Synthesis, photoluminescence and intramolecular energy transfer model of a dysprosium complex

► Quantum calculation provides theoretical method of ligand choice for rare earth. ► The complex Dy(L)3(TPPO)2 emitted white light. ► The CIE coordinates were calculated as x=0.33 and y=0.38. ► Energy transfer in Dy(L)3(TPPO)2 followed Dexter electron exchange theory.