Thermal behavior and other properties of Pr(III), Sm(III), Eu(III), Gd(III), Tb(III) complexes with 4,4′-bipyridine and trichloroacetates

Abstract

A novel mixed-ligand complexes with empirical formulae: Ln(4-bpy) 1.5(CCl3COO)3•nH2O (where Ln(III) = Pr, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb; n = 1 for Pr, Sm, Eu and n = 3 for Gd, Tb; 4-bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine) were prepared and characterized by chemical, elemental analysis and IR spectroscopy. Conductivity studies (in methanol, dimethylformamide and dimethylsulfoxide) were also described. All complexes are crystalline. The way of metal-ligand coordination was discussed. The thermal properties of complexes in the solid state were studied under non-isothermal conditions in air atmosphere. During heating the complexes decompose via intermediate products to the oxides: Pr6O11, Ln 2O3 (for Sm, Eu, Gd) and Tb4O7. TG-MS system was used to analyze principal volatile thermal decomposition and fragmentation products evolved during pyrolysis of Pr(III) and Sm(III) compounds in air. © 2011 The Author(s).