Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026

Preparation, Purification, and Characterization of Lanthanide Complexes for Use as Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: July 21, 2011
Homo dinuclear lanthanide(III) complexes of a mesogenic Schiff-base,
Pawan Raj Shakya1, Angad Kumar Singh, T R Rao
1Department of Chemistry, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
Abstract:
A mesogenic Schiff-base, N,N'-di-(4-decyloxysalicylidene)-1',6'-diaminohexane, H2ddsdh (abbreviated as H2L2) that exhibits smectic-B (SmB) mesophase, was synthesized and its structure studied by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, NMR & IR spectral techniques. The Schiff-base, H2L2, upon condensation with hydrated lanthanide(III) nitrates, yields LnIII complexes of the general composition [Ln2(L2H2)3(NO3)4](NO3)2, where Ln=La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy and Ho. IR and NMR spectral data imply a bi-dentate bonding of the Schiff-base in its zwitterionic form (as L2H2) to the LnIII ions through two phenolate oxygens. The POM and DSC studies reveal that none of the LnIII complexes exhibits mesomorphism. Fluorescence studies show that the TbIII complex displays characteristic metal-centered fluorescence (solution state).
Related Concept Videos
Colors and Magnetism
When atoms or molecules absorb light at the proper frequency, their electrons are excited to higher-energy orbitals. For many main group atoms and molecules, the absorbed photons are in the ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic spectrum, which cannot be detected by the human eye. For coordination compounds, the energy difference between the d orbitals often allows photons in the visible range to be absorbed and emitted, which is seen as colors by the human eye.
Valence Bond Theory
Complexation Equilibria: The Chelate Effect
Structural Isomerism
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula. Structural isomerism of coordination compounds can be divided into two subcategories, the linkage isomers and coordination-sphere isomers.
Linkage isomers occur when the coordination compound contains a ligand that can bind to the transition metal center through two different atoms. For example, the CN− ligand can bind through the carbon atom or through the nitrogen atom. Similarly, SCN− can be...
[4+2] Cycloaddition of Conjugated Dienes: Diels–Alder Reaction
Complexometric Titration: Ligands

