Synthesis, characterization and luminescence properties of rare earth complexes with a new biphenylamide

► Synthesis of a new amide type podand and its lanthanide picrate complexes. ► Characterization was done by elemental analysis, conductivity, IR, 1H NMR and UV-Vis. ► Luminescence properties of Eu3+ complex were analyzed. ► Triplet state energy level of ligand matches better to the resonance level of Eu3+ than Tb3+ ion.