Impact of n,γ-irradiation on organic complexes of rare earth metals

The complexes of La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb and Yb with benzoxazolyl-phenolate, benzothiazolyl-phenolate, benzoxazolyl-naphtholate, benzothiazolyl-naphtholate and 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(2-thienyl)-1,3-butanedione ligands were treated with n,γ-irradiation upon a sustained (45 h, absorbed dose of 120 krad, flux of neutrons 5·10¹³ n/cm²) and a pulse mode (3 ms, absorbed dose of 130 krad, flux of neutrons 3.6·10¹³ n/cm²). It was found that main characteristics of the compounds (shape of substance, color, IR absorption and photoluminescent spectra) have not changed. With an example of cerium complex [Ce(OON)₃]₂ it was revealed that the molecular structure of compounds after strong pulse irradiation also does not changed. However, computer simulations of neutron exposure on the same complexes showed significant shift of metal atoms and ligands. Possible reasons for the detected discrepancy between experimental and calculated data are discussed.