Novel europium and gadolinium complexes with methaneseleninate as ligand: Synthesis, characterization and spectroscopic study

The methaneseleninate and 1,10-phenanthroline were used as ligands in the synthesis of new lanthanide complexes. The photostability, emission quantum yield (q) and quantum efficiency (η) of the 5D0 emitting level of the Eu3+ ion were determined. An energy level diagram was used to establish the most relevant channels involved in the ligand-to-metal intramolecular energy transfer process. The nephelauxetic effect was investigated to assess the covalency of the ligand–metal chemical bond. The values of the experimental 4f–4f intensity parameters, suggest that this ion is in a chemical environment less polarisable than in the case of complexes with β-diketonates as ligands.

Graphical abstractThe methaneseleninate was used as ligand in the synthesis of the new Eu3+ and Gd3+ complexes. The photostability study and emission quantum yield (q) were determined. The nephelauxetic effect was investigated and an energy diagram was used to establish the most important channels involved in the intramolecular energy transfer process.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide