New 2,2′-Bipyridine Derivatives and Their Luminescence Properties with Europium(III) and Terbium(III) Ions

Twenty differently substituted 2,2′,2″,2? -[(2,2′-bipyridine-6,6′-diyl)bis(methylenenitrilo)]tetrakis(acetc acids) 75–94 were synthesized with the purpose of developing new markers to be used in bioaffinity assays based on the unique luminescence properties of Eu^III and Tb^III ions. The relative luminescence yields, excitation maxima, and emission decay constants were determined for the corresponding Eu^III and Tb^III chelates. The substituents at the bipyridine moiety had a significant effect on the luminescence properties: the best relative luminescence yields R were obtained for ligands with electron-donating substituents (e.g. Me, Ph), electron-withdrawing substituents (e.g. NO₂, COOH) had a reverse effect. However, no clear correlation between the relative luminescence yields and the substituent parameters was found.