Synthesis, fluorescence properties of Tb(III) complexes with novel mono-substituted β-diketone ligands

Two novel pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid derivatives of mono-β-diketone named methyl 6-biphenylacetyl-2-pyridinecarboxylate (MBP) and 6-biphenylacetyl-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid (BAA) and their corresponding binary complexes Tb(MBP)3.6H2O and Tb(BAA)3·6H2O were synthesized. The ligands were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR and 1H-NMR, and the complexes were characterized with elemental analysis, FT-IR, 1H-NMR and thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis(TG-DTA). The investigation of fluorescence properties of the complexes Tb(MBP)3·6H2O and Tb(BAA)3·6H2O showed that the introduction of the biphenyl enlarged the π-conjugated system of the ligands and enhanced the luminescent intensity of the complexes. The Tb(III) ion could be sensitized more efficiently by the ligands, in particular, the fluorescence intensity of the complex Tb(BAA)3·6H2O was about 20% higher than that of Tb(MBP)3·6H2O and 30% higher than that of Tb(III) complexes with bis-β-diketone-type ligands that we have previously reported.