Lanthanide complexes of new polyaminocarboxylate complexes with two chromophores derived from bispyrazolylpyridine and aceto or benzophenone: synthesis, characterization and photophysical properties

New ionophores derived from 2,6-bis(N-pyrazolyl)pyridine and aceto/benzophenone have been synthesized and fully characterized. The lanthanide complexes of these new ligands were studied from their UV–vis and fluorescence data. Eu3+ and Tb3+ complexes were easily formed and their photophysical properties measured. In all cases, lanthanide emission lifetimes were in the range of ms albeit quantum yields were relatively low. Possible flaws in the energy-transfer mechanisms are discussed.