Synthesis, characterization, and luminescence properties of a new series of Eu³⁺-containing macrocycles

The synthesis and structural characterization of a series of neutral Eu³⁺-containing macrocyclic complexes, Eu(4)-Eu(7), are reported. The synthetic pathway herein allows for the size and functionality of the macrocycle to be tailored in one step from a common precursor (N,N″-bis(p-isothiocyanatobenzylcarbamoylmethyl)diethylenetriamine-N, N′,N″-triacetic acid, (3) in high yield. The macrocyclic ligands 4-7 have within their structure a bis-amide derivative of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) functioning as the europium chelate that is bridged through thiourea groups by either a butyl (4), hexyl (5), octyl (6), or m-benzyl (7) linker. The two thiourea groups were designed into the host macrocycle to serve as hydrogen-bond donors to potential guest molecules that may alter the luminescence properties of the parent macrocycle. Characterization of the luminescence of Eu(4)-Eu(7) reveals an antenna effect from the ligand, and the luminescence lifetime data reveals the presence of one coordinated water molecule in aqueous solution.