Synthesis, characterization and emission properties of yttrium(III) and europium(III) complexes of a tripodal heptadentate Schiff-base ligand N[CH2CH2NCH(2-OH-3-MeC6H3)]3

► Yttrium(III) and europium(III) complexes are seven-coordinate and pseudo-helical. ► The Schiff-base behaves as a tri-deprotonated heptadentate ligand. ► The ligand encapsulates the metal ion within the N4O3 cavity. ► Under the excitation of UV light, the solid state of these complexes exhibit blue and red emission, respectively.