Europium (III) coordination complex with a novel phosphonated ligand

An original Eu(III) complex with a phosphonated half-cage ligand (CCNPh) was synthesized and characterized. Coordination between Eu(III) and the selected ligand was investigated by FT-IR, 1H, 13C and 31P NMR spectroscopies. The stoichiometry of the Eu(III) complex in acetonitrile was determined by titrations using 1H, 31P NMR and photoluminescence. The 1M:2L stoichiometry, i.e. two CCNPh ligands for one Eu(III), has been measured. In contrast, the 1M:3L stoichiometry occurred in the solid state, from the elemental analysis. This particular behavior may be explained by the addition of a third CCNPh ligand to Eu(III) metallic core during the treatment and evaporation process for the obtention of the solid sample. An antenna effect has been observed consisting in the energy transfer from N-Ph (λexc = 276 nm) to Eu(III) (λem = 618 nm).

► Novel phosphonated half-cage ligand.
► Eu(III) coordination.
► Luminescence and 31P NMR titration.
► Stoichiometry determination.
► Antenna effect.