Synthesis, structure and luminescence properties of a series of dinuclear LnIII complexes (Ln=Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er)

► The crystal structures of these complexes are determined by using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. ► Tb(III) and Dy(III) complexes display strong characteristic metal-centered fluorescence in solid state. ► The effective energy-transfer from ligand to the metals controls the overall efficiency of emission of Tb(III) or Dy(III).