Chapter 11 - Coordination compounds of lanthanides

Abstract

With their valence f-orbitals shielded from interactions by the 5s25p6 electronic subshell, trivalent lanthanide ions feature peculiar photophysical properties that are used in many applications, ranging from lasers to bioimaging. Before discussing these properties, the chapter begins with a short overview on lanthanide (Ln) coordination chemistry. It then describes the electronic structures of LnIII ions and associated types of optical transitions. Special attention is given to the sensitization of LnIII luminescence; energy transfer processes are discussed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Tips for the design of highly luminescent lanthanide-containing coordination compounds are then given and the chapter ends by the description of a few typical examples.