Enantiomeric self-recognition in homo- and heterodinuclear macrocyclic lanthanide(III) complexes

The controlled formation of lanthanide(III) dinuclear μ-hydroxo-bridged [Ln(2)L(2)(μ-OH)(2)X(2)](n+) complexes (where X = H(2)O, NO(3)(-), or Cl(-)) of the enantiopure chiral macrocycle L is reported. The (1)H and (13)C NMR resonances of these complexes have been assigned on the basis of COSY, NOESY, TOCSY, and HMQC spectra. The observed NOE connectivities confirm that the dimeric solid-state structure is retained in solution. The enantiomeric nature of the obtained chiral complexes and binding of hydroxide anions are reflected in their CD spectra. The formation of the dimeric complexes is accompanied by a complete enantiomeric self-recognition of the chiral macrocyclic units. The reaction of NaOH with a mixture of two different mononuclear lanthanide(III) complexes, [Ln(1)L](3+) and [Ln(2)L](3+), results in formation of the heterodinuclear [Ln(1)Ln(2)L(2)(μ-OH)(2)X(2)](n+) complexes as well as the corresponding homodinuclear complexes. The formation of the heterodinuclear complex is directly confirmed by the NOESY spectra of [EuLuL(2)(μ-OH)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](4+), which reveal close contacts between the macrocyclic unit containing the Eu(III) ion and the macrocyclic unit containing the Lu(III) ion. While the relative amounts of homo- and heterodinuclear complexes are statistical for the two lanthanide(III) ions of similar radii, a clear preference for the formation of heterodinuclear species is observed when the two mononuclear complexes contain lanthanide(III) ions of markedly different sizes, e.g., La(III) and Yb(III). The formation of heterodinuclear complexes is accompanied by the self-sorting of the chiral macrocyclic units based on their chirality. The reactions of NaOH with a pair of homochiral or racemic mononuclear complexes, [Ln(1)L(RRRR)](3+)/[Ln(2)L(RRRR)](3+), [Ln(1)L(SSSS)](3+)/[Ln(2)L(SSSS)](3+), or [Ln(1)L(rac)](3+)/[Ln(2)L(rac)](3+), results in mixtures of homochiral, homodinuclear and homochiral, heterodinuclear complexes. On the contrary, no heterochiral, heterodinuclear complexes [Ln(1)L(RRRR)Ln(2)L(SSSS)(μ-OH)(2)X(2)](n+) are formed in the reactions of two different mononuclear complexes of opposite chirality.     

Lanthanide-mediated triangular cationic assemblies: structural and physico-chemical properties

This contribution investigates Ln(III) complexes formed with a small ditopic ligand, L1, and their structural, thermodynamic and photophysical properties. The spectrophotometric and NMR titrations evidence the triangular assemblies [Ln(3)(L1-H)(3)](6+) at stoichiometric conditions and their properties are discussed in relation to L2-containing analogues. In addition, the dinuclear species, [Ln(2)(L1-H)](5+), is observed with an excess of metal.     

Encapsulation and Sensitization of UV-vis and Near Infrared Lanthanide Hydrate Emitters for Dual- and Bimodal-Emissions in Both Air and Aqueous Media Based on a Porous Heteroatom-Rich Cd(II)-Framework

A porous heteroatom-rich Cd(II)-polymeric framework which is generated from an ethylene glycol ether-bridging dicarboxylate ligand L, 4,4'-bipy and Cd(II) ion is reported. It contains one-dimensional tubes (9-11 ?) which are able to trap cationic lanthanide hydrates such as Eu(H(2)O)(8)(3+), Tb(H(2)O)(8)(3+), and Nd(H(2)O)(8)(3+) under ambient conditions to generate Ln(H(2)O)(8)(3+)-loaded materials. In addition, the heteroatom-rich host material can effectively protect and sensitize the encapsulated Ln(3+) emitters in their hydrate form in both air and aqueous media. Furthermore, the dual- and bimodal-emissions are successfully realized by intercalation of the different Ln(3+)-hydrates based on a guest-driven approach.     

Structures and properties of porous coordination polymers based on lanthanide carboxylate building units

A series of 3-D lanthanide porous coordination polymers, [Ln(6)(BDC)(9)(DMF)(6)(H(2)O)(3)·3DMF](n) [Ln = La, 1; Ce, 2; Nd, 3], [Ln(2)(BDC)(3)(DMF)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](n) [Ln = Y, 4; Dy, 5; Eu, 6], [Ln(2)(ADB)(3)(DMSO)(4)·6DMSO·8H(2)O](n) [Ln = Ce, 7; Sm, 8; Eu, 9; Gd, 10], {[Ce(3)(ADB)(3)(HADB)(3)]·30DMSO·29H(2)O}(n) (11), and [Ce(2)(ADB)(3)(H(2)O)(3)](n) (12) (H(2)BDC = benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid and H(2)ADB = 4,4'-azodibenzoic acid), have been synthesized and characterized. In 1-3, the adjacent Ln(III) ions are intraconnected to form 1-D metal-carboxylate oxygen chain-shaped building units, [Ln(4)(CO(2))(12)](n), that constructed a 3-D framework with 4 × 7 ? rhombic channels. In 4-6, the dimeric Ln(III) ions are interlinked to yield scaffolds with 3-D interconnecting tunnels. Compounds 7-10 are all 3-D interpenetrating structures with the CaB6-type topology structure. Compound 11 is constructed by ADB spacers and trinulcear Ce nodes with a NaCl-type topology structure and a 1.9-nm open channel system. In 12, the adjacent Ce(III) ions are intraconnected to form 1-D metal-carboxylate oxygen chain-shaped building units, [Ln(4)(CO(2))(12)](n), and give rise to a 3-D framework. Moreover, 6 exhibits characteristic red luminescence properties of Eu(III) complexes. The magnetic susceptibilities, over a temperature range of 1.8-300 K, of 3, 6, and 7 have also been investigated; the results show paramagnetic properties.     

Heterometallic cubane-like {M2Ln2} (M = Ni, Zn; Ln =, Gd, Dy) and {Ni2Y2} aggregates. Synthesis, structures and magnetic properties

The syntheses, structural determinations and magnetic studies of tetranuclear M(II)Ln(III) complexes (M = Ni, Zn; Ln = Y, Gd, Dy) involving an in situ compartmentalized schiff base ligand HL derived from the condensation of o-vanillin and 2-hydrazinopyridine as main ligand are described. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that all complexes are closely isostructural, with the central core composed of distorted {M(2)Ln(2)O(4)} cubes of the formulas [Ni(2)Ln(2)(μ(3)-OH)(2)(L)(2)(OAc)(4)(H(2)O)(3.5)](ClO(4))(2)·3H(2)O (Ln = Y 1 and Gd 2), [Ni(2)Dy(2)(μ(3)-OH)(2)(L)(2)(OAc)(5)(EtOH)(H(2)O)(1.5)](ClO(4))·EtOH·H(2)O (3) and [Zn(2)Ln(2)(μ(3)-OH)(2)(L)(2)(OAc)(5)(EtOH)(H(2)O)](ClO(4))·2EtOH·1.5H(2)O (Gd 4 and Dy 5). The Ln(III) ions are linked by two hydroxo bridges and each M(II) ion is also involved in a double phenoxo-hydroxo bridge with the two Ln(III) ions, so that each hydroxo group is triply linked to the two Ln(III) and one M(II) ions. The magnetic properties of all complexes have been investigated. Ni(2)Y(2) (1) has a ferromagnetic Ni(II)Ni(II) interaction. A weak ferromagnetic Ni(II)Ln(III) interaction is observed in the Ni(2)Ln(2) complexes (Ln = Gd 2, Dy 3), along with a weak antiferromagnetic Ln(III)Ln(III) interaction, a D zero-field splitting term for the nickel ion and a ferromagnetic Ni(II)Ni(II) interaction. The isomorphous Zn(2)Ln(2) (Ln = Gd 4, Dy 5) does confirm the presence of a weak antiferromagnetic Ln(III)Ln(III) interaction. The Ni(2)Dy(2) complex (3) does not behave as a SMM, which could result from a subtractive combination of the Dy and Ni anisotropies and an increased transverse anisotropy, leading to large tunnel splittings and quantum tunneling of magnetization. On the other hand, Zn(2)Dy(2) (5) exhibits a possible SMM behavior, where its slow relaxation of magnetization is probably attributed to the presence of the anisotropic Dy(III) ions.     

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.     

Vapour-adsorption and chromic behaviours of luminescent coordination polymers composed of a Pt(II)-diimine metalloligand and alkaline-earth metal ions

Four new bimetallic coordination polymers (CPs), {M[Pt(CN)(2)(5,5'-dcbpy)]·4H(2)O}(n) (M = Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Sr(2+), Ba(2+); 5,5'-H(2)dcbpy = 5,5'-dicarboxy-2,2'-bipyridine) were synthesized using four alkaline-earth metal ions and a Pt(II)-diimine metalloligand [Pt(CN)(2)(5,5'-H(2)dcbpy)]. All four CPs are isomorphous with the Zn complex, {Zn[Pt(CN)(2)(5,5'-dcbpy)]·4H(2)O}(n), which exhibits effective metallophilic interactions between Pt(II) ions. These CPs exhibited colourful thermochromic behaviour and solid-state solvatochromic-like behaviours when suspended in various solvents. Thermogravimetric analysis and vapour-adsorption measurements revealed that the CPs can reversibly adsorb water and MeOH vapours. The emission energy of the triplet metal-metal-to-ligand charge-transfer ((3)MMLCT) state varied markedly upon guest adsorption/desorption. The chromic and vapour-adsorption properties of these CPs depend strongly on the cross-linking M(2+) ions.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, and photochromism of novel two-dimensional supramolecular networks based on Keggin-type polyoxoanion and lanthanide coordination cations

Three new compounds [Ln(NMP)(4)(H(2)O)(4)][H(x)()GeMo(12)O(40)].2NMP.3H(2)O (Ln = Ce(IV) (1), Pr(IV) (2), x = 0; Ln = Nd(III) (3), x = 1; NMP = N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone) have been prepared in aqueous solution and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV-vis, and TG analyses. The single crystal X-ray diffraction shows that all three compounds are isostructural. In their structures, an interesting two-dimensional supramolecular network is constructed by the [GeMo(12)O(40)](4)(-) anion and [Ln(NMP)(4)(H(2)O)(4)](3+/4+) cation building blocks via hydrogen-bonding interactions, exhibiting the porous structure. Upon irradiation with UV light, the crystals of 1-3 show photochromic behavior.     

The first enantiomerically pure helical noncovalent tripod for assembling nine-coordinate lanthanide(III) podates

Decomplexation of the trivalent lanthanide, Ln(III), from the racemic bimetallic triple-stranded helicates [LnCr(L8)(3)](6+) provides the inert chiral tripodal nonadentate receptor [Cr(L8)(3)](3+). Elution of the latter podand with Na(2)Sb(2)[(+)-C(4)O(6)H(2)](2).5H(2)O through a cation exchange column allows its separation into its inert helical enantiomers M-(+)(589)-[Cr(L8)(3)](3+) and P-(-)(589)-[Cr(L8)(3)](3+), whose absolute configurations are assigned by using CD spectroscopy and exciton theory. Recombination with Ln(III) restores the original triple-stranded helicates [LnCr(L8)(3)](6+), and the associated thermodynamic parameters unravel the contribution of electrostatic repulsion and preorganization to the complexation process. Combining M-(+)(589)-[Cr(L8)(3)](3+) with Eu(III) produces the enantiomerically pure d-f helicate MM-(-)(589)-[EuCr(L8)(3)](CF(3)SO(3))(6).4CH(3)CN, whose X-ray crystal structure (EuCrC(113)H(111)N(25)O(21)S(6)F(18), monoclinic, P2(1), Z = 2) unambiguously confirms the absolute left-handed configuration for the final helix. The associated ligand-centered and metal-centered chiro-optical properties recorded for the complexes MM-[LnCr(L8)(3)](6+) and PP-[LnCr(L8)(3)](6+) (Ln = Eu, Gd, Tb) show a strong effect of helicity on specific rotary dispersions, CD and CPL spectra.     

Rare-Earth complexes of ferrocene-containing ligands: visible-light excitable luminescent materials

The ferrocene-derivatives bis(ferrocenyl-ethynyl)-1,10-phenanthroline (Fc(2)phen) and ferrocenoyltrifluoroacetone (Hfta) have been used to synthesize ferrocene-containing rare-earth beta-diketonate complexes. The complexes [Ln(tta)(3)(Fc(2)phen)] and [Ln(fta)(3)(phen)] (where Ln = La, Nd, Eu, Yb) show structural similarities to the tris(2-thenoyltrifluoroacetonate)(1,10-phenanthroline)lanthanide(III) complexes, [Ln(tta)(3)(phen)]. The coordination number of the lanthanide ion is 8, and the coordination sphere can be described as a distorted dodecahedron. However, the presence of the ferrocene moieties shifts the ligand absorption bands of the rare-earth complexes to longer wavelengths so that the complexes can be excited not only by ultraviolet radiation but also by visible light of wavelengths up to 420 nm. Red photoluminescence is observed for the europium(III) complexes and near-infrared photoluminescence for the neodymium(III) and ytterbium(III) complexes. The presence of the ferrocene groups makes the rare-earth complexes hydrophobic and well-soluble in apolar organic solvents.     

Assembly of robust and porous hydrogen-bonded coordination frameworks: isomorphism, polymorphism, and selective adsorption

By using the tripodal ligand ntb (tris(benzimidazole-2-ylmethyl)amine) and lanthanide nitrate, three isomorphous series of coordination frameworks of the general formula [Ln(ntb)(NO(3))(3)]·solvents (series 1: monoclinic C2/c, Ln = Gd(3+) and Yb(3+); series 2: hexagonal P3(1)/c, Ln = Nd(3+), Eu(3+), Gd(3+), and Er(3+); series 3, cubic Pa3?, Ln = Gd(3+) and Er(3+); solvent = H(2)O or CH(3)OH) have been assembled and characterized with IR, elemental analyses, and single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction methods. In all isomorphous complexes, analogous [Ln(ntb)(NO(3))(3)] coordination monomers of the same structure act as the building blocks to be assembled via hydrogen bonds into three-dimensional (3D) frameworks. So the complexes of the same lanthanide ion (for example, the Gd(3+) ion) from three isomorphous series form polymorphs, for example, monoclinic polymorph 1-Gd, hexagonal polymorph 2-Gd, and cubic polymorph 3-Gd. The single-crystal analyses revealed that the polymorphism was related to different fashions of hydrogen bonding interactions, which was caused by different crystallization conditions, leading to the formation of different 3D hydrogen-bonded frameworks showing distinct porous and topological structures. The monoclinic and hexagonal crystals contain 1D channels, while the cubic crystal is nonporous. The thermogravimetric analyses indicated that all polymorphic crystals have high thermal stability against the removal of guest molecules, and the robust porosity of the hexagonal crystals has been verified by temperature-dependent single-crystal-to-single-crystal measurements upon guest removal/uptake. The solvents adsorption study disclosed that the porous frameworks show high selectivity of benzene against toluene and xylene, while the gas adsorption measurements indicated a moderate H(2), CO(2), and MeOH storage capacity in contrast to low N(2) uptake. The solid-state photoluminescence of the Eu(3+) and Nd(3+) complexes in the near-infrared and visible region has also been investigated, offering examples with optical properties tunable by means of isomorphous replacement.     

Doping metal-organic frameworks for water oxidation, carbon dioxide reduction, and organic photocatalysis

Catalytically competent Ir, Re, and Ru complexes H(2)L(1)-H(2)L(6) with dicarboxylic acid functionalities were incorporated into a highly stable and porous Zr(6)O(4)(OH)(4)(bpdc)(6) (UiO-67, bpdc = para-biphenyldicarboxylic acid) framework using a mix-and-match synthetic strategy. The matching ligand lengths between bpdc and L(1)-L(6) ligands allowed the construction of highly crystalline UiO-67 frameworks (metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) 1-6) that were doped with L(1)-L(6) ligands. MOFs 1-6 were isostructural to the parent UiO-67 framework as shown by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and exhibited high surface areas ranging from 1092 to 1497 m(2)/g. MOFs 1-6 were stable in air up to 400 °C and active catalysts in a range of reactions that are relevant to solar energy utilization. MOFs 1-3 containing [Cp*Ir(III)(dcppy)Cl] (H(2)L(1)), [Cp*Ir(III)(dcbpy)Cl]Cl (H(2)L(2)), and [Ir(III)(dcppy)(2)(H(2)O)(2)]OTf (H(2)L(3)) (where Cp* is pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, dcppy is 2-phenylpyridine-5,4'-dicarboxylic acid, and dcbpy is 2,2'-bipyridine-5,5'-dicarboxylic acid) were effective water oxidation catalysts (WOCs), with turnover frequencies (TOFs) of up to 4.8 h(-1). The [Re(I)(CO)(3)(dcbpy)Cl] (H(2)L(4)) derivatized MOF 4 served as an active catalyst for photocatalytic CO(2) reduction with a total turnover number (TON) of 10.9, three times higher than that of the homogeneous complex H(2)L(4). MOFs 5 and 6 contained phosphorescent [Ir(III)(ppy)(2)(dcbpy)]Cl (H(2)L(5)) and [Ru(II)(bpy)(2)(dcbpy)]Cl(2) (H(2)L(6)) (where ppy is 2-phenylpyridine and bpy is 2,2'-bipyridine) and were used in three photocatalytic organic transformations (aza-Henry reaction, aerobic amine coupling, and aerobic oxidation of thioanisole) with very high activities. The inactivity of the parent UiO-67 framework and the reaction supernatants in catalytic water oxidation, CO(2) reduction, and organic transformations indicate both the molecular origin and heterogeneous nature of these catalytic processes. The stability of the doped UiO-67 catalysts under catalytic conditions was also demonstrated by comparing PXRD patterns before and after catalysis. This work illustrates the potential of combining molecular catalysts and MOF structures in developing highly active heterogeneous catalysts for solar energy utilization.     

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.     

A simple thermodynamic model for rationalizing the formation of self-assembled multimetallic edifices: application to triple-stranded helicates

Reaction of the bis-tridentate ligand bis[1-ethyl-2-[6'-(N,N-diethylcarbamoyl)pyridin-2'-yl]benzimidazol-5-yl]methane (L2) with Ln(CF(3)SO(3))(3).xH(2)O in acetonitrile (Ln = La-Lu) demonstrates the successive formation of three stable complexes [Ln(L2)(3)](3+), [Ln(2)(L2)(3)](6+), and [Ln(2)(L2)(2)](6+). Crystal-field independent NMR methods establish that the crystal structure of [Tb(2)(L2)(3)](6+) is a satisfying model for the helical structure observed in solution. This allows the qualitative and quantitative beta23 (bi,Ln1,Ln2)characterization of the heterobimetallic helicates [(Ln(1))(Ln(2))(L2)(3)](6+). A simple free energy thermodynamic model based on (i) an absolute affinity for each nine-coordinate lanthanide occupying a terminal N(6)O(3) site and (ii) a single intermetallic interaction between two adjacent metal ions in the complexes (DeltaE) successfully models the experimental macroscopic constants and allows the rational molecular programming of the extended trimetallic homologues [Ln(3)(L5)(3)](9+).     

Organometallic early lanthanide clusters: syntheses and X-ray structures of new monocyclopentadienyl complexes

The reaction of Ln(BH(4))(3)(THF)(3) or LnCl(3)(THF)(3) with 1 equiv of KCp*' ligand (Cp' = C(5)Me(4)n-Pr) afforded the new monocyclopentadienyl complexes Cp*'LnX(2)(THF)(n) (X = BH(4), Ln = Sm, n = 1, 1a, Ln = Nd, n = 2, 1b; X = Cl, Ln = Sm, n = 1, 3a) and [Cp*'LnX(2)](n') (X = BH(4), n' = 6, Ln = Sm, 2a, Ln = Nd, 2b; X = Cl, Ln = Nd, 4b). All these compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and (1)H NMR. Crystals of mixed borohydrido/chloro-bridged [Cp*'(6)Ln(6)(BH(4))(12-x))Cl(x)(THF)(n')] (x = 10, n' = 4, Ln = Sm, 2a', Ln = Nd, 2b'; x = 5, n = 2, Ln = Sm, 2a' ') were also isolated. Compounds 2a, 2b, 2a', 2b', and 2a' were structurally characterized; they all exhibit a hexameric structure in the solid state containing the [Cp*(3)Ln(3)X(5)(THF)] building block. The easy clustering of THF adducts first isolated is illustrative of the well-known bridging ability of the BH(4) group. Hexameric 2a was found to be unstable in the presence of THF vapors; this may be correlated to the opening of unsymmetrical borohydride bridges observed in the molecular structure.     

Photoluminescent layered lanthanide silicates

The hydrothermal synthesis and structural characterization of layered lanthanide silicates, K(3)[M(1-a)Ln(a)Si(3)O(8)(OH)(2)] (M = Y(3+), Tb(3+); Ln = Eu(3+), Er(3+), Tb(3+), and Gd(3+)), named AV-22 materials, are reported. The structure of these solids was elucidated by single-crystal (180 K) and powder X-ray diffraction and further characterized by chemical analysis, thermogravimetry, scanning electron microscopy, (29)Si MAS NMR, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The Er-AV-22 material is a room-temperature infrared phosphor, while Tb- and Eu-AV-22 are visible emitters with output efficiencies comparable to standards used in commercial lamps. The structure of these materials allows the inclusion of a second (or even a third) type of Ln(3+) ion in the framework and, therefore, the fine-tuning of their photoluminescent properties. For the mixed Tb(3+)/Eu(3+) materials, evidence has been found of the inclusion of Eu(3+) ions in the interlayer space by replacing K+ ions, further allowing the activation of Tb(3+)-to-Eu(3+) energy transfer mechanisms. The occurrence probability of such mechanisms ranges from 0.62 (a = 0.05) to 1.20 ms(-1) (a = 0.1) with a high energy transfer efficiency (0.73 and 0.84, respectively).     

Luminescent Pt(II)(bipyridyl)(diacetylide) chromophores with pendant binding sites as energy donors for sensitised near-infrared emission from lanthanides: structures and photophysics of Pt(II)/Ln(III) assemblies

The complexes [Pt(bipy){CC-(4-pyridyl)}(2)] (1) and [Pt(tBu(2)bipy){CC-(4-pyridyl)}(2)] (2) and [Pt(tBu(2)-bipy)(CC-phen)(2)] (3) all contain a Pt(bipy)(diacetylide) core with pendant 4-pyridyl (1 and 2) or phenanthroline (3) units which can be coordinated to {Ln(diketonate)(3)} fragments (Ln = a lanthanide) to make covalently-linked Pt(II)/Ln(III) polynuclear assemblies in which the Pt(II) chromophore, absorbing in the visible region, can be used to sensitise near-infrared luminescence from the Ln(III) centres. For 1 and 2 one-dimensional coordination polymers [1Ln(tta)(3)](infinity) and [2Ln(hfac)(3)](infinity) are formed, whereas 3 forms trinuclear adducts [3{Ln(hfac)(3)}(2)] (tta=anion of thenoyl-trifluoroacetone; hfac=anion of hexafluoroacetylacetone). Complexes 1-3 show typical Pt(II)-based (3)MLCT luminescence in solution at approximately 510 nm, but in the coordination polymers [1Ln(tta)(3)](infinity) and [2Ln(hfac)(3)](infinity) the presence of stacked pairs of Pt(II) units with short PtPt distances means that the chromophores have (3)MMLCT character and emit at lower energy ( approximately 630 nm). Photophysical studies in solution and in the solid state show that the (3)MMLCT luminescence in [1Ln(tta)(3)](infinity) and [2Ln(hfac)(3)](infinity) in the solid state, and the (3)MLCT emission of [3{Ln(hfac)(3)}(2)] in solution and the solid state, is quenched by Pt-->Ln energy transfer when the lanthanide has low-energy f-f excited states which can act as energy acceptors (Ln=Yb, Nd, Er, Pr). This results in sensitised near-infrared luminescence from the Ln(III) units. The extent of quenching of the Pt(II)-based emission, and the Pt-->Ln energy-transfer rates, can vary over a wide range according to how effective each Ln(III) ion is at acting as an energy acceptor, with Yb(III) usually providing the least quenching (slowest Pt-->Ln energy transfer) and either Nd(III) or Er(III) providing the most (fastest Pt-->Ln energy transfer) according to which one has the best overlap of its f-f absorption manifold with the Pt(II)-based luminescence.     

New luminescent solids in the Ln-W(Mo)-Te-O-(Cl) systems

Solid-state reactions of lanthanide(III) oxide (and/or lanthanide(III) oxychloride), MoO3 (or WO3), and TeO2 at high temperature lead to eight new luminescent compounds with four different types of structures, namely, Ln2(MoO4)(Te4O10) (Ln = Pr, Nd), La2(WO4)(Te3O7)2, Nd2W2Te2O13, and Ln5(MO4)(Te5O13)(TeO3)2Cl3 (Ln = Pr, Nd; M = Mo, W). The structures of Ln2(MoO4)(Te4O10) (Ln = Pr, Nd) feature a 3D network in which the MoO4 tetrahedra serve as bridges between two lanthanide(III) tellurite layers. La2(WO4)(Te3O7)2 features a triple-layer structure built of a [La2WO4]4+ layer sandwiched between two Te3O72- anionic layers. The structure of Nd2W2Te2O13 is a 3D network in which the W2O108- dimers were inserted in the large tunnels of the neodymium(III) tellurites. The structures of Ln5(MO4)(Te5O13)(TeO3)2Cl3 (Ln = Pr, Nd; M = Mo, W) feature a 3D network structure built of lanthanide(III) ions interconnected by bridging TeO32-, Te5O136-, and Cl- anions with the MO4 (M = Mo, W) tetrahedra capping on both sides of the Ln4 (Ln = Pr, Nd) clusters and the isolated Cl- anions occupying the large apertures of the structure. Luminescent studies indicate that Pr2(MoO4)(Te4O10) and Pr5(MO4)(Te5O13)(TeO3)2Cl3 (M = Mo, W) are able to emit blue, green, and red light, whereas Nd2(MoO4)(Te4O10), Nd2W2Te2O13, and Nd5(MO4)(Te5O13)(TeO3)2Cl3 (M = Mo, W) exhibit strong emission bands in the near-IR region.     

Contribution of spin and anisotropy to single molecule magnet behavior in a family of bell-shaped Mn11Ln2 coordination clusters

The synthesis, structures, and magnetic properties of a family of isostructural "bell-shaped" heterometallic coordination clusters [Mn(III)(9)Mn(II)(2)La(III)(2)(μ(4)-O)(7)(μ(3)-O)(μ(3)-OH)(2)(piv)(10.8)(O(2)CC(4)H(3)O)(6.2)(NO(3))(2)(OH(2))(1.5)(MeCN)(0.5)]·12CH(3)CN·2H(2)O (1) and [Mn(III)(9)Mn(II)(2)Ln(2)(μ(4)-O)(7)(μ (3)-O)(μ(3)-OH)(2)(piv)(10.6)(O(2)CC(4)H(3)O)(6.4)(NO(3))(2)(OH(2))]·nCH(3)CN·H(2)O (Ln = Pr(III), n = 8 (2); Ln = Nd(III), n = 10 (3); Ln = Eu(III), n = 17 (4); Ln = Gd(III), n = 13 (5); piv = pivalate) are reported. The complexes were obtained from the reaction of [Mn(III)(2)Mn(II)(4)O(2)(piv)(10)(4-Me-py)(2.5)(pivH)(1.5)] and Ln(NO(3))(3)·6H(2)O in the presence of 2-furan-carboxylic acid (C(4)H(3)OCOOH) in CH(3)CN. Compounds 1-5 are isomorphous, crystallizing in the triclinic space group P1 with Z = 2. The Mn(III) and Mn(II) centers together form the shell of the bell, while the two Ln(III) centers can be regarded as the bell's clapper. The magnetic properties of 1-4 reveal dominant antiferromagnetic interactions between the magnetic centers leading to small spin ground states; while those of 5 indicate similar antiferromagnetic interactions between the manganese ions but with unusually strong ferromagnetic interactions between the Gd(III) ions leading to a large overall spin ground state of S = 11-12. While ac and dc magnetic measurements confirmed that Mn(11)Gd(2) (5) is a single-molecule magnet (SMM) showing hysteresis loops at low temperatures, compounds 1-4 do not show any slow relaxation of the magnetization, indicating that the S = 7 spin of the ferromagnetic Gd(2) unit in 5 is a necessary contribution to its SMM behavior.     

Synthesis and characterization of heterodinuclear Ln(3+)-Fe3+ and Ln(3+)-Co3+ complexes,bridged by cyanide ligand (Ln3+ = lanthanide ions). Nature of the magnetic interaction in the Ln(3+)-Fe3+ complexes

The reaction of Ln(NO3)3.aq with K3[Fe(CN)6] or K3[Co(CN)6] in N,N'-dimethylformamide (DMF) led to 25 heterodinuclear [Ln(DMF)4(H2O)3(mu-CN)Fe(CN)5].nH2O and [Ln(DMF)4(H2O)3(mu-CN)Co(CN)5].nH2O complexes (with Ln = all the lanthanide(III) ions, except promethium and lutetium). Five complexes (Pr(3+)-Fe3+), (Tm(3+)-Fe3+), (Ce(3+)-Co3+), (Sm(3+)-Co3+), and (Yb(3+)-Co3+) have been structurally characterized; they crystallize in the equivalent monoclinic space groups P21/c or P21/n. Structural studies of these two families show that they are isomorphous. This relationship in conjunction with the diamagnetism of the Co3+ allows an approximation to the nature of coupling between the iron(III) and the lanthanide(III) ions in the [Ln(DMF)4(H2O)3(mu-CN)Fe(CN)5].nH2O complexes. The Ln(3+)-Fe3+ interaction is antiferromagnetic for Ln = Ce, Nd, Gd, and Dy and ferromagnetic for Ln = Tb, Ho, and Tm. For Ln = Pr, Eu, Er, Sm, and Yb, there is no sign of any significant interaction. The isotropic nature of Gd3+ helps to evaluate the value of the exchange interaction.