5nbpy (M = Fe(3+) or Co(3+); Ln = Sm(3+), Gd(3+), or Yb(3+); X = 4 or 5). The structures for [Fe(3)(+)-Sm(3+)] (1), [Fe(3)(+)-Gd(3+)] (2), [Fe(3)(+)-Yb(3+)] (3), [Co(3)(+)-Gd(3+)] (4), and [Co(3)(+)-Yb(3+)] (5) have been solved; they crystallize in the triclinic space P1 and are isomorphous. The [Fe(3+)-Sm(3+)] complex is a ferrimagnet, its magnetic studies suggesting the onset of weak ferromagnetic 3-D ordering at 3.5 K. The [Fe(3+)-Gd(3+)] interaction is weakly antiferromagnetic. The isotropic nature of Gd(3+) allowed us to evaluate the exchange interaction (J = 0.77 cm(-)(1)).     

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.