Assembly of near-infrared luminescent lanthanide host(host-guest) complexes with a metallacrown sandwich motif

Construction of a Near-IR-Luminescent Rectangular Yb(III) Complex from a Dodecadentate Schiff Base Ligand for the Excitation-Wavelength-Dependent Detection of Aloe Emodin (a Natural Medicinal Ingredient)

A near-IR-luminescent octanuclear Yb(III) complex 1 was constructed from a new dodecadentate Schiff base ligand, which is used in the rapid and reliable wavelength-dependent detection of aloe emodin (AE) with high sensitivity even in the presence of other interferences.

Identification of seven-coordinate LnIII ions in a LnIII[15-MCFe III N(shi)-5](OAc)2Cl species crystallized from methanol and pyridine

The title metallacrown (MC) complexes Ln^III[15-MC_Fe^IIIN(shi)-5](OAc)₂CI(C₅H₅N)₆ (Ln1), where OAc^- is acetate, shi^3- is salicylhydroximate, and Ln = Gd and Dy, were synthesized via a self-assembly reaction in methanol and pyridine. Single crystals were grown using slow evaporation and characterized using X-ray diffraction. Seven-coordinate capped octahedron geometries were observed for the lanthanide ion in both complexes, which is uncommon for trivalent lanthanide species. The 15-MC-5 is a ruffled metallacrown archetype similar to previously reported mixed-valent manganese metallacrowns.

Near-Infrared Lanthanide-Based Emission from Fused Bis[Ln(III)/Zn(II) 14-metallacrown-5] Coordination Compounds

A set of (Ln[14-MC_{Zn(II)N(quinHA)}-5])₂Ln₂Zn₂(quinHA)₂(ph)₂(Hph)₄(OH)₈(H₂O)₄ metallacrowns (Ln-1, Ln = Tb, Gd, or Yb; H₂quinHA = quinaldic hydroxamic acid, H₂ph = phthalic acid) have been synthesized via solution-state self-assembly. The metallacrowns possess an uncommon topology within the metallacrown family where two rarely seen 14-metallacrown-5 moieties are fused by a Yb₂Zn₂(quinHA)₂ bridge. Moreover, Yb-1 analyzed in the solid state exhibits a characteristic near-infrared luminescence signal arising from Yb^{3+ 2}F_5/2→²F_7/2 transition despite the proximity of high energy O-H oscillators.

Tuning the photophysical properties of lanthanide(iii)/zinc(ii) ‘encapsulated sandwich’ metallacrowns emitting in the near-infrared range

A family of Zn₁₆Ln(HA)₁₆ metallacrowns (MCs; Ln = Yb^III, Er^III, and Nd^III; HA = picoline- (picHA²⁻), pyrazine- (pyzHA²⁻), and quinaldine- (quinHA²⁻) hydroximates) with an ‘encapsulated sandwich’ structure possesses outstanding luminescence properties in the near-infrared (NIR) and suitability for cell imaging. Here, to decipher which parameters affect their functional and photophysical properties and how the nature of the hydroximate ligands can allow their fine tuning, we have completed this Zn₁₆Ln(HA)₁₆ family by synthesizing MCs with two new ligands, naphthyridine- (napHA²⁻) and quinoxaline- (quinoHA²⁻) hydroximates. Zn₁₆Ln(napHA)₁₆ and Zn₁₆Ln(quinoHA)₁₆ exhibit absorption bands extended into the visible range and efficiently sensitize the NIR emissions of Yb^III, Er^III, and Nd^III upon excitation up to 630 nm. The energies of the lowest singlet (S₁), triplet (T₁) and intra-ligand charge transfer (ILCT) states have been determined. Ln^III-centered total (Q^L_Ln) and intrinsic (Q^Ln_Ln) quantum yields, sensitization efficiencies (η_sens), observed (τ_obs) and radiative (τ_rad) luminescence lifetimes have been recorded and analyzed in the solid state and in CH₃OH and CD₃OD solutions for all Zn₁₆Ln(HA)₁₆. We found that, within the Zn₁₆Ln(HA)₁₆ family, τ_rad values are not constant for a particular Ln^III. The close in energy positions of T₁ and ILCT states in Zn₁₆Ln(picHA)₁₆ and Zn₁₆Ln(quinHA)₁₆ are preferred for the sensitization of Ln^III NIR emission and η_sens values reach 100% for Nd^III. Finally, the highest values of Q^L_Ln are observed for Zn₁₆Ln(quinHA)₁₆ in the solid state or in CD₃OD solutions. With these data at hand, we are now capable of creating MCs with desired properties suitable for NIR optical imaging.

We have created a family of ‘encapsulated sandwich’ Zn₁₆Ln(HA)₁₆ metallacrowns and by detailed quantitative analysis demonstrated how the nature of the hydroximate ligand impacts photophysical properties of these complexes.

Pentagram-type Ln15 (Ln = Dy, Tb, Eu, Sm, Ho) clusters with different anion templates: magnetic and luminescence properties

Five pentagram-type Ln15 clusters with different anion templates were obtained. The pentagonal skeleton is composed of five cubane-like [Ln4(μ3-OH)4] building units. The magnetic properties and the luminescence behavior were investigated.

Highly symmetric Ln(iii) boron-containing macrocycles as bright fluorophores for living cell imaging

Boron-assisted highly symmetric rigid Ln macrocycles were designed and synthesized, showing high brightness and promising potential applications in bioimaging.

Hexanuclear Co4 Dy2 , Zn4 Dy2 , and Co4 Y2 Complexes with Defect Tetracubane Cores: Syntheses, Structures, and Magnetic Properties

A hexanuclear heterometallic cluster of composition [Dy₂ Co₄ (L)₄ (NO₃ )₂ (OH)₄ (C₂ H₅ OH)₂ ] ⋅ 2 C₂ H₅ OH (1) was synthesized by employing a Schiff base 2-(((2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl) imino)methyl)-4-methoxyphenol (H₂ L) as ligand and utilizing Dy(NO₃ )₃  ⋅ 6H₂ O and Co(NO₃ )₂  ⋅ 6H₂ O as metal ion sources. X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis indicated that complex 1 contains a defect tetracubane core and possesses central symmetric structure, with two Dy^III ions being in the central body position of the molecule and four Co^II ions being arranged at the outer sites. Magnetic studies reveal that complex 1 behaves as single-molecule magnet (SMM) with energy barrier of 27.50 K. To investigate the individual contribution of Dy^III and Co^II ions to the SMM behavior, another two complexes of formulae [Dy₂ Zn₄ (L)₄ (NO₃ )₂ (OH)₄ ] ⋅ 4CH₃ OH (2) and [Y₂ Co₄ (L)₄ (NO₃ )₂ (OH)₄ (C₂ H₅ OH)₂ ] ⋅ 2 C₂ H₅ OH (3) were prepared. Complexes 1 and 3 are isomorphous. The coordination geometries of Dy^III ions in 1 and 2 are different. The Dy^III ions are eight-coordinated in 2 and nine-coordinated in 1. Complex 2 exhibits SMM behavior with energy barrier of 69.67 K, but complex 3 does not display SMM property. These results reveal that the SMM behaviors of 1 and 2 are mainly originated from Dy^III ions. It might be the higher symmetry of Dy^III ions in 2 that results in the higher energy barrier.

Multifunctional properties of {CuLn} systems involving nitrogen-rich nitronyl nitroxide: single-molecule magnet behavior, luminescence, magnetocaloric effects and heat capacity

A series of nitrogen-rich nitronyl nitroxide radical PPNIT (1)-based (PPNIT = 2-(1-(pyrazin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole)-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-imidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide) 3d-4f ring-shaped tetranuclear clusters [Ln2Cu2(hfac)10(PPNIT)2(H2O)2]·CHCl3 (LnIII = Gd 2, Tb 3, Dy 4; hfac = hexafiuoroacetylacetonate) with multifunctional properties were isolated. The magnetic behavior, luminescence and heat capacity of the 3d-4f complexes were investigated, displaying interesting multiple properties of the molecular materials. The Gd derivative shows a magnetocaloric effect with the maximum entropy change (-ΔSm) of 15.3 J kg-1 K-1 at 2 K for ΔH = 70 kOe. The Tb cluster exhibits spin glass behavior and the characteristic fluorescence emission of the TbIII ion, while the Dy cluster exhibits SMM behaviour, and the heat capacity has been investigated. Notably, in nitronyl nitroxide radical-metal systems, the investigation of diverse properties is still scarce so far. This work can pave the way towards the synthesis of multifunctional materials that combine SMM behavior, and optical or/and thermodynamic properties.

Magnetic properties of two GdIIIFeIII4 metallacrowns and strategies for optimizing the magnetocaloric effect of this topology

Two Gd³⁺ [12-MC_Fe^III_(N)shi-4] metallacrowns are analyzed for magnetic properties, and calculations concerning the magnetic exchange parameters of this topology are considered.

One Nanoscale Zn(II)-Nd(III) Complex With Schiff Base Ligand: NIR Luminescent Sensing of Anions and Nitro Explosives

One Zn-Nd complex [Zn₂Nd₄L₂(OAc)₁₀(OH)₂(CH₃OH)₂] (1) was synthesized from Schiff base ligand bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)ethylene-1,2-phenylenediamine (H₂L). 1 shows nanoscale rectangular structure with sizes of about 0.8 × 1.1 × 2.8 nm. 1 exhibits typical near-infrared luminescence of Nd(III) under the excitation of UV-visible light. Further study shows that the complex displays luminescent response behavior to anions and nitro explosives, especially with high sensitivity to H₂ PO 2 - and 2,4,6-trinitrophenol.

Construction of a High-Nuclearity Elliptical Yb(III) Nanoring: NIR Luminescent Response to Metal Ions and Nitro Explosives

One 14-metal Yb(III) nanoring [Yb₁₄(HL)₂L₂₀(DMF)₈(H₂O)₈] (1) with a size of about 1.1 × 2.5 × 2.7 nm was synthesized from a tridentate ligand. Under the excitation of ligand absorption bands, 1 exhibits the NIR luminescence of Yb(III) and displays high luminescence sensitivity and selectivity to Co(II), Cu(II), and 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (PA) at the parts per million level. The K_SV values of 1 to Co(II), Cu(II), and PA are 6.0 × 10⁴ M^-1, 3.8 × 10⁴ M^-1, and 6.9 × 10⁴ M^-1, respectively. 1 exhibits high luminescent sensitivity to PA even in the presence of other explosives.

Crystal structures of three anionic lanthanide-aluminium [3.3.1] metallacryptate complexes

The three isomorphous [3.3.1] metallacryptate complexes bis-(pyridinium) di-aqua-dipyridine-hexa-kis-[μ3-salicyl-hydroximato(3-)]bis-[μ2-salicyl-hydroxim-ato(1-)]hexa-aluminiumgadolinium-pyridine-water (1/7.396/1), (C5H6N)2[GdAl6(C7H6NO3)2(C7H4NO3)7(C5H5N)1.855(H2O)2]·7.396C5H5N·H2O or [Hpy]2[GdAl6(H2shi)2(shi)7(py)1.855(H2O)2]·7.396py·H2O, 1, bis-(pyridinium) di-aqua-dipyridine-hexa-kis-[μ3-salicyl-hydroximato(3-)]bis-[μ2-salicyl-hydroxim-ato(1-)]hexa-aluminiumdysprosium-pyridine-water (1/7.429/1), (C5H6N)2[DyAl6(C7H6NO3)2(C7H4NO3)7(C5H5N)1.855(H2O)2]·7.429C5H5N·H2O or [Hpy]2[DyAl6(H2shi)2(shi)7(py)1.891(H2O)2]·7.429py·H2O, 2, and bis-(pyrid-in-ium) di-aqua-dipyridine-hexa-kis-[μ3-salicyl-hydroximato(3-)]bis-[μ2-salicyl-hydrox-imato(1-)]hexa-aluminiumytterbium-pyridine-water (1/7.386/1), (C5H6N)2[YbAl6(C7H6NO3)2(C7H4NO3)7(C5H5N)1.855(H2O)2]·7.429C5H5N·H2O or [Hpy]2[YbAl6(H2shi)2(shi)7(py)1.818(H2O)2]·7.386py·H2O, 3, where Hpy+ is pyridinium, shi3- is salicyl-hydroximate, and py is pyridine, consist of an aluminium-based metallacryptand that captures an Ln III ion in the central cavity. The metallacryptand portions are comprised of an Al-N-O repeat unit; thus, they can be considered three-dimensional metallacrowns. The encapsulated Ln III ions are nine-coordinate with a spherical capped-square-anti-prism geometry, while the six AlIII ions are all octa-hedral. Four of the AlIII ions are chiral centers with 2 Δ and 2 Λ stereoconfigurations. The remaining two AlIII ions have trans chelate rings from two different shi3- ligands. For 1-3, a section of the main mol-ecule is disordered induced by the presence or absence of a pyridine ligand coordinated to one of the AlIII ions. In the absence of the pyridine moiety, an H2shi- ligand moves into the space otherwise occupied by the pyridine and the phenol oxygen atom coordinates to the AlIII ion. The movement of the H2shi- ligand induces movement for the Ln III ion, for another AlIII ion that also binds the same H2shi- ligand, and for one of the shi3- ligands coordinated to the latter AlIII ion. For 1-3 the occupancy ratio of the metallacryptand portions refined to 0.8550 (13):0.1450 (13), to 0.8909 (13):0.1091 (13), and to 0.8181 (14):0.1819 (14), respectively.

Construction of Chiral "Triple-Decker" Nd(III) Nanocluster with High NIR Luminescence Sensitivity toward Co(II)

One Nd(III) complex [Nd₃L₃(OAc)₃] (1) was synthesized from a conjugate Schiff base ligand H₂L. It shows a chiral "triple-decker" structure (1.1 × 1.2 × 1.8 nm) with Nd(III) ions sandwiched between the Schiff base ligands. 1 exhibits NIR Nd(III) luminescence, and the LMET efficiency is calculated to be 13.8%. It displays high luminescence sensitivity and selectivity to Co(II). The K_SV value and LOD of 1 to Co(II) are 9.96 × 10⁴ M^-1 and 0.97 μM, respectively.

Clam-like Cyclotricatechylene-based Capsules: Identifying the Roles of Protonation State and Guests as well as the Drivers for Stability and (Anti-)Cooperativity

Cyclotricatechylene (ctcH₆ ) is a bowl-shaped macrocyclic compound that can be used as a building block for self-assembled capsules. ctcH₆ and its derivatives in various protonation states - here collectively labeled as CTC - form dimers that resemble the shape of a clam. These clam-shaped entities have been studied experimentally by Abrahams, Robson, and co-workers [B. F. Abrahams, N. J. FitzGerald, T. A. Hudson, R. Robson and T. Waters, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2009, 48, 3129-3132] where the capsules acted as an excellent host for large alkali-metal cations. In this study, we present a detailed analysis based on accurate dispersion-corrected Density Functional Theory approaches that reveals the factors that stabilise such CTC-based capsules at different protonation states and their interaction with various encapsulated guests. Our results show that the capsules' overall stability results as an interplay of hydrogen bonding, London dispersion, and electrostatic effects. The most stable capsules with group-1 and group-2 cations as guests contain only six phenolic hydrogens, as opposed to the maximum possible number of twelve. Inclusion of larger alkali-metal cations is favoured due to larger London-dispersion contributions. Cations are favoured as guests over isoelectronic neutral species, as the resulting host-guest complexes experience additional stability due to cooperative effects. In fact, using the latter to drive the formation of specific capsules could be used in future strategies aimed at synthesising similar aggregates; our results provide an insightful understanding and useful guidance for such future endeavours.

A 42-metal Yb(iii) nanowheel with NIR luminescent response to anions

One Yb42 nanowheel [Yb42L14(OH)28(OAc)84] was constructed using a tridentate vanillin ligand. The external diameter of the wheel-like structure is about 3.6 nm, which allows direct visualization by TEM. It shows interesting NIR lanthanide luminescence sensing towards anions, especially to fluoride at the ppm level.

Peculiarities of crystal structures and photophysical properties of GaIII/LnIII metallacrowns with a non-planar [12-MC-4] core

The direct synthetic approach can be used to create a series of visible and near-infrared emitting Ga^III/Ln^III metallacrowns with a non-planar [12-MC-4] core.

Construction of a 1-D Sm(iii) coordination polymer with a long-chain Schiff base ligand: dual-emissive response to metal ions

A 1-D coordination polymer [Sm(HL)₂(NO₃)]_n was constructed using a new flexible Schiff base ligand that has a long-chain (CH₂)₁₀ backbone, and it shows dual-emissive response to metal ions, especially to Co²⁺ at the ppm level.

Three new heterometallic ZnII–LnIII complexes with a windmill-like framework and field-induced SMM behavior

We have prepared three 3d–4f heterometallic complexes by the reaction of o-vanillin oxime (H₂L) with Zn(NO₃)₂·6H₂O and Ln(NO₃)₃·6H₂O salts in the presence of triethylamine.

Conformational rearrangements of G-quadruplex topology promoted by Cu(II) 12-MCCu(II)PyrAcHA-4 metallacrown

Cu(II) 12-MC_{Cu(II)PyrAcHA}-4 metallacrown was studied by several spectroscopic techniques as an interacting ligand with G-quadruplex DNA structures. Investigations were performed on oligonucleotides bearing human telomeric and protooncogenic c-myc sequences in buffered solution mimicking ionic conditions in cellular environment. The planar square-based Cu(II) 12-MC-4 metallacrown interacts with GQ via an end-stacking mode with 1:1 stoichiometry. Circular dichroism (CD) titration revealed capability of this metallacrown to induce transformation of the GQ hybrid topology into the parallel form. Thermal melting experiment indicated higher thermal stability of both antiparallel (ΔT_m = +15 °C) and parallel (ΔT_m = ≥27 °C) G-quadruplexes in the presence of Cu (II) 12-MC-4. Indirect GQ FID assay let to determine high binding affinity of the Cu(II) 12-MC-4 to antiparallel 22Htel/Na⁺ GQ (K_MC = 3.9 (±0.4) x 10⁶ M^-1). Comparing with lower binding constants previously reported for Ln (III) 15-MC-5 and Sm (III) 12-MC-4, one can conclude that the square planar geometry and the positive charge of metallacrown play an important role in MC/GQ interactions.

Series of Highly Luminescent Macrocyclic Sm(III) Complexes: Functional Group Modifications Together with Luminescence Performances in Solid-State, Solution, and Doped Poly(methylmethacrylate) Film

Here, we report our trials to regulate the luminescence performance of the macrocyclic samarium(III) complex and prepare four excellent luminescent Sm(III) complex-doped poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) composites. Four 23-membered [1 + 1] Schiff-base macrocyclic mononuclear Sm(III) complexes, Sm-2 _a -Sm-2 _d , originating from dialdehydes with different pendant arms and 1,2-bis(2-aminoethoxy)ethane, have been constructed by the template method. Crystal structures reveal that every Sm(III) ion with the coordination geometry of a distorted bicapped square antiprism is capsulated by the macrocyclic cavity environment forming the "lasso-type" protection. Relative photophysical properties of macrocyclic Sm(III) complexes are carefully investigated in solid-state, methanol solution, and doped PMMA film, and all these show characteristic emissions of the Sm(III) ion associated with satisfactory lifetimes and quantum yields in all media, which could be comparable to reported outstanding examples. Especially, the luminescence performance for this type of Sm(III) complex could be regulated in the solid state by the use of different functional groups in the pendant arm while it is not achieved in solution and the doped PMMA composite. High emitting and air-stable plastic materials could be obtained when these Sm(III) complexes are doped in PMMA with 0.1 wt % mixing ratio, and the corresponding maximum lifetime and quantum yield are 61.2 μs and 0.63% in the case of complex Sm-2 _a , respectively. We believe that these highly luminescent "lasso-type" Sm(III) complexes and doped PMMA composites are valuable references in the design of luminescent lanthanide(III) hybrid materials.

Derivation of Lanthanide Series Crystal Field Parameters From First Principles

Two series of lanthanide complexes have been chosen to analyze trends in the magnetic properties and crystal field parameters (CFPs) along the two series: The highly symmetric LnZn₁₆ (picHA)₁₆ series (Ln=Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb; picHA=picolinohydroxamic acid) and the [Ln(dpa)₃ ](C₃ H₅ N₂ )₃ ⋅3H₂ O series (Ln=Ce-Yb; dpa=2,6-dipicolinic acid) with approximate three-fold symmetry. The first series presents a compressed coordination sphere of eight oxygen atoms whereas in the second series, the coordination sphere consists of an elongated coordination sphere formed of six oxygen atoms. The CFPs have been deduced from ab initio calculations using two methods: The AILFT (ab initio ligand field theory) method, in which the parameters are determined at the orbital level, and the ITO (irreducible tensor operator) decomposition, in which the problems are treated at the many-electron level. It has been found that the CFPs are transferable from one derivative to another, within a given series, as a first approximation. The sign of the second-order parameter B 0 2 differs in the two series, reflecting the different environments. It has been found that the use of the strength parameter S allows for an easy comparison between complexes. Furthermore, in both series, the parameters have been found to decrease in magnitude along the series, and this decrease is attributed to covalent effects.

Anion Dependent Self-Assembly of Polynuclear Cd-Ln Schiff Base Nanoclusters: NIR Luminescent Sensing of Nitro Explosives

Two types of polynuclear Cd-Ln complexes [CdLnL(NO₃)Cl₂(DMF)₂] [Ln = La (1) and Nd (2)] and [Ln₂CdL₂(NO₃)₂(DMF)₂](OH)₂ [Ln = La (3) and Nd (4)] were constructed using a new Schiff base ligand which has a long backbone with two phenyl groups. The Schiff base ligands show a "twist" configuration in 1-4. The crystal structures show that the molecular dimensions of 3 and 4 are about 6 × 10 × 15 Å. The Cd-Nd complexes 2 and 4 exhibit the typical NIR luminescence of Nd³⁺. Interestingly, 4 shows the luminescent sensing of nitro explosives and exhibits a high sensitivity to 2-nitrophenol at the ppm level.

NIR luminescence for the detection of metal ions and nitro explosives based on a grape-like nine-nuclear Nd(iii) nanocluster

A Nd(iii) nanocluster with long Schiff base ligand shows interesting NIR luminescent sensing of both metal cations and nitro explosives, and exhibits high sensitivity to Cd²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺, Co²⁺ ions and explosive HMX at the ppm level.

Large Ln42 coordination nanorings: NIR luminescence sensing of metal ions and nitro explosives

Two 42-metal lanthanide nanorings [Ln₄₂L₁₄(OH)₂₈(OAc)₈₄] (Ln = Nd (1), La (2)) were constructed, and the Nd₄₂ cluster exhibits NIR luminescent sensing of metal cations and nitro explosives.

Construction of a crystalline 14-metal Zn–Nd rectangular nanocluster with a dual-emissive response towards metal ions

A crystalline 14-metal Zn–Nd cluster [Zn₆Nd₈L₂(OAc)₂₀(O)₂(NO₃)₄(OC₂H₅)₄] (1) was constructed using a flexible Schiff base ligand with long-chain (CH₂)₂O(CH₂)₂O(CH₂)₂ backbone. 1 exhibits a nanoscale rectangular structure (10 × 14 × 18 Å). Besides the visible ligand-centered emission, 1 displays typical NIR luminescence of Nd³⁺. Interestingly, 1 shows both a ligand-centered and lanthanide fluorescence response towards metal ions, especially to K⁺ and Co²⁺ at the ppm level.

A crystalline 14-metal Zn–Nd nanocluster was constructed, and it shows ligand-centered and lanthanide fluorescence response towards metal ions.

A new family of {Co4Ln8} metallacrowns with a butterfly-shaped structure

A series of cobalt–lanthanide metallacrowns (MCs) {CoIII4Ln₈} (Ln = Dy³⁺1, Ho³⁺2 and Tm³⁺3) based on pyrazinehydroxamic acid (H₂pyzha) and pyrazinic acid (Hpyzic) ligands have been synthesized.

Complex formation of copper(ii), nickel(ii) and zinc(ii) with ethylophosphonoacetohydroxamic acid: solution speciation, synthesis and structural characterization

We present herein the thermodynamic and X-ray characterisation of a novel ethyl phosphonohydroxamic acid-based Cu(ii) metallacrown, predominating in solution in a broad pH range.

Single molecule magnet behaviors of Zn4Ln2 (Ln = DyIII, TbIII) complexes with multidentate organic ligands formed by absorption of CO2 in air through in situ reactions

Two novel Zn–Ln (Ln = Dy (1), Tb (2)) complexes showing single molecule magnet behaviors have been reported.

Transformative 3d-4f coordination cluster carriers

The aim of this perspective is to summarise the use of the reported 3d-4f Coordination Clusters (CCs) in catalytic reactions and to demonstrate the potential of this emerging field. The pioneering work of Shibasaki, Matsunaga and others, demonstrated the use of 3d-4f in situ systems to catalyse asymmetric organic transformations. Our recent studies show that well characterised 3d-4f CCs catalyse numerous organic transformations and useful mechanistic aspects of their catalysis can be obtained. Furthermore, we have shown that by manipulation of the metal ion coordination environment; the nature of the 3d and lanthanide ions and the organic periphery of the ligand can all improve the efficacy of a 3d-4f CC catalyst. All in situ formed and well characterized 3d-4f CCs involved in catalysis are discussed.

Luminescent Polynuclear Zn- and Cd-Ln Square-Like Nanoclusters With a Flexible Long-Chain Schiff Base Ligand

Two series of Zn-Ln and Cd-Ln nanoclusters [Ln₄Zn₈L₂(OAc)₂₀(OH)₄] [Ln = Nd (1), Yb (2), and Sm (3)] and [Ln₂Cd₂L₂(OAc)₂(OH)₂(OCH₃)₂] [Ln = Nd (4), Yb (5), and Sm (6)] were prepared using a long-chain Schiff base ligand with a flexible (CH₂)₂O(CH₂)₂O(CH₂)₂ chain. All these clusters show square-like structures. The Schiff base ligands show “linear” configurations in the structures of 1-6, and the metric dimensions of Zn-Ln and Cd-Ln clusters measure ~8 × 14 × 21 and 8 × 12 × 12 Å, respectively. The study of luminescence properties shows that the Zn/L and Cd/L chromophores can effectively transfer energy to the lanthanide ions, and 1-6 show visible and NIR emissions.