Synthesis and fluorescence properties of Tb(III) complex with a novel aromatic carboxylic acid (L) as well as spectroscopic studies on the interaction between Tb(III) complex and bovine serum albumin

► A novel aromatic polycarboxylic acid ligand was designed and synthesized. ► The fluorescence property of the Tb(III) ion could be sensitized efficiently by the ligand. ► The binding affinity between [TbL(H2O)4]Cl·H2O and bovine serum albumin (BSA) is high.