Enhanced Tb(III) luminescence by d10 transition metal coordination

•Three new TbIII containing complexes were step-by-step prepared and structurally characterized.•The two separated pockets of the ligand bind d10 metal and TbIII ion selectively.•The introduction of d10 metal enhanced the absorption intensity.

Three new TbIII containing complexes of a novel heptadentate amide open crown ether ligand [Tb4L2(NO3)10(CH3COO)2] (TbL), [ZnTbL(NO3)5]2·3CH3CN·CH3COOCH2CH3·H2O (TbZnL) and [CdTbL(NO3)5]·4CH3CN (TbCdL), L = 2,2′-((4-((bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)methyl)-1,2-phenylene)bis(oxy))bis(N,N-diisopropylacetamide), were step-by-step prepared and structurally characterized. Photophysical properties of the three emitting TbIII complexes have been investigated in detail. A large increase of the quantum yield and lifetime was observed for TbZnL compared with TbL, whereas a moderate increase of the quantum yield and lifetime was observed for TbCdL.

Graphical abstractWe present herein three new TbIII containing complexes of a novel heptadentate chromophoric ligand. Crystal analysis revealed that the two separated pockets possessing differential occupancy of the ligand bind d10 metal and TbIII ion selectively. Photophysical properties of the three new TbIII containing complexes indicate that the introduction of d10 metal allows shifting the excitation wavelength toward lower energy and enhancing the absorption intensity.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide