Enhanced fluorescence of 3-(naphthalene-2-ylimino)-1-phenylbutan-1-one–Tb with 1,10-phenanthroline ternary system and its analytical application

A new Schiff base ligand: 3-(naphthalene-2-ylimino)-1-phenylbutan-1-one (NPB) was synthesized. Its fluorescence intensity with terbium(III) was greatly enhanced by the addition of 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) in the chloroform solution. The mechanism of fluorescence enhancement was studied. The results indicate the formation of a ternary NPB–Phen–Tb complex. In the ternary system, Phen can transfer the energy absorbed by Phen and NPB to Tb3+.