Lanthanide metal complexes are useful in biomedical imaging and sensor development due to their unique photophysical properties.  Europium(III) complexes, for example, are known for their luminescent properties and for their ability to act as sensors of a wide range of biomolecules. It has been shown that certain biological anions bind to lanthanide metal complexes, increasing their luminescent intensities.  Using a macrocyclic tetraiminodiphenolate (TIDP) europium complex, a series of anion binding studies were performed. The binding of the metal complex by certain anions can reduce the solvent quenching effect and allow for quantification of the anion present.  It was found that the TIDP europium complex selectively binds the oxalate anion relative to the other anions studied, which included phosphate, iodide, chloride, fluoride, and acetate.  The complex's selectivity for oxalate has both biological and forensic significance.

Luminescent europium(III) complexes for anion sensing

245th National Meeting (2013)

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