4f-4f hypersensitivity in the absorption spectra and NMR studies on paramagnetic lanthanide chloride complexes with 1,10-phenanthroline in non-aqueous solutions

The optical absorption and NMR studies of trivalent lanthanide chloride complexes with 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) are presented and discussed. The 1H NMR spectra of the complexes of La, Pr, Nd, Eu and Yb have been studied in methanol-d(4). The resonances of phen in the NMR spectra of the paramagnetic complexes have been shifted to lower as well as higher fields, which is a manifestation of dipolar interaction. The H (2) protons of the heterocyclic amine display broad resonances. The degree of broadening in Pr, Nd, and Yb complexes follows the order Pr < Nd < Yb. The inter- and intra-molecular shift ratios show that the paramagnetic shift is predominantly due to dipolar interaction. The electronic spectra of Pr, Nd, Ho and Er complexes have been investigated in methanol, pyridine, DMSO and DMF, which reveal that the hypersensitive transitions exhibit larger variation in oscillator strength values and band shapes. The change in the coordination geometry of the complexes and relative basicity of ligand are found responsible for oscillator strength and band shape variation. The interelectronic repulsion and covalency parameters show covalent nature of bonding between the metal and the ligand.