Synthesis, characterization and crystal structure of three new lanthanide (III) complexes with the [(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)methyl]bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (MeTPA) ligand; New precursors for lanthanide (III) oxide nano-particles

Several novel lanthanum (III) complexes of the [(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)methyl]bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (MeTPA) ligand with the formula [Ln(MeTPA)Cl3(MeOH)].MeOH (Ln: La (1), Nd (2) and Sm (3)) were successfully synthesized. The complexes were characterized by 1H NMR, mass spectrometry, TGA–DTA as well as elemental analysis. The molecular structures of the three complexes were determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The single-crystal X-ray data revealed that 1, 2 and 3 are isostructural. The prepared complexes have been used as new precursors for the preparation of the related nano-oxides. The crystallinity and morphology of the LnIII-oxide nano-particles were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Graphical abstractNew precursors for lanthanide (III) oxide nano-particles.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide