Synthesis, luminescent properties and theoretical study of novel ternary samarium(III) and dysprosium(III) complexes

Two novel ternary Sm(III) and Dy(III) complexes, Sm(PPP)3phen and Dy(PPP)3phen, were synthesized by the reaction of 1-phenyl-3-(p-phenylethynylphenyl)-1,3-propanedione (HPPP) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) with samarium chloride and dysprosium chloride respectively and characterized by IR spectra, chemical analysis, elemental analysis and thermodynamic analysis. At room temperature, under UV light excitation, the Sm(III) and Dy(III) complexes exhibit characteristic emission of the central ions. It is found that HPPP ligand has some effect on the luminescent property of the rare earth complexes, and the experimental results were explained by quantum chemistry calculations.