Synthesis neutral rare earth complexes of diethylenetriamine-N,N'-bis(acetyl-isoniazid)-N,N',N'-triacetic acid as potential contrast enhancement agents for magnetic resonance imaging

A novel ligand, diethylenetriamine-N,N'-bis(acetyl-isoniazid)-N,N',N'-triacetic acid (H(3)L) has been synthesized from diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) and isoniazid. Ligand and its five neutral rare earth (RE=La, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb) complexes holding promise of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, molar conductivity, (1)H-NMR spectrum, FAB-MS, TG-DTA analysis and IR spectrum. The relaxivity (R(1)) of complexes and Gd(DTPA)(2-) used as a control were determined. The relaxivity of LaL, SmL, EuL, GdL, TbL and Gd(DTPA)(2-) were 0.14, 1.66, 3.14, 6.08, 2.79 and 4.34 l.mmol(-1).s(-1), respectively. The spin-lattice relaxivity of GdL was larger than that of Gd(DTPA)(2-). The relaxivity of GdL had also been investigated in human serum albumin (HSA) solution, the relaxivity of GdL was enhanced from 6.08 l.mmol(-1).s(-1) in water solution to 9.09 l.mmol(-1).s(-1) in HSA solution. In addition, thermodynamics stability constant of GdL complex was determined, the thermodynamic stability constant of GdL complex (K(GdL)=10(20.84)) was a few larger than that of Gd(DTPA)(2-) (K(Gd-DTPA)=10(20.73)). The results showed that complex of GdL may be a prospective MRI contrast agent with low osmotic pressure due to non-ion complex, high spin-lattice relaxivity, good stability and binding affinity for the serum protein.     

Pyridine- and phosphonate-containing ligands for stable Ln complexation. Extremely fast water exchange on the Gd(III) chelates

Two novel ligands containing pyridine units and phosphonate pendant arms, with ethane-1,2-diamine (L2) or cyclohexane-1,2-diamine (L3) backbones, have been synthesized for Ln complexation. The hydration numbers obtained from luminescence lifetime measurements in aqueous solutions of the Eu(III) and Tb(III) complexes are q = 0.6 (EuL2), 0.7 (TbL2), 0.8 (EuL3), and 0.4 (TbL3). To further assess the hydration equilibrium, we have performed a variable-temperature and -pressure UV-vis spectrophotometric study on the Eu(III) complexes. The reaction enthalpy, entropy, and volume for the hydration equilibrium EuL <--> EuL(H2O) were calculated to be DeltaH degrees = -(11.6 +/- 2) kJ mol(-1), DeltaS degrees = -(34.2 +/- 5) J mol(-1) K(-1), and = 1.8 +/- 0.3 for EuL2 and DeltaH degrees = -(13.5 +/- 1) kJ mol(-1), DeltaS degrees = -(41 +/- 4) J mol(-1) K(-1), and = 1.7 +/- 0.3 for EuL3, respectively. We have carried out variable-temperature 17O NMR and nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion (NMRD) measurements on the GdL2(H2O)q and GdL3(H2O)q systems. Given the presence of phosphonate groups in the ligand backbone, a second-sphere relaxation mechanism has been included for the analysis of the longitudinal (17)O and (1)H NMR relaxation rates. The water exchange rate on GdL2(H2O)q, = (7.0 +/- 0.8) x 10(8) s(-1), is extremely high and comparable to that on the Gd(III) aqua ion, while it is slightly reduced for GdL3(H2O)q, = (1.5 +/- 0.1) x 10(8) s(-1). This fast exchange can be rationalized in terms of a very flexible inner coordination sphere, which is slightly rigidified for L3 by the introduction of the cyclohexyl group on the amine backbone. The water exchange proceeds via a dissociative interchange mechanism, evidenced by the positive activation volumes obtained from variable-pressure 17O NMR for both GdL2(H2O)q and GdL3(H2O)q (DeltaV = +8.3 +/- 1.0 and 8.7 +/- 1.0 cm(3) mol(-1), respectively).     

Lanthanide complexes of the chiral hexaaza macrocycle and its meso-type isomer: solvent-controlled helicity inversion

Lanthanide(III) complexes of the enantiopure chiral hexaaza tetraamine macrocycle L, 2(R),7(R),18(R),23(R)-1,8,15,17,24,31-hexaazatricyclo[25.3.1.1.0.0]-dotriaconta-10,12,14,26,28,30-hexaene, as well as of its meso-type 2(R),7(R),18(S),23(S)-isomeric macrocycle L1, have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods. The 2D NMR spectra confirm the identity of these complexes and indicate C2 symmetry of the [LnL]3+ and Cs symmetry of the [LnL1]3+ complexes. The crystal structures of the [PrL(NO3)(H2O)2](NO3)2, [EuL(NO3)(H2O)2](NO3)2, [DyL(NO3)2]2[Dy(NO3)5] x 5CH3CN, [YbL(NO3)2]2[Yb(NO3)5] x 5CH3CN, [YbL(H2O)2](NO3)3 x H2O, and [EuL1(NO3)(H2O)2]0.52[EuL1(NO3)2]0.48(NO3)1.52 x 0.48H2O complexes have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In all complexes, the lanthanide(III) ions are coordinated by six nitrogen atoms of the macrocycle L or L1, but for each type of complex, the conformation of the macrocycle and the axial ligation are different. The crystallographic, NMR, and CD data show that the [YbL]3+ complex exists in two stable forms. Both forms of the Yb(III) complex have been isolated, and their interconversion was studied in various solvents. The two forms of [YbL]3+ complex correspond to two diastereomers of ligand L, which differ in the sense of the helical twist and the configuration at the stereogenic amine nitrogen atoms. In one of the stereoisomers, the macrocycle L of (RRRR) configuration at the stereogenic cyclohexane carbon atoms adopts the (RSRS) configuration at the amine nitrogen atoms, while in the other stereoisomer, the macrocycle L of (RRRR) configuration at the stereogenic cyclohexane carbon atoms adopts the (SSSS) configuration at the amine nitrogen atoms. The (RRRR)(RSRS) isomer is quantitatively converting to the (RRRR)(SSSS) isomer in water solution, while the reverse process is observed for an acetonitrile solution, thus representing the rare case of helicity inversion controlled by the solvent.     

Lanthanide complexes assembled from two flexible amide-type tripodal ligands: terminal groups effect on photoluminescence behavior

To explore the effect of terminal groups of tripodal ligands on the photoluminescence behaviors of the complexes, lanthanide (Eu(III), Tb(III)) nitrate complexes with two flexible amide-type tripodal ligands, 2,2',2'-nitrilotris-(N-phenylmethyl)-acetamide (L(I)) and 2,2',2'-nitrilotris-(N-naphthalenemethyl)-acetamide (L(II)) were synthesized and characterized. The general formulas of the complexes are [EuL(I)(2)(C(3)H(6)O)]·(NO(3))(3)·(HCCl(3))·(H(2)O)(4) (1), TbL(I)(2)(NO(3))(3)·2H(2)O (2), EuL(II)(NO(3))(3) (3), and TbL(II)(NO(3))(3) (4). Among them, 1, 3, and 4 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 demonstrates a 1 : 2 (ML(2)) capsule type stoichiometry, and the complexes 3 and 4 confirm 1 : 1 (ML) type coordination structures. What is more, the triplet energy levels of L(I) and L(II) are 24,331 and 19,802 cm(-1), which were determined from the phosphorescence spectra of the Gd(III) complexes. Ligand modification by changing the terminal groups alters their triplet energy, and results in a different sensitizing ability towards lanthanide ions. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations of energy levels including HOMO, LUMO, singlet, and triplet energies tuned by the different terminal groups are also discussed in detail, and the trends are almost consistent with the experimental conclusions.     

Influence of calcium-induced aggregation on the sensitivity of aminobis(methylenephosphonate)-containing potential MRI contrast agents

A novel class of 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-tris(methylenecarboxylic) acid (DO3A)-based lanthanide complexes with relaxometric response to Ca(2+) was synthesized, and their physicochemical properties were investigated. Four macrocyclic ligands containing an alkyl-aminobis(methylenephosphonate) side chain for Ca(2+)-chelation have been studied (alkyl is propyl, butyl, pentyl, and hexyl for L(1), L(2), L(3), and L(4), respectively). Upon addition of Ca(2+), the r(1) relaxivity of their Gd(3+) complexes decreased up to 61% of the initial value for the best compounds GdL(3) and GdL(4). The relaxivity of the complexes was concentration dependent (it decreases with increasing concentration). Diffusion NMR studies on the Y(3+) analogues evidenced the formation of agglomerates at higher concentrations; the aggregation becomes even more important in the presence of Ca(2+). (31)P NMR experiments on EuL(1) and EuL(4) indicated the coordination of a phosphonate to the Ln(3+) for the ligand with a propyl chain, while phosphonate coordination was not observed for the analogue bearing a hexyl linker. Potentiometric titrations yielded protonation constants of the Gd(3+) complexes. log K(H1) values for all complexes lie between 6.12 and 7.11 whereas log K(H2) values are between 4.61 and 5.87. Luminescence emission spectra recorded on the Eu(3+) complexes confirmed the coordination of a phosphonate group to the Ln(3+) center in EuL(1). Luminescence lifetime measurements showed that Ca-induced agglomeration reduces the hydration number which is the main cause for the change in r(1). Variable temperature (17)O NMR experiments evidenced high water exchange rates on GdL(1), GdL(2), and GdL(3) comparable to that of the aqua ion.     

Short Radiative Lifetime and Non-Triplet Sensitization in Near-Infrared-Luminescent Yb(III) Complex with Tripodal Schiff Base

We prepared Ln(III) (Ln=Eu, Gd, and Yb) complexes with a tripodal Schiff base, tris[2-(5-methylsalicylideneimino)ethyl]amine (H₃L) and studied their photophysical properties. Upon ligand excitation, YbL showed Yb(III)-centered luminescence in the near-infrared region. While the overall quantum yield (0.60(1)%) of YbL in acetonitrile was moderate among the reported values for Yb(III) complexes, its radiative lifetime (0.33(2) ms) was significantly shorter than those reported previously. We propose that the ligand-to-metal charge-transfer (LMCT) state mediated the sensitization in YbL. The emission and excitation spectra of EuL indicated the participation of the LMCT state in the sensitization. The radiative lifetime (0.84(7) ms) for EuL in the solid state was rather short compared to those of reported Eu(III) complexes. Our results show that the Yb(III) complex with the Schiff base ligand has two features: the short radiative lifetime and the non-triplet sensitization path.     

稀土发光配合物的研究Ⅱ.稀土,3-吡啶甲酸,邻菲咯啉三元配合物的合成和荧光性质

合成了１４种稀土元素与３吡啶甲酸（ＨＬ）及邻菲咯啉（Ｐｈｅｎ）的三元配合物,通过元素分析和化学分析确定其化学组成为ＲＥＬ３·Ｐｈｅｎ,并利用ＩＲ、ＵＶ、１ＨＮＭＲ、ＴＧＤＴＡ和Ｘ射线粉末衍射等手段对配合物进行了表征．研究了Ｅｕ（Ⅲ）及Ｔｂ（Ⅲ）配合物的荧光性质．     

Synthesis, thermodynamics stability constant and relaxation properties of neutral Gd(III) complex with derivative from diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid and p-hydroxybenzoyl hydrazine

A novel ligand, diethylenetriamine-N,N'-bis(acetyl-p-hydroxybenzoyl hydrazine)-N,N',N'-triacetic acid (H3L) was synthesized and characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, molar conductivity, 1H-NMR spectrum, FAB-MS, TG-DTA analysis and IR spectrum. Its complex of Gd(III) holding promise of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was synthesized, and relaxivity (R1) of complex and Gd(DTPA)2- used as a control was determined in water solution, respectively. The relaxivity of GdL (R1 = 6.39 l.mmol(-1).s(-1)) was larger than that of Gd(DTPA)2- (R1 = 4.34 l.mmol(-1).s(-1)). The relaxivity of GdL has also been investigated in human serum albumin (HSA) solution, the relaxivity of GdL was enhanced from 6.39 l.mmol(-1).s(-1) in water solution to 7.69 l.mmol(-1).s(-1) in HSA solution. In addition, thermodynamics stability constant of GdL was determined. The results showed that complex of GdL is a prospective MRI contrast agent, although the thermodynamic stability constant of GdL complex (K(GdL) = 10(19.56)) was a little less than that of Gd(DTPA)2- (K(Gd-DTPA) = 10(20.73)).     

Lanthanide DO3A-Complexes Bearing Peptide Substrates: The Effect of Peptidic Side Chains on Metal Coordination and Relaxivity

Two DO3A-type ligands conjugated to substrates of urokinase (L3) and caspase-3 (L4) via a propyl-amide linker were synthesized and their lanthanide(III) (Ln³⁺) complexes studied. A model compound without peptide substrate (L2) and an amine derivative ligand mimicking the state after enzymatic cleavage (L1) were also prepared. Proton Nuclear Magnetic Relaxation Dispersion (NMRD) profiles recorded on the gadolinium(III) (Gd³⁺) complexes, complemented with the assessment of hydration numbers via luminescence lifetime measurements on the Eu³⁺ analogues, allowed us to characterize the lanthanide coordination sphere in the chelates. These data suggest that the potential donor groups of the peptide side chains (carboxylate, amine) interfere in metal coordination, leading to non-hydrated LnL3 and LnL4 complexes. Nevertheless, GdL3 and GdL4 retain a relatively high relaxivity due to an important second-sphere contribution generated by the strongly hydrophilic peptide chain. Weak PARACEST effects are detected for the amine-derivative EuL1 and NdL1 chelates. Unfortunately, the GdL3 and GdL4 complexes are not significantly converted by the enzymes. The lack of enzymatic recognition of these complexes can likely be explained by the participation of donor groups from the peptide side chain in metal coordination.     

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

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

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

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

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.     

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.     

Trinuclear lanthanide complexes of a compartmental ligand N,N'-bis(2-pyridinyl)-2,6-pyridinedicarboxamide: a spectroscopic investigation

Trinuclear lanthanide complexes of the formula [Ln(3)(PPDA)(NO(3))(6)(H(2)O)(2)].NO(3).2H(2)O where Ln=La(III), Pr(III), Sm(III), Nd(III), Eu(III) Gd(III) Tb(III), Dy(III) and Y(III); H(2)PPDA=N,N'-bis(2-pyridinyl)-2,6-pyridinedicarboxamide, have been isolated. The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, conductivity measurements, magnetic susceptibility measurements and spectral (IR, NMR, UV-vis, fluorescence, FAB and EPR) and thermal studies.     

In situ formed white-light-emitting lanthanide-zinc-organic frameworks

Five novel 3D heterometallic lanthanide-zinc-organic frameworks, [H(H(2)O)(8)][LnZn(4)(imdc)(4)(Him)(4)] [Ln = La (1), Pr (2), Eu (3), Gd (4), Tb (5); H(3)imdc = 4,5-imidazoledicarboxylic acid; Him = imidazole], were synthesized via an in situ hydrothermal reaction, and tunable luminescence from yellow to white was obtained through the doping of Eu and Tb ions in the La-Zn framework.     

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

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

In vitro imaging and human serum albumin responsive dimeric lanthanide DO3A complex

Two series of dimeric DO3A (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclodecane-1,4,7-triacetate) lanthanide complexes (LnL(1)-LnL(2), Ln = Eu, Gd, and Tb) have been synthesized with two different bridged chromophores. The X-ray structures of dimeric LnL(1) (Ln = Gd and Tb) complexes show that each metal ion has nine coordination numbers with eight directly bound donor atoms of the ligand and one oxygen donor from the water molecule. Photophysical measurements indicate that the bridged antenna in LnL(2) gives a higher efficiency than that of LnL(1) and is responsive to the protein Human Serum Albumin (HSA), giving an f-f luminescence signal enhancement with a binding constant log K = 4.84. In vitro imaging of EuL(1) and EuL(2) in HeLa cells has been recorded, and EuL(2) has demonstrated a higher rate of cellular uptake and low cytotoxicity (IC(50) = 3 mM).     

Anion/cation induced optical switches based on luminescent lanthanide (Tb3+ and Eu3+) hydrogels

Two novel silica based lanthanide complexes (Tb(a)(2) and Eu(a)(2)) were encapsulated into poly(acrylic acid) host. Both Tb(III) and Eu(III) containing hydrogels have typical and easily distinguished narrow line emissions occurring in the green and red region respectively. Particularly, the excitation wavelength for Eu complex can be extended into nearly visible light range (λ(ex) = 395 nm). Interestingly, we discover that these target materials not only exhibit selective emission response towards HSO(4)(-) (detection limit 10(-5) M) compared with CH(3)COO(-), F(-), Cl(-), Br(-) and I(-) but also give unique quenching to Cu(2+) (detection limit 10(-5) M) (tested cations: Cu(2+), Pd(2+), Cd(2+), Co(2+) and Mn(2+)). More importantly, this kind of materials can be recycled more than 10 times.     

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

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

Hydrothermal synthesis, crystal structure and properties of Ni(II)-4f complexes based on 1H-benzimidazole-5,6-dicarboxylic acid

Nine novel heterometallic coordination polymers [Ln(2)Ni(Hbidc)(2)(SO(4))(2)(H(2)O)(8)](n) (Ln = Pr (1), Sm (2), Eu (3), Gd (4), Tb (5), Dy (6), Ho (7), Er (8), Yb (9), H(3)bidc = 1H-benzimidazole-5,6-dicarboxylic acid) have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, TG analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction. X-ray analysis revealed that all complexes present almost identical three-dimensional (3D) structures with PtS-type topology. Complexes 1-7 are all isomorphous, and the structure variation of polymers 8 and 9 is induced by the lanthanide contraction effect. In additional, the luminescence properties of complexes 2, 3 and 5-7, and the magnetic properties of complexes 4 and 6-8 were investigated.