A structural and spectroscopic overview of molecular lanthanide complexes with fluorinated O-donor ligands

The lanthanide elements are prevalent in modern electronics, contrast agents, and phosphors. Precursors for luminescent materials frequently use fluorinated ligands to promote volatility for chemical vapor deposition methods. In molecular complexes, fluorination is also a commonly used technique to reduce energy loss during luminescence, and the oxophilicity of the lanthanide ions makes fluorinated alkoxides an attractive tool for the design of luminescent lanthanide complexes. Herein, the structural and photo-physical properties of lanthanide complexes ligated by fluorinated alkoxides have been reviewed. Selected examples of several categories are presented in detail, including carboxylates, chelating and non-chelating ligands, and systems with up to three metal centers. Potential areas for further investigation are highlighted. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.