Hydrothermal Syntheses,Crystal Structures,and Luminescent Properties of Three Organic‐Lanthanide Complexes with 3‐Hydroxycinnamic Acid

Three new homodinuclear lanthanide(III) complexes [Ln₂(L)₆(2,2′‐bipy)₂] [Ln = Tb^III ( 1 ), Sm^III ( 2 ), Eu^III ( 3 ); HL = 3‐hydroxycinnamic acid (3‐HCA); 2,2′‐bipy = 2,2′‐bipyridine] were synthesized and characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analyses, and X‐ray diffraction techniques. Complexes 1 – 3 crystallize in triclinic system, space group P$\bar{1}$ . In all complexes the lanthanide ions are nine‐coordinate by two nitrogen atoms from the 2,2′‐bipy ligand and seven oxygen atoms from one chelating L ligands and four bridging L ligands, forming distorted tricapped trigonal prismatic arrangements. The lanthanide(III) ions are intramolecularly bridged by eight carboxylate oxygen atoms forming dimeric complexes with Ln ··· Ln distances of 3.92747(15), 3.9664(6), and 3.9415(4) Å for complexes 1 – 3 , respectively. The luminescent properties in the solid state of HL ligand and Eu^III complex are also discussed.     

Lanthanide Complexes with Multidentate Oxime Ligands as Single‐Molecule Magnets and Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Fixation Systems

The synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of five lanthanide complexes with multidentate oxime ligands are described. Complexes 1 and 2 ( 1 : [La₂(pop)₂(acac)₄(CH₃OH)], 2 : [Dy₂(pop)(acac)₅]) are synthesized from the 2‐hydroxyimino‐N‐[1‐(2‐pyridyl)ethylidene]propanohydrazone (Hpop) ligand, while 3 , 4 , and 5 ( 3 : [Dy₂(naphthsaoH)₂(acac)₄H(OH)]?0.85 CH₃CN?1.58 H₂O; 4 : [Tb₂(naphthsaoH)₂(acac)₄H(OH)]?0.52 CH₃CN?1.71 H₂O; 5 : [La₆(CO₃)₂(naphthsao)₅ (naphthsaoH)_0.5(acac)₈(CO₃)_0.5(CH₃OH)_2.76H_5.5(H₂O)_1.24]?2.39 CH₃CN?0.12 H₂O) contain 1‐(1‐hydroxynaphthalen‐2‐yl)‐ethanone oxime (naphthsaoH₂). In 1 – 4 , dinuclear [Ln₂] complexes crystallize, whereas hexanuclear La^III complex 5 is formed after fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Dy^III‐based complexes 2 and 3 display single‐molecule‐magnet properties with energy barriers of 27 and 98 K, respectively. The presence of a broad and unsymmetrical relaxation mode observed in the ac susceptibility data for 3 suggest two different dynamics of the magnetization which might be a consequence of independent relaxation processes of the two different Dy³⁺ ions.     

Synthesis,Structures, and Magnetic Properties of Zigzag Tetranuclear Lanthanide Complexes

Five isostructural tetranuclear lanthanide complexes with the general formula [Ln₄(teaH₂)₂(teaH)₂(NO₃)₆] · 2CH₃OH [Ln³⁺ = Dy³⁺ ( 1 ), Tb³⁺ ( 2 ), Ho³⁺ ( 3 ), Er³⁺ ( 4 ), and Gd³⁺ ( 5 )] were successfully synthesized by the reaction of various lanthanide nitrate and triethanolamine (teaH₃) ligand. Single crystal X-ray analyses reveal the eight-coordinate Ln³⁺ centers adopt a slightly distorted triangular dodecahedron geometry and nine-coordinate Ln³⁺ ions own an approximately capped square antiprism environment in similar zigzag Ln4 core. Magnetic studies demonstrate the presence of anitferromagnetic interactions between Ln³⁺ centers without obvious SMM behavior.     

Thiacalix[4]arene‐Supported Tetranuclear TbIII and EuIII Compounds: Synthesis,Structure, Luminescence,and Magnetism

Two tetranuclear compounds [Ln₄Na(μ₄‐OH)(TC4A)₂(acac)₄] [Ln = Tb ( 1 ), Eu ( 2 )] (acac = acetylacetonate) were synthesized and characterized based on p‐tert‐butylthiacalix[4]arene (H₄TC4A). Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural and crystallize in the monoclinic C2/c space group. There are two crystallographically independent metal atoms in one asymmetric unit. Ln1, Ln2, and two metal atoms generated by the symmetry operation are bridged by one μ₄‐OH group to form a planar tetragonal Ln₄(μ₄‐OH) unit. Each Ln₄(μ₄‐OH) unit is surrounded by four acac anions and two disordered sodium ions in the planar direction. The upper and lower positions of the Ln₄(μ₄‐OH) unit are further coordinated by two cone‐shaped TC4A ligands to form a sandwich‐type molecular structure. Luminescent measurements reveal that both compounds 1 and 2 exhibit good photoluminescent properties. Moreover, the static and dynamic magnetic properties of compound 1 were also investigated, which demonstrates that 1 is one functional material candidate combining luminescent and antiferromagnetic properties in one molecule.     

Synthesis,Structures, and Luminescent Properties of Lanthanide Complexes with Triphenylphospine Oxide

Seven lanthanide complexes [Ln(OPPh₃)₃(NO₃)₃] ( 1 – 3 ) (OPPh₃ = triphenylphosphine oxide, Ln = Nd, Sm, Gd), [Dy(OPPh₃)₄(NO₃)₂](NO₃) ( 4 ), [Ln(OPPh₃)₃(NO₃)₃]₂ ( 5 – 7 ) (Ln = Pr, Eu, Gd) were synthesized by the reactions of different lanthanide salts and OPPh₃ ligand in the air. These complexes were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, elemental analysis, IR and fluorescence spectra. Structure analysis shows that complexes 1 – 4 are mononuclear complexes formed by OPPh₃ ligands and nitrates. The asymmetric units of complexes 5 – 7 consist of two crystallographic‐separate molecules. Complex 1 is self‐assembled to construct a 2D layer‐structure of (4,4) net topology by hydrogen bond interactions. The other complexes show a 1D chain‐like structure that was assembled by OPPh₃ ligands and nitrate ions through C–H ··· O interactions. Solid emission spectra of compounds 4 and 6 are assigned to the characteristic fluorescence of Tb³⁺ (λ_em = 480, 574 nm) and Eu³⁺ (λ_em = 552, 593, 619, 668 nm).     

Periodicity of Single-Molecule Magnet Behaviour of Heterotetranuclear Lanthanide Complexes across the Lanthanide Series: A Compendium

Acetato-bridged palladium–lanthanide tetranuclear heterometallic complexes of the form [Pd₂Ln₂(H₂O)₂(CH₃COO)₁₀] ⋅ 2 CH₃COOH [Ln₂=Ce₂ ( 1 ), Pr₂ ( 2 ), Nd₂ ( 3 ), Sm₂ ( 4 ), Tb₂ ( 5 ), Dy₂ ( 6 ), Dy_0.2Y_1.8 ( 6′′ ), Ho₂ ( 7 ), Er₂ ( 8 ), Er_0.24Y_1.7 ( 8′′ ), Tm₂ ( 9 ), Yb₂ ( 10 ), Y₂( 11 )] were synthesised and characterised by experimental and theoretical techniques. All complexes containing Kramers lanthanide ions [Ln³⁺=Ce ( 1 ), Nd ( 3 ), Sm ( 4 ), Dy ( 6 ), DyY ( 6′′ ), Er ( 8 ), ErY ( 8′′ ), Yb ( 10 )] showed field-induced slow magnetic relaxation, characteristic of single-molecule magnetism and purely of molecular origin. In contrast, all non-Kramers lanthanide ions [Ln³⁺=Pr ( 2 ), Tb ( 5 ), Ho ( 7 ), Tm ( 9 ), Y³⁺ ( 11 ) is diamagnetic and non-lanthanide] did not show any slow magnetic relaxation. The variation in the electronic structure and accompanying consequences across the complexes representing all Kramers and non-Kramers lanthanide ions were investigated. The origin of the magnetic properties and the extent to which the axial donor–acceptor interaction involving the lanthanide ions and an electron-deficient orbital of palladium affects the observed magnetic and electronic properties across the lanthanide series are presented. Unique consistent electronic and magnetic properties of isostructural complexes spanning the lanthanide series with properties dependent on whether the ions are Kramers or non-Kramers are reported.     

Synthesis,Structures, and Properties of Lanthanide Complexes with Pyrimidine‐2‐carboxylic Acid

Six lanthanide complexes [Ln(pmc)₂NO₃]_n [Hpmc = pyrimidine‐2‐carboxylic acid, Ln = La ( 1 ), Pr ( 2 )], [Ln(pmc)₂(H₂O)₃]NO₃ · H₂O [Ln = Eu ( 3 ), Tb ( 4 ) Dy ( 5 ), Er ( 6 )] were synthesized by the reactions of lanthanide nitrate and pyrimidine‐2‐carboxylic acid in water at room temperature. These complexes were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, elemental analysis, IR, circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence spectra. Structure analysis shows that complexes 1 and 2 are isostructural with P4₃2₁2 space group, whereas isostructural complexes 3 – 6 belong to the P2₁/c space group. In complexes 1 and 2 , the central metal atoms are coordinated by nitrates and pmc^–, which are self‐assembled to construct a 3D porous network with 6₂.6₂.6₂.6₂.6₂.6₂ (6⁶) topology. In complexes 3 – 6 , H₂O and pmc^– ligands are coordinated and the complexes exhibit a one‐dimensional zigzag chain, which is further expanded into a 3D structure by hydrogen bonding. In addition, the circular dichroism of 1 and 2 proves that the two complexes are both chiral with achiral ligand of Hpmc. Luminescent measurements of compounds 3 – 5 indicate that the characteristic fluorescence of Eu³⁺, Tb³⁺, and Dy³⁺ are observed.     

One‐dimensional Salen‐type Chain‐like Lanthanide(III) Coordination Polymers: Syntheses,Crystal Structures,and Fluorescence Properties

Four salen‐type lanthanide(III) coordination polymers [LnH₂L(NO₃)₃(MeOH)_x]_n [Ln = La ( 1 ), Ce ( 2 ), Sm ( 3 ), Gd ( 4 )] were prepared by reaction of Ln(NO₃)₃ · 6H₂O with H₂L [H₂L = N,N′‐bis(salicylidene)‐1,2‐cyclohexanediamine]. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that H₂L effectively functions as a bridging ligand forming a series of 1D chain‐like polymers. The solid‐state fluorescence spectra of polymers 1 and 2 emit single ligand‐centered green fluorescence, whereas 3 exhibits typical red fluorescence of Sm^III ions. The lowest triplet level of ligand H₂L was calculated on the basis of the phosphorescence spectrum of Gd^III complex 4 . The energy transfer mechanisms in the lanthanide polymers were described and discussed.     

Mononuclear and binuclear lanthanide(III) complexes: syntheses,structural, photophysical and thermal properties

Six new Ln(III) complexes viz., [Gd(tptz)(SCN)₃(CH₃OH)₂OH₂]·CH₃OH (1), [Eu(tptz)(SCN)₃(CH₃OH)₂OH₂]·CH₃OH (2), [Tb(tptz)(SCN)₃(OH₂)₃]₄ (3), [Gd(tptz)(OBz)₂(μ-OBz)OH₂]₂·2H₂O (4), [OH₂(OBz)₂(tptz)Eu₁(μ-OBz)₂Eu₂(tptz)(OBz)₂OH₂]·CH₃OH·7H₂O (5), and {[Tb₁(tptz)(OBz)₂(μ-OBz)]₂·[Tb₂(tptz)(OBz)₃CH₃OH]₂}·2CH₃OH·4H₂O (6) (Ln = Gd, Eu, Tb; tptz = 2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine; BzONa = sodium benzoate), have been synthesized and characterized by physicochemical methods including single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The X-ray studies demonstrate that 1–3 are mononuclear, whereas 4–6 are binuclear. The photophysical properties of 1–6 have been studied with ultraviolet absorption and emission spectral studies. Their thermal properties have been studied by thermogravimetric (TG) and derivative thermogravimetric analysis (DTG), demonstrating that the final product after decomposition was Ln₂O₃ for all these complexes.     

The First Examples of Selenidogermanate Salts with Lanthanide Complex Counter Cations: Solvothermal Syntheses and Characterizations of [{Ln(en)3}2(μ‐OH)2]Ge2Se6 (Ln = Eu,Ho) and [{Ho(dien)2}2(μ‐OH)2]Ge2Se6

The lanthanide selenidogermanates [{Eu(en)₃}₂(μ‐OH)₂]Ge₂Se₆ ( 1 ), [{Ho(en)₃}₂(μ‐OH)₂]Ge₂Se₆ ( 2 ), and [{Ho(dien)₂}₂(μ‐OH)₂]Ge₂Se₆ ( 3 ) (en = ethylenediamine, dien = diethylenetriamine) were solvothermally prepared by the reactions of Eu₂O₃ (or Ho₂O₃), germanium, and selenium in en and dien solvents respectively. Compounds 1 – 3 are composed of selenidogermanate [Ge₂Se₆]^4– anion and dinuclear lanthanide complex cation [{Ln(en)₃}₂(μ‐OH)₂]⁴⁺ (Ln = Eu, Ho) or [{Ho(dien)₂}₂(μ‐OH)₂]⁴⁺. The [Ge₂Se₆]^4– anion is composed of two GeSe₄ tetrahedra sharing a common edge. The dinuclear lanthanide complex cations are built up from two [Ln(en)₃]³⁺ or [Ho(dien)₂]³⁺ ions joined by two μ‐OH bridges. All lanthanide(III) ions are in eight‐coordinate environments forming distorted bicapped trigonal prisms. In 1 – 3 , three‐dimensional supramolecular networks of the anions and cations are formed by N–H ··· Se and N–H ··· O hydrogen bonds. To the best of our knowledge, 1 – 3 are the first examples of selenidogermanate salts with lanthanide complex counter cations.     

Syntheses,Structures, and Photoluminescence of Lanthanide Coordination Polymers Based on 4‐Oxo‐1,4‐dihydro‐2,6‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid

Investigating the coordination chemistry of H₂CDA (4‐oxo‐1,4‐dihydro‐2,6‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid) with rare earth salts Ln(NO₃)₃ under hydrothermal conditions, structure transformation phenomenon was observed. The ligand, H₂CDA charged to its position isomer, enol type structure, H₃CAM (4‐hydroxypyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylic acid). Six new lanthanide(III) coordination polymers with the formulas [Ln(CAM)(H₂O)₃]_n [Ln = La ( 1 ), Pr, ( 2 )] and {[Ln(CAM)(H₂O)₃] · H₂O}_n [Ln = Nd, ( 3 ), Sm, ( 4 ), Eu, ( 5 ), Y, ( 6 )] were synthesized and characterized. The X‐ray structure analyses show two kinds of coordination structures. The complexes 1 and 2 and 3 – 6 are isostructural. Complexes 1 and 2 crystallize in the monoclinic C₂/c space group, whereas 3 – 6 crystallize in the monoclinic system with space group P2₁/n. In the two kinds of structures, H₃CAM displays two different coordination modes. The Sm^III and Eu^III complexes exhibit the corresponding characteristic luminescence in the visible region at an excitation of 376 nm.     

Three Octacyanometallate‐Based LnIII–MV (Ln = La,Ce; M = Mo,W) Bimetallic Assemblies with a One‐Dimensional Rope‐Ladder Chain Structure

Three octacyanometallate‐based hetero‐bimetallic complexes, [Ln(H₂O)₄(CH₃CN)₂][M(CN)₈] · CH₃CN [Ln = La, M = Mo( 1 ), W( 2 ); Ln = Ce, M = W( 3 )], were synthesized and characterized structurally. Single‐crystal X‐ray analysis reveals that 1 – 3 are isomorphous and consist of infinite one‐dimensional (1D) 3,3 rope‐ladder chains, in which the 12‐membered puckered square Ln₂M₂(CN)₄ is the basic building unit. The 1D chains are further linked through interchain hydrogen bonds, resulting in a three‐dimensional (3D) supramolecular network.     

Hetero‐tri‐spin [2p‐3d‐4f] Chain Compounds Based on Nitronyl Nitroxide Lanthanide Metallo‐Ligands: Synthesis,Structure, and Magnetic Properties

Employing nitronyl nitroxide lanthanide(III) complexes as metallo‐ligands allowed the efficient and highly selective preparation of three series of unprecedented hetero‐tri‐spin (Cu?Ln‐radical) one‐dimensional compounds. These 2p–3d–4f spin systems, namely [Ln₃Cu(hfac)₁₁(NitPhOAll)₄] (Ln^III=Gd 1_Gd , Tb 1_Tb , Dy 1_Dy ; NitPhOAll=2‐(4′‐allyloxyphenyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide), [Ln₃Cu(hfac)₁₁(NitPhOPr)₄] (Ln^III=Gd 2_Gd , Tb 2_Tb , Dy 2_Dy , Ho 2_Ho , Yb 2_Yb ; NitPhOPr=2‐(4′‐propoxyphenyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐imidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide) and [Ln₃Cu(hfac)₁₁(NitPhOBz)₄] (Ln^III=Gd 3_Gd , Tb 3_Tb , Dy 3_Dy ; NitPhOBz=2‐(4′‐benzyloxyphenyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐imidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide) involve O‐bound nitronyl nitroxide radicals as bridging ligands in chain structures with a [Cu‐Nit‐Ln‐Nit‐Ln‐Nit‐Ln‐Nit] repeating unit. The dc magnetic studies show that ferromagnetic metal–radical interactions take place in these hetero‐tri‐spin chain complexes, these and the next‐neighbor interactions have been quantified for the Gd derivatives. Complexes 1_Tb and 2_Tb exhibit frequency dependence of ac magnetic susceptibilities, indicating single‐chain magnet behavior.     

Syntheses,Structures, and Properties of the 3D Lanthanide Organic Frameworks with N‐Heterocyclic Polycarboxylic Acids

Four 3D lanthanide organic frameworks from potassium pyrazine‐2, 3, 5, 6‐tetracarboxylate (K₄pztc) or potassium pyridine‐2, 3, 5, 6‐tetracarboxylate (K₄pdtc), namely, {[KEu(pztc)(H₂O)₂] · H₂O}_n ( 1 ), {[KTb(pztc)(H₂O)₂] · 1.25H₂O}_n ( 2 ), {[KLn(pdtc)(H₂O)] · H₂O}_n [Ln = Gd ( 3 ), Ho ( 4 )], were synthesized by reaction of the corresponding lanthanide oxides with K₄pztc or K₄pdtc in presence of HCl under hydrothermal conditions, and characterized by elemental analysis, TGA, IR and fluorescence spectroscopy as well as X‐ray diffraction. In complexes 1 and 2 , the dodecadentate chelator pztc^4– links four Ln^III ions and four K^I ions. The coordination mode of the pztc^4– ligand is reported for the first time herein. Complexes 3 and 4 are isostructural with earlier reported Nd, Dy, Er complexes. Moreover, the Eu^III and Tb^III complexes exhibit the characteristic luminescence.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Magnetic Properties of a Series of Dinuclear Lanthanide Complexes Assembled by Acetate and a Schiff Base Ligand

Five dinuclear lanthanide complexes [Ln₂L₂(NO₃)₂(OAc)₄] · 2CH₃CN [Ln = Gd ( 1 ), Tb ( 2 ), Dy ( 3 ), Ho ( 4 ), and Er ( 5 )] [L = 2‐((2‐pyridinylmethylene)hydrazine)ethanol] were synthesized from the reactions of Ln(NO₃)₃ · 6H₂O with L and CH₃COOH in the presence of triethylamine. Their crystal structures were determined. They show similar dinuclear cores with the two lanthanide ions bridged by four acetate ligands in the μ₂‐η¹:η² and μ₂‐η¹:η¹ bridging modes. Each Ln^III ion in complexes 1 – 5 is further chelated by one L ligand and one nitrate ion, leading to the formation of a nine‐coordinated mono‐capped square antiprism arrangement. The dinuclear molecules in 1 – 5 are consolidated by hydrogen bonds and π ··· π stacking interactions to build a two‐dimensional sheet. Their magnetic properties were investigated. It revealed antiferromagnetic interactions between the Gd^III ions in 1 and ferromagnetic interactions between the Tb^III ions in 2 . The profiles of χ_mT vs. T curves of 3 – 5 reveal that the magnetic properties of 3 – 5 are probably dominated by the thermal depopulation of the Stark sublevels of Ln^III ions.     

Triphenylarsane Oxide Complexes of Lanthanide Nitrates: Polymorphs and Photophysics

trans‐[Ln(NO₃)₂(Ph₃AsO)₄](NO₃)₂ ( 1 ) and mer‐[Ln(NO₃)₃(Ph₃AsO)₃] ( 2 ) complexes were prepared from Ln(NO₃)₃ · xH₂O and Ph₃AsO in chloroform (Ln = Y, Sm, Eu, Tb, and Dy). Production of complexes 1 vs. 2 and solvent content was found to be highly dependent on crystallization solvent choice. Tb and Eu produced only 1 , while the other Ln metals produced both 1 and 2 . Solvent‐free, acetone‐, and methanol‐containing polymorph series were identified for complexes 1 . Acetone/ether‐ and CH₂Cl₂‐containing polymorph series were identified for complexes 2 . Luminescence measurements were performed on solvent‐free 1 (Ln = Y, Eu, Tb, and Dy) and 2 (Ln = Sm) at 78 K. Sensitized lanthanide emission bands via resonance energy transfer were observed in all cases, except the control (Ln = Y). The efficiency of this energy transfer process varies amongst the lanthanide metals studied and was rationalized using Latva's empirical rule and Density Functional Theory calculations.     

Novel bifunctional lanthanide‐centered nanophosphors for latent fingerprint detection and anti‐counterfeiting applications

Production of hybrid organic/inorganic complexes such as lanthanide phosphors in the nanodomain for human fingerprint visualization and anti‐counterfeiting ink under biocompatible UVA and blue light has not yet been studied that thoroughly. This paper presents the preparation of novel, bifunctional, green and red nanophosphors based on Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺ complexes with quinolinone ligand (H₂L). They have been prepared and characterized for latent fingerprint detection and anti‐counterfeiting ink applications. The analytical data confirm that the ligand acts in a monoanionic bidentate manner through OO donor sites, forming mononuclear complexes, formulated as [Ln(HL)₃(C₂H₅OH)₃] (Ln = Eu³⁺ or Tb³⁺; L = 1‐ethyl‐4‐hydroxy‐3‐(nitroacetyl)quinolin‐2‐(1H)‐one). The Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺ complexes have nanospherical morphologies with average particle sizes of 17 and 5 nm, respectively. Pure red and green photoluminescence with long lifetime values has been obtained from the Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺ complexes, respectively, under non‐harmful UVA and blue illumination. Latent fingerprint details, including their characteristic three levels, have been clearly identified from various forensic (non‐porous, semi‐porous, highly fluorescent porous) substrates using red (Eu³⁺) and green (Tb³⁺) nanophosphors. The green nanophosphor powder has a greater capability for visualizing latent fingerprints from highly fluorescent porous surfaces as compared to the red one. Both nanophosphor complexes have been used to develop luminescent ink for anti‐counterfeiting applications.     

The Building Block [FeIII(pzphen)(CN)4]– and its Lanthanide Complexes: Synthesis,Crystal Structure,and Magnetic Properties

The cyanide building block [Fe^III(pzphen)(CN)₄]^– and its four lanthanide complexes [{Fe^III(pzphen)(CN)₄}₂Ln^III(H₂O)₅(DMF)₃] · (NO₃) · 2(H₂O) · (CH₃CN) [Ln = Nd ( 1 ), Sm ( 2 ), DMF = dimethyl formamide] and [{Fe^III(pzphen)(CN)₄}₂Ln^III(NO₃)(H₂O)₂(DMF)₂](CH₃CN) [Ln = Gd ( 3 ), Dy ( 4 )] were synthesized and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compounds 1 and 2 are ionic salts with two [Fe^III(pzphen)(CN)₄]^– cations and one Ln^III ion, but compounds 3 and 4 are cyano‐bridged Fe^III‐Ln^III heterometallic 3d‐4f complexes exhibiting a trinuclear structure in the same conditions. Magnetic studies show that compound 3 is antiferromagnetic between the central Fe^III and Gd^III atoms. Furthermore, the trinuclear cyano‐bridged Fe^III₂Dy^III compound 4 displays no single‐molecular magnets (SMMs) behavior by the alternating current magnetic susceptibility measurements.     

Luminescent Bimetallic Lanthanide Bioprobes for Cellular Imaging with Excitation in the Visible‐Light Range

A series of homoditopic ligands H₂L^CX (X=4–6) has been designed to self‐assemble with lanthanide ions (Ln^III), resulting in neutral bimetallic helicates of overall composition [Ln₂(L^CX)₃] with the aim of testing the influence of substituents on the photophysical properties, particularly the excitation wavelength. The complex species are thermodynamically stable in water (log β₂₃ in the range 26–28 at pH 7.4) and display a metal‐ion environment with pseudo‐D₃ symmetry and devoid of coordinated water molecules. The emission of Eu^III, Tb^III, and Yb^III is sensitised to various extents, depending on the properties of the ligand donor levels. The best helicate is [Eu₂(L^C5)₃] with excitation maxima at 350 and 365 nm and a quantum yield of 9 %. The viability of cervix cancer HeLa cells is unaffected when incubated with up to 500 μm of the chelate during 24 h. The helicate permeates into the cells by endocytosis and locates into lysosomes, which co‐localise with the endoplasmatic reticulum, as demonstrated by counterstaining experiments. The relatively long excitation wavelength allows easy recording of bright luminescent images on a confocal microscope (λ_exc=405 nm). The new lanthanide bioprobe remains undissociated in the cell medium, and is amenable to facile derivatisation. Examination of data for seven Eu^III and Tb^III bimetallic helicates point to shortcomings in the phenomenological rules of thumb between the energy gap ΔE(³ππ*–⁵D_J) and the sensitisation efficiency of the ligands.     

Syntheses and Structures of New Trinuclear MIILnMII (M = Ni,Co; Ln = Gd,Ce) Complexes with 2, 6‐Bis(acetobenzoyl)pyridine

One‐pot reactions of 2, 6‐bis(acetobenzoyl)pyridine (H₂L) with a mixture of LnCl₃ (Ln = Ce, Gd) and Ni(CH₃COO)₂ (ratio 2:1:2) in CH₂Cl₂/MeOH in the presence of a supporting base like Et₃N give trinuclear complexes with the general composition [Ni₂Ln(L)₂(CH₃COO)₃(MeOH)_2/3] ( 1 ) in high yields. Trinuclear [Ni₂Ln(L)₂(PhCOO)₃(MeOH)₂] ( 2 ) complexes are formed when similar reactions are performed starting from NiCl₂, and benzoic acid (PhCOOH) is added subsequently. Under the same conditions, reactions with the corresponding cobalt(II) salts result in the formation of a neutral [Co₈(μ₃‐O)₂(L)₆] complex, which has a bis(triple‐helical) structure. The cobalt(II) analogues to compounds 1 and 2 , however, can be synthesized by a pre‐treatment of the lanthanide salts with H₂L and subsequent addition of the cobalt salts, and benzoic acid (in the case of 2 ).