Structure and NIR luminescence of lanthanide(III) complexes with an organic tridentate ligand

Some lanthanide (Ln) complexes (Ln = Er, Nd, Yb) with an organic ligand, 6-diphenylamine carbonyl 2-pyridine carboxylic acid (HDPAP), have been synthesized. The crystal structure and near infrared luminescence of these complexes (Er-DPAP, Nd-DPAP and Yb-DPAP) have been investigated. The results showed that the lanthanide complexes have electroneutral structures and the near infrared (NIR) emission exhibits characteristic narrow emission of the lanthanide ions. The energy transfer mechanisms in the lanthanide complexes were discussed.