Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

Hyperspectral Imaging as a Tool to Study Optical Anisotropy in Lanthanide-Based Molecular Single Crystals
Published on: April 14, 2020
Structure, resolution and chiroptical analysis of stable lanthanide complexes of a pyridylphenylphosphinate
James W Walton1, Lorenzo Di Bari, David Parker
1Department of Chemistry, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK.
Abstract:
Lanthanide complexes of a pyridylphenylphosphinate ligand based on triazacyclononane form an isostructural series. The C(3)-symmetric Δ and Λ complexes of Eu and Tb are strongly emissive and can be resolved by chiral HPLC; the absolute configuration of each complex has been assigned using CD and CPL measurements.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Complexometric Titration: Ligands
Valence Bond Theory
Crystal Field Theory - Tetrahedral and Square Planar Complexes
Crystal field theory (CFT) is applicable to molecules in geometries other than octahedral. In octahedral complexes, the lobes of the dx2−y2 and dz2 orbitals point directly at the ligands. For tetrahedral complexes, the d orbitals remain in place, but with only four ligands located between the axes. None of the orbitals points directly at the tetrahedral ligands. However, the dx2−y2 and dz2 orbitals (along the Cartesian axes) overlap with the ligands less than the dxy,...
Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...
Photoluminescence: Applications
Complexation Equilibria: The Chelate Effect

