Synthesis, characterization and emission properties of yttrium(III) and europium(III) complexes of a tripodal heptadentate Schiff-base ligand N[CH2CH2NCH(2-OH-3-MeC6H3)]3

The preparation and characterization of yttrium(III) and europium(III) complexes of tripodal heptadentate Schiff-base ligand N[CH2CH2NCH(2-OH-3-MeC6H3)]3 (H3L1) have been studied. These complexes were prepared by the reaction of tris(2-aminoethyl)amine with 3-methylsalicylaldehyde in presence of M(CF3SO3)3 (M = Y, Eu) in methanol. The molecular structures of [YL1] (1) and [EuL1] (2) were determined by X-ray crystallography. The crystal structure analysis revealed that the Schiff-base behaves as a tri-deprotonated heptadentate ligand encapsulating the metal ion within the N4O3 cavity. Under the excitation of UV light, the solid state of these complexes exhibited blue and red emission, respectively. The optical properties of 1 and 2 in solution and in the solid state were examined.