Synthesis, characterization, luminescence properties and antioxidant activity of Ln(III) complexes with a new aryl amide bridging ligand

► Ligand H2L and its eight complexes, [LnH2L(NO3)2·H2O]NO3 were synthesized and characterized. ► Under the excitation, luminescence emission properties for Sm, Tb, and Dy complexes are observed. ► The antioxidant activities of the ligand and its Ln(III) complexes were determined by DPPH method.