Three terbium(III) complexes were synthesized by the Lewis acid/base reaction between terbium(III) nitrate and the appropriate ligand in alcoholic solvents to yield: Tb(phen)2(NO3)3 (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), Tb(bpy)2(NO3)3 (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine), and [Tb(pdym)3](NO3)3 (pydm = 2,6-dimethylpyridine). The complexes were purified by bulk recrystallization and their identities were confirmed by FT-IR and NMR spectroscopies, elemental analysis, and an X-ray diffraction structure. The complexes react reversibly with hydrochloric acid, yielding products with remarkably different photophysical and chemical properties, including enhanced solubility in water. The compounds strongly absorb in the ultraviolet and—in accord with the antenna effect—emit an intense yellow-green in anhydrous conditions. The addition of water or strong acids quench this emission. This quenching is reversed by simple drying. The equilibrium of the protonation reactions suggests complex ion formation.

Protonation reactions of terbium(III) complexes with potential application as chemical sensors

ACS Spring 2022

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