Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry of lanthanide(III) complexes with 2,6-diacetylpyridine bis-4-N-ethylthiosemicarbazone

The interactions between 2,6-diacetylpyridine bis-4-N-ethylthiosemicarbazone (1) and ten lanthanide triflates have been studied by means of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The aim of this work is to gain a better insight into the coordination trends of thiosemicarbazones towards lanthanides. Thiosemicarbazone ligand 1 forms with lanthanides stable complexes, which can be observed in the ESI spectra.

Graphical abstractThe lanthanide salts, trifluoromethanesulfonates(triflates) La(CF3SO3)3, and the ligand, 2,6-diacetylpyridine bis-4-N-ethylthiosemicarbazone 1, in acetonitrile were infused into the ESI source and positive mass spectra have been obtained.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Electrospray ionization mass spectra of solutions containing thiosemicarbazone, lanthanide triflate and acetonitrile. ► Thiosemicarbazone-lanthanide complexes detected and their structure analyzed. ► Ligand's affinity to fluoride anions confirmed. ► Thiosemicarbazone/lanthanide triflates complexation mainly through deprotonation of the ligand.