Abstract
A series of lanthanide complexes with the general formulae [Ln(dmpc)(NO3)2(H2O)2]NO3 (Ln=Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, and Er) and [La(dmpc)(NO3)2(H2O)2]NO3 were prepared by direct reaction between hydrated lanthanide(III) nitrate and dimethylpyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate (dmpc) in a 1:1 M ratio in ethylacetate–chloroform mixture. The luminescence properties of the dmpc and its Ln(III) complexes were investigated in solid state and in methanol, DMF and DMSO solutions. The Tb–dmpc, Eu–dmpc, Sm–dmpc and Dy–dmpc complexes exhibit characteristic luminescence of Tb(III), Eu(III), Sm(III) and Dy(III) ions indicating energy transfer from the dmpc to the Ln(III) ions. Scavenging activities of the dmpc and its Ln(III) complexes on DPPH• free radical were investigated in DMSO solution at a different concentrations ranges.
•Nine new lanthanide complexes with dmpc ligand are prepared and characterized.•Ln–dmpc {Ln=Eu, Tb, Sm, Dy} complexes exhibit characteristic emissions of Ln ions.•The solvent effect on the luminescence intensity is investigated.•The antioxidant activity of the dmpc is enhanced upon complexation with lanthanide.