Trivalent lanthanide metals possess unique photoluminescent properties that arise from 4f parity forbidden electronic transitions resulting in weak but sharp emissions. To enhance luminescence, ligands are used in a process called ‘sensitization’. However, the synthesis of lanthanide(III)-ligand complexes can be time consuming. To reduce the synthetic timeframe, we employ the use of microwave technique. Microwave-assisted syntheses act on two principles, ionic conduction and dipole polarization, which decrease time and increase yield through increased kinetic interactions. Outlined herein is our investigation of the use of microwave technique to optimize the synthesis of Ln(TPPO)2(TTA)3 (where Ln = La, Eu, Tb, Tm, Dy, and Pr; TPPO = triphenylphosphineoxide; TTA = thenoyltrifluoroacetonate). We chose TTA and TPPO, two commonly used ligands for lanthanide(III) ion sensitization, to gauge the applicability of our new synthetic route. We also report the crystal structures of four new Ln(TPPO)2(TTA)3 ( where Ln = La, Dy, Tm, and Pr) complexes. Additionally, we compared our spectroscopic results with literature values.

Optimizing the synthesis of luminescent lanthanide(III) complexes through microwave technique

251st National Meeting (2016)

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