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Structure and NMR and electronic spectra of europium(III)-crown ether complexes in solution

Journal Article · · J. Phys. Chem.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/j100272a017· OSTI ID:6036594

Complexes were formed in acetonitrile solution between trivalent europium and ytterbium and the crown ethers 15-crown-5, benzo-15-crown-5, and naphtho-15-crown-5. Contrary to previous reports, the authors find that these ligands produce crystal field splittings on the order of 100 cm/sup -1/ for several europium f in equilibrium f transitions and large shifts and broadening of the crown proton resonances in the NMR spectrum. The crystal field splitting patterns are consistent with a C/sub 5nu/ geometry for the complex, providing evidence for the symmetrical crown structure in solution for the first time. Europium fluorescence is quenched by benzo-15-crown-5, but bands are split and shifted without quenching in the 15-crown-5 complex. New, broad absorption bands are observed for Eu/sup 3 +/ and Yb/sup 3 +/ (but not Nd/sup 3 +/) and all three crowns which are assigned as ether oxygen to metal charge-transfer bands. Electrical conductance and spectral data show a concentration dependence which is interpreted as formation of strongly bound 1:1 lanthanide-crown complexes, with some ion pairing to the perchlorate anion. At higher crown concentrations the data suggest 2:1 crown-metal complexes without ion pairing. These studies demonstrate that the choice of anion and dryness of solvent are crucial to the formation of these solution complexes. 36 references, 8 figures, 1 table.

Research Organization:
Williams College, Williamstown, MA
OSTI ID:
6036594
Journal Information:
J. Phys. Chem.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Phys. Chem.; (United States) Vol. 89:26; ISSN JPCHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English