Fixation of carbon dioxide by macrocyclic lanthanide(III) complexes under neutral conditions producing self-assembled trimeric carbonato-bridged compounds with μ3-η2:η2:η2 bonding

A series of mononuclear lanthanide(III) complexes [Ln(LH(2))(H(2)O)(3)Cl](ClO(4))(2) (Ln = La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Lu) of the tetraiminodiphenolate macrocyclic ligand (LH(2)) in 95 : 5 (v/v) methanol-water solution fix atmospheric carbon dioxide to produce the carbonato-bridged trinuclear complexes [{Ln(LH(2))(H(2)O)Cl}(3)(μ(3)-CO(3))](ClO(4))(4)·nH(2)O. Under similar conditions, the mononuclear Y(III) complex forms the dimeric compound [{Y(LH(2))(H(2)O)Cl}(μ(2)-CO(3)){Y(LH(2))(H(2)O)(2)}](ClO(4))(3)·4H(2)O. These complexes have been characterized by their IR and NMR ((1)H, (13)C) spectra. The X-ray crystal structures have been determined for the trinuclear carbonato-bridged compounds of Nd(III), Gd(III) and Tb(III) and the dinuclear compound of Y(III). In all cases, each of the metal centers are 8-coordinate involving two imine nitrogens and two phenolate oxygens of the macrocyclic ligand (LH(2)) whose two other imines are protonated and intramolecularly hydrogen-bonded with the phenolate oxygens. The oxygen atoms of the carbonate anion in the trinuclear complexes are bonded to the metal ions in tris-bidentate μ(3)-η(2):η(2):η(2) fashion, while they are in bis-bidentate μ(2)-η(2):η(2) mode in the Y(III) complex. The magnetic properties of the Gd(III) complex have been studied over the temperature range 2 to 300 K and the magnetic susceptibility data indicate a very weak antiferromagnetic exchange interaction (J = -0.042 cm(-1)) between the Gd(III) centers (S = 7/2) in the metal triangle through the carbonate bridge. The luminescence spectral behaviors of the complexes of Sm(III), Eu(III), and Tb(III) have been studied. The ligand LH(2) acts as a sensitizer for the metal ions in an acetonitrile-toluene glassy matrix (at 77 K) and luminescence intensities of the complexes decrease in the order Eu(3+) > Sm(3+) > Tb(3+).     

Synthesis and fluorescent properties of europium complexes with amide-type podand ligands of methyl salicylate

Amide-type podands derived from N,N′-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(2-hydroxybenzamide) and 2-chloro-N-phenylacetamide (substituted with methyl, methoxy, chlorine, nitrogen) were synthesized. Solid complexes of europium nitrate with podands were also synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) titrimetric analysis, thermal analysis, molar conductivity analysis, and infrared (IR) and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectra analysis. The fluorescent properties of the europium(III) [Eu(III)] complexes in a solid state were also investigated. Under excitation of UV light, target Eu(III) complexes exhibited characteristic europium ion emissions. The influence of the substituent on the fluorescence intensity was discussed. Electrochemical properties were also investigated and discussed.     

Thermodynamic stability and kinetic inertness of MS-325, a new blood pool agent for magnetic resonance imaging

Stability constants were measured for complexes formed between a modified DTPA ligand and the metal ions Gd(III), Eu(III), Fe(III), Ca(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) at 25 degrees C in 0.1 M NaClO4. The gadolinium complex of this ligand is MS-325, a novel blood pool contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging currently undergoing clinical trials. Stability constants were determined by 4 different methods: direct pH titration, pH titration with competition by EDTA, competition with DTPA using an HPLC-MS detection system, and competition with Eu(III) by monitoring equilibrium by luminescence spectroscopy. The 1:1 stability constants, log beta101, are the following: Gd, 22.06 (23.2 in 0.1 M Me4NCl); Eu, 22.21; Fe, 26.66; Ca, 10.45; Cu, 21.3; Zn, 17.82. The exchange kinetics of the Gd complex, MS-325, with the radioactive tracer (152,154)Eu were studied at 25 degrees C in 0.1 M NaClO4. The exchange reaction has acid-dependent and acid-independent terms. The rate expression is given by the following: R = k(a)[GdL][H]2 + kb[GdL][Gd][H] + kc[GdL][Gd]. The rate constants were determined to be the following: k(a) = 1.84 x 10(6) M(-2) x min(-1), kb = 2.87 x 10(3) M(-2) x min(-1), kc = 3.72 x 10(-3) M(-1) x min(-1). MS-325 is 2-3 times more stable than GdDTPA at pH 7.4 and is 10-100 times more kinetically inert.     

Synthesis and spectroscopic properties of lanthanide nitrate complexes with a new amide-based quinoxaline-2,3-dione ligand

Solid complexes of lanthanide nitrate with 1,4-di(N,N-di-n-butyl-acetamido)-quinoxaline-2,3-dione (L), [Ln(N03)3L.H2O] (Ln=La, Nd, Eu, Gd, Tb, Er), have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-vis spectra and conductivity measurements. The fluorescence property of the europium complex in solid state and in MeCN, acetone, AcOEt and THF was studied. Under the excitation, the europium complex exhibited characteristic emissions of europium. The result indicates that the triplet state energy level of the ligand matches better to the resonance level of Eu(III) than Tb(III) ion.     

Synthesis and luminescence properties of lanthanide complexes with a new aryl amide bifunctional bridging ligand

A new aryl amide type bifunctional bridging ligand 4,4'-bis{[(2'-benzylaminoformyl)phenoxyl]methyl}-1,1'-biphenyl (L) and its complexes with lanthanide ions (Ln=Pr, Eu, Gd, Tb, Ho, Er) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectra, conductivity measurements and thermal analysis. At the same time, the luminescence properties of the Eu and Tb complexes in acetone solutions were investigated. Under the excitation of UV light, these two complexes exhibited characteristic emission of europium and terbium ions. And the lowest triplet state energy level T1 of this ligand matches better to the lowest resonance energy level of Tb(III) than to Eu(III) ion.     

Luminescent Properties of Europium(III) Complexes with Quinaldic Acid and Sulfur–Containing Neutral Ligands

The luminescent heteroligand complexes of europium(III) with quinaldic acid and sulfur-containing neutral ligands Eu(Quin)3∙D∙3H2O (Quin–quinaldic acid, D–dimethyl sulfoxide or dihexyl sulfoxide) and Eu(Quin)3∙3H2O have been obtained. Their composition and structure have been determined. The thermal and spectral-luminescent properties of the heteroligand europium(III) complexes have been studied. The quinaldate ion has been found to coordinate to the europium(III) ion as a bidentate ligand. The Stark structure of 5D0–7Fj (j = 0, 1, 2) transitions in the low-temperature luminescence spectra of the europium(III) complexes has been analyzed     

Photochemical behavior of luminescent compositions based on antimony(III) and europium(III) complexes in high-pressure polyethylene

Luminescent and photochemical properties of polymer compositions based on the Eu(NO₃)₃(Phen)₂ complex and complexes of antimony(III) halides with diphenylguanidine are investigated. It is found that high-pressure polyethylene (HPPE) containing europium(III) and antimony(III) complexes in combination exhibits efficient transfer of electronic excitation energy from antimony(III) levels to europium(III) levels and photosensitization of europium(III) luminescence. It is shown that the europium(III) and antimony(III) complexes increase the stability of HPPE to UV radiation.     

Enhanced lasing properties of dissymmetric Eu(III) complex with bidentate phosphine ligands

The luminescent and lasing properties of Eu(III) complexes were enhanced by using an dissymmetric Eu(III) complex. The photophysical properties (the emission spectral shapes, the emission lifetimes, the emission quantum yields, and the stimulated emission cross section (SEC)) were found to be dependent on the geometrical structures of Eu(III) complexes. The geometrical structures of Eu(III) complexes were determined by X-ray single crystal analyses. The symmetrical group of Eu(hfa)3(BIPHEPO) (tris(hexafluoroacetylacetonato)europium(III) 1,1'-biphenyl-2,2'-diylbis(diphenylphosphine oxide)) was found to be C1, which was more dissymmetric than Eu(hfa)3(TPPO)2 (tris(hexafluoroacetylacetonato)europium(III) 1,2-phenylenebis(diphenylphosphine oxide): C2 symmetry) and Eu(hfa)3(OPPO)2 (tris(hexafluoroacetylacetonato)europium(III) 1,2-phenylenebis(diphenylphosphine oxide): C2 symmetry). The analytical data were supported by Judd-Ofelt analysis. The most dissymmetrical Eu(III) complex, Eu(hfa)3(BIPHEPO), showed large electron transition probability and large SEC (4.64 x 10(-20) cm2). The SEC of Eu(hfa)3(BIPHEPO) was superior to even the values of Nd-glass laser for practical use (1.6-4.5 x 10(-20) cm2). The lasing properties of Eu(III) complexes in polymer thin film were measured by photopumping of a Nd:YAG laser (355 nm). The threshold energy of lasing oscillation was found to be 0.05 mJ. The increasing rate of the lasing intensity of Eu(hfa)3(BIPHEPO) as a function of the excitation energy was much larger than that of Eu(hfa)3(TPPO)2 and Eu(hfa)3(OPPO)2. The dissymmetrical structure of Eu(hfa)3(BIPHEPO) promoted the enhancement of the lasing property.     

Synthesis and photophysical properties of new Ln(III) (Ln = Eu(III), Gd(III), or Tb(III)) complexes of 1-amidino-O-methylurea

Three new solid lanthanide(III) complexes, [Ln(1-AMUH)₃] · (NO₃)₃ (1-AMUH = 1-amidino-O-methylurea; Ln = Eu(III), Gd(III), or Tb(III)) were synthesised and characterised by elemental analysis, infrared spectra, magnetic moment measurement, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra for Gd(III) complex. The formation of lanthanide(III) complexes is confirmed by the spectroscopic studies. The photophysical properties of Gd(III), Eu(III), and Tb(III) complexes in solid state were investigated. The Tb(III) complex exhibits the strongest green emission at 543 nm and the Eu(III) complex shows a red emission at 615 nm while the Gd(III) complex shows a weak emission band at 303 nm. Under excitation with UV light, these complexes exhibited an emission characteristic of central metal ions. The powder EPR spectrum of the Gd(III) complex at 300 K exhibits a single broad band with g = 2.025. The bi-exponential nature of the decay lifetime curve is observed in the Eu(III) and Tb(III) complexes. The results reveal them to have potential as luminescent materials.     

Remarkable tuning of the photophysical properties of bifunctional lanthanide tris(dipicolinates) and its consequence on the design of bioprobes

Derivatives of dipicolinic acid with a polyoxyethylene pendant arm at the pyridine 4-position have been functionalized for potential grafting with biological material. Four ligands with different terminal functions (alcohol, methoxy, phtalimide and amine) have been synthesized, which react with trivalent lanthanide ions Ln (III) to yield triple helical [Ln(L) 3] (3-) complexes, as shown by NMR and UV-vis titrations. The tris chelates display large thermodynamic stability with log beta 13 approximately 19-20 for all Eu (III) complexes for instance. Photophysical measurements reveal adequate sensitization of the metal-centered luminescence in the europium (eta sens = 33-72%) and terbium complexes, which is modulated by the nature of the terminal function. The lifetimes of the metal-centered excited states are long, up to 1.4 ms for [Eu(L) 3] (3-) and 1.6 ms for [Tb(L) 3] (3-) at room temperature, in line with hydration numbers essentially equal to zero. Quantum yields are as high as 29% for the [Eu( L ( NH2 )) 3] (3-) and 18% for the [Tb( L ( OH )) 3] (3-) tris chelates in water at physiological pH. These series of complexes demonstrate the extent of fine-tuning achievable for lanthanide luminescent probes and are simple models for investigating the effect of binding to biological molecules on the metal-centered luminescent properties.     

Luminescense properties of new complexes of Eu(III) and Tb(III) with heterotopic ligands

As a result of coordination between ligands L and L' and europium(III) and terbium(III) ions, the new architectures were formed. The formulae of the complexes have been assigned on the basis of the spectroscopic data in solution and microanalyses. The europium complexes show excellent luminescence properties with high quantum yield (1b-Eu(3)L(2)) and effective intramolecular energy transfer from the ligand to the Eu(III) ions.     

Highly luminescent, triple- and quadruple-stranded, dinuclear Eu, Nd, and Sm(III) lanthanide complexes based on bis-diketonate ligands

The bis(beta-diketone) ligands 1,3-bis(3-phenyl-3-oxopropanoyl)benzene, H(2)L(1) and 1,3-bis(3-phenyl-3-oxopropanoyl) 5-ethoxy-benzene, H(2)L(2), have been prepared for the examination of dinuclear lanthanide complex formation and investigation of their properties as sensitizers for lanthanide luminescence. The ligands bear two conjugated diketonate binding sites linked by a 1,3-phenylene spacer. The ligands bind to lanthanide(III) or yttrium(III) ions to form neutral homodimetallic triple stranded complexes [M(2)L(1)(3)] where M = Eu, Nd, Sm, Y, Gd and [M(2)L(2)(3)], where M = Eu, Nd or anionic quadruple-stranded dinuclear lanthanide units, [Eu(2)L(1)(4)](2-). The crystal structure of the free ligand H(2)L(1) has been determined and shows a twisted arrangement of the two binding sites around the 1,3-phenylene spacer. The dinuclear complexes have been isolated and fully characterized. Detailed NMR investigations of the complexes confirm the formation of a single complex species, with high symmetry; the complexes show clear proton patterns with chemical shifts of a wide range due to the lanthanide paramagnetism. Addition of Pirkle's reagent to solutions of the complexes leads to splitting of the peaks, confirming the chiral nature of the complexes. Electrospray and MALDI mass spectrometry have been used to identify complex formulation and characteristic isotope patterns for the different lanthanide complexes have been obtained. The complexes have high molar absorption coefficients (around 13 x 10(4) M(-1)cm(-1)) and display strong visible (red or pink) or NIR luminescence upon irradiation at the ligand band around 350 nm, depending on the choice of the lanthanide. Emission quantum yield experiments have been performed and the luminescence signals of the dinuclear complexes have been found to be up to 11 times more intense than the luminescence signals of the mononuclear analogues. The emission quantum yields and the luminescence lifetimes are determined to be 5% and 220 micros for [Eu(2)L(1)(3)], 0.16% and 13 micros for [Sm(2)L(1)(3)], and 0.6% and 1.5 micros for [Nd(2)L(1)(3)]. The energy level of the ligand triplet state was determined from the 77 K spectrum of [Gd(2)L(1)(3)]. The bis-diketonate ligand is shown to be an efficient sensitizer, particularly for Sm and Nd. Photophysical studies of the europium complexes at room temperature and 77 K show the presence of a thermally activated deactivation pathway, which we attribute to ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT). Quenching of the luminescence from this level seems to be operational for the Eu(III) complex but not for complexes of Sm(III) and Nd(III), which exhibit long lifetimes. The quadruple-stranded europium complex has been isolated and characterized as the piperidinium salt of [Eu(2)L(1)(4)](2-). Compared with the triple-stranded Eu(III) complex in the solid state, the quadruple-stranded complex displays a more intense emission signal with a distinct emission pattern indicating the higher symmetry of the quadruple-stranded complex.     

稀土元素悬浮液荧光体系的研究——铕-钆-二本甲酰甲烷-二乙胺体系

系统研究了明胶对铕-钇-二苯甲酰甲烷-二乙胺沉淀悬浮液荧光体系的稳定化作用和钆对铕的荧光增强效应,使荧光强度提高约2个数量级,Eu的检出限达8.5×10~(-13)mol/L(k=3),该体系可用于Gd_2O_2中痕量Eu的测定,结果满意.     

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.     

Sorption studies of radionuclides on argillaceous clays of Cuddapah System

Worldwide argillaceous clays are being studied as promising host rock for nuclear high level waste disposal. Cuddapah argillite is under evaluation for Indian clay rock based repository. Herein characterization of this clay and evaluation for its sorption characteristics towards Cs(I) and Eu(III) has been studied. Surface complexation modeling of Cs(I) sorption on argillaceous clay revealed that Cs(I) is sorbed on high as well as low affinity ion exchange sites. In modeling of Eu(III) sorption data, surface complexes of Eu(III) and europium carbonate species, along with ion exchange reaction, reproduced the sorption profile with ankerite dissolution influencing distribution of various surface complexes.     

Surprising luminescent properties of the polyphosphates Ln(PO3)3:Eu (Ln = Y, Gd, Lu)

The optical emission properties of the lanthanoid catena-polyphosphates Ln(PO(3))(3) (Ln = Y, Gd, Lu) doped with europium were investigated. Incommensurately modulated β-Y(PO(3))(3):Eu (super space group Cc (0|0.364|0)0) and Gd(PO(3))(3):Eu (space group I2/a) show the usual emission characteristics of Eu(3+), while in Lu(PO(3))(3):Eu (space group Cc) the europium is unprecedentedly partially reduced to the divalent state, as proven by both a broad emission band at 406 nm excited at 279 nm and an EPR spectroscopic investigation. (151)Eu-M?ssbauer spectroscopy showed that only a very small part of the europium is reduced in Lu(PO(3))(3):Eu. An explanation for this unusual behaviour is given.     

Noncovalent binding of sensitizers for lanthanide(III) luminescence in an EDTA-bis(beta-cyclodextrin) ligand

EDTA-linked beta-cyclodextrin dimer 3 was synthesized from EDTA bis(anhydride) 1 and mono(propylamino)-appended beta-cyclodextrin 2. p-tert-butylbenzoate 5, bound by the beta-cyclodextrin cavities of 3 with an association constant of 10(4) M(-1) in water, acts as a sensitizer for the Eu(III) and Tb(III) complexes of 3. Luminescence spectroscopy, microcalorimetry, and Gd(III)-induced NMR relaxation rate measurements prove that 3 forms a 1:2 complex with 5 and that one of the beta-cyclodextrin-bound sensitizers coordinates to the EDTA-encapsulated Ln(III) ion. The Eu(III) complex of 3 forms strong 1:1 complexes (K approximately 10(7) M(-1)) with bis(propylamido adamantyl)-functionalized biphenyl sensitizers 7 and 8 in water. Both beta-cyclodextrins of 3 are involved in the binding of these guests. The amide functionality adjacent to the biphenyl unit in 7 and 8 coordinates to the EDTA-encapsulated Ln(III) ion. For these biphenyl-based antennae both binding to beta-cyclodextrin and coordination to the Ln(III) center are crucial for efficient sensitization.     

Europium(III) complexes containing organosilyldipyridine ligands grafted on silica nanoparticles

This work focuses on the grafting of transition metal complexes on silica surface nanoparticles. Nanoscale silica particles in aqueous sols are used as starting silicated materials. We have undertaken the synthesis of europium(III) complexes containing organosilyldipyridine ligands, (EtO)3Si(CH2)3NHCH2-bipy (1) and (EtO)(CH3)2Si(CH2) 3NHCH 2-bipy (2), in view of a direct grafting reaction on silica nanoparticles. Reaction of one molar equivalent of 1 and 2 with Eu(tmhd)3 (tmhd= 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionato), as precursor, leads to octacoordinated silylated europium(III) complexes [Eu(tmhd)3(1)] (3) and [Eu(tmhd)3(2)] (4) as white solids in 34-54% yields. Europium complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, FT-IR, UV, and luminescence spectroscopies. These new complexes are reacting in a 1:10 (v/v) water and ethanol mixture with silica nanoparticles colloidal sol. Elemental analysis and thermogravimetric data indicated grafting ratios of 0.41 and 0.26 mmol of europium(III) complexes per gram of silica. Functionalized silica nanoparticles were characterized by DRIFT spectroscopy and TEM microscopy. The first analysis shows that the chemical integrity of the complexes is retained on the silica surface together with the size and the monodispersity of the nanoscale particles. As expected for europium(III) complexes, luminescence is observed under UV irradiation. Emission and excitation spectra indicate that the metal coordination environment is not modified on the silica surface. Moreover, the sharpness of the luminescence bands and the strong antenna effect are maintained when complexes are covalently bonded to silica. New luminescent europium(III) complexes grafted on silica nanoparticles are therefore obtained from our approach.     

Lanthanide class of a trinuclear enantiopure helical architecture containing chiral ligands: synthesis, structure, and properties

The pinene-bipyridine carboxylic derivatives (+)- and (-)-HL, designed to form configurationally stable lanthanide complexes, proved their effectiveness as chiral building blocks for the synthesis of lanthanide-containing superstructures. Indeed a self-assembly process takes place with complete diastereoselectivity between the enantiomerically pure ligand L(-) and Ln(III) ions (La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er), thus leading to the quantitative formation of a trinuclear supramolecular architecture with the general formula [Ln(3)(L)(6)(mu(3)-OH)(H(2)O)(3)](ClO(4))(2) (abbreviated as tris(Ln[L](2))). This class of C(3)-symmetrical compounds was structurally characterized in the solid state and solution. Electrospray (ES) mass spectrometric and (1)H NMR spectroscopic analyses indicated that the trinuclear species are maintained in solution (CH(2)Cl(2)) and are stable in the investigated concentration range (10(-2)-10(-6) m). The photophysical properties of the ligand HL and its tris(Ln[L](2)) complexes were studied at room temperature and 77 K, thus demonstrating that the metal-centered luminescence is well sensitized both for the visible and near-IR emitters. The chiroptical properties of tris(Ln[L](2)) complexes were investigated by means of circular dichroism (CD) and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL). A high CD activity is displayed in the region of pi-pi* transitions of bipyridine. CPL spectra of tris(Eu[(+)-L](2)) and tris(Tb[(+)-L](2)) present large dissymmetry factors g(em) for the sensitive transitions of Eu(III) ((5)D(0)-->(7)F(1), g(em)=-0.088) and Tb(III) ((5)D(4)-->(7)F(5), g(em)=-0.0806). The self-recognition capabilities of the system were tested in the presence of artificial enantiomeric mixtures of the ligand. (1)H NMR spectra identical to those of the enantiomerically pure complexes and investigations by CD spectroscopic analysis reveal an almost complete chiral self-recognition in the self-assembly process, thus leading to mixtures of homochiral trinuclear structures.     

Highly luminescent lanthanide complexes of 1-hydroxy-2-pyridinones

The synthesis, X-ray structure, stability, and photophysical properties of several trivalent lanthanide complexes formed from two differing bis-bidentate ligands incorporating either alkyl or alkyl ether linkages and featuring the 1-hydroxy-2-pyridinone (1,2-HOPO) chelate group in complex with Eu(III), Sm(III), and Gd(III) are reported. The Eu(III) complexes are among some of the best examples, pairing highly efficient emission (Phi tot (Eu) approximately 21.5%) with high stability (pEu approximately 18.6) in aqueous solution, and are excellent candidates for use in biological assays. A comparison of the observed behavior of the complexes with differing backbone linkages shows remarkable similarities, both in stability and photophysical properties. Low temperature photophysical measurements for a Gd(III) complex were also used to gain insight into the electronic structure and were found to agree with corresponding time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations for a model complex. A comparison of the high resolution Eu(III) emission spectra in solution and from single crystals also revealed a more symmetric coordination geometry about the metal ion in solution due to dynamic rotation of the observed solid state structure.