Construction of a nanoscale Yb(III) Schiff base complex with NIR luminescence response to anions and nitro explosives

A nanoscale Yb(III) complex [Yb-6(L-1)(2)(L-2)(4)(OH)(4)(CF3SO3)(2)(DMF)(2)(EtOH)(4)]center dot 2(CF3SO3)center dot 2OH (1) with Schiff base ligand N,N-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)(binaphthyl)-1,4-diamine (H2L1) and salicylaldehyde ligand 3-methoxysalicylaldehyde (H2L2) was synthesized. Upon excitation of the ligand-centered absorption bands, 1 displays typical NIR luminescence of Yb(III). Interestingly, it shows lanthanide luminescence response to anions and nitro explosives, especially with high sensitivity to F- and PA. Meanwhile, the quenching effect of F- and PA to the lanthanide luminescence of 1 is not affected by the existence of other anions and explosives.

Automated summary

The nanoscale Yb(III) complex displays typical NIR luminescence upon excitation and shows a high sensitivity to F- and PA, with other anions and explosives having little impact on its lanthanide luminescence response.