Synthesis, characterization and fluorescence studies of a novel europium complex based sensor

A novel europium(III) complex was synthesized using TTA (α-thenoyltrifluoroacetone) as the first ligand and H2bpdc (2,2′-bipyridine-3,3′-dicarboxylate) as the second ligand. Elemental analysis, thermal analysis, IR and UV–vis spectrum and fluorescence spectrum of the europium(III) complex were carried out. A characteristic Eu3+ fluorescence emission was observed in ethanol–water (1:1) solution, indicating that the complex is stable in solution and the emission of Eu(III) ions was not influenced by the water molecules. The fluorescence emission of the complex was quenched completely by the Co2+ and Fe3+ ions, but the quenched emission was recovered in the presence of glycine. Moreover, the Eu3+ emission was very sensitive to pH, so the complex can be used as pH-dependent fluorescence probe or chemosensors.