Preparation and photoluminescent properties of europium complexes with methoxy derivatives of 2′-hydroxy-2-phenylacetophenones

The complexes Eu(L1)3·2H2O (I) [where L1=2′-hydroxy-4′-methoxy-2-phenylacetophenone], Eu(L2)3·2H2O (II) [where L2=2′-hydroxy-4′-methoxy-2-(p-methoxyphenyl) acetophenone], Eu(L3)3·2H2O (III) [where L3=2′-hydroxy-4′, 6′-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone] and Eu(L4)3·2H2O (IV) [where L4=2′-hydroxy-4′, 6′-dimethoxy -2-(p-methoxyphenyl) acetophenone] were synthesized. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) results showed the presence of europium in all the complexes. These complexes were further characterized by infra-red spectroscopy, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy (scanning electron microscope) and elemental analysis. The synthesized complexes emit red luminescent with main peak at 612 nm on exposure to UV light at 354 nm. The complexes emitting bright red color might be applicable for optical devices and solid-state lamps for general illumination purposes.