Synthesis, characterization, X-ray structure and photoluminescence properties of two Ce(III) complexes derived from pentadentate ligands

• Two new Ce(III) complex of pentadentate ligand were synthesized.
• Molecular structure of the Ce(III) complex was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction study.
• The optical properties of the synthesized compounds were examined using UV–Vis and photoluminescence.
• Thermal properties of the synthesized compounds were examined.

In this study, two new Ce(III) complexes [Ce(L1)(NO3)3]∙H2O and [Ce(L2)(NO3)3]∙H2O were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic and analytical methods where L1 and L2 are pentadentate diimine ligands. Molecular structure of [Ce(L1)(NO3)3]∙H2O was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction study. The complex was found to crystallize as [Ce(L1)(NO3)3] H2O. In the complex, the ligand L1 coordinates to the Ce(III) ion with the N3O2 donor set and the Ce(III) ion sits within the cavity of acyclic ligand. The Ce(III) ion is 11-coordinated by three nitrogen atoms from the ligand and eight O atoms, six of which come from three nitrate ions, two from the ligand. In the structure of the complex, water molecules link molecules together to form a 3D hydrogen bond network. Thermal behavior of the Schiff base ligands and their Ce(III) complexes metal complexes were studied under nitrogen atmosphere in the temperature range of 20–800 °C. Thermal stability of the ligands increased upon complexation with Ce(III) ion. In the UV–Vis spectra of Ce(III) complexes, new absorption bands appeared at 340–450 nm and these new bands were attributed to metal–ligand (M–L) charge transitions. Photoluminescence properties of the ligands and their Ce(III) complexes were examined.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide