1-D Chain and 3-D grid green luminescent terbium(III) coordination polymers: {Tb(O2CPh)3(CH3OH)2(H2O)}n and {Tb2(O2CPh)6(4,4′-bipy)}n

Two lanthanide coordination polymers {Tb(O2CPh)3(CH3OH)2(H2O)}n1 and {Tb2(O2CPh)6(4,4′-bipy)}n2 have been identified and isolated from a methanol solution A of Tb(OAc)3·4H2O, benzoic acid and 4,4′-bipyridine in a 1∶3∶2 ratio. Their structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, which revealed that 1 has a covalent, 1-D linear chain structure while 2 has a covalent, 3-D grid architecture. When irradiated by UV light, 1 and 2 are brightly green luminescent, facilitated by a ligand (benzoate or 4,4′-bipy) to TbIII inter-system energy transfer process. Solution A has been found to be suitable for the formation of transparent films containing terbium(III) ions by spin coating. The polymeric structures of 1 and 2 and their co-existence are believed to be responsible for the good film forming property of solution A. The amorphous film produced by using solution A and spin coating has a green emission similar to those of 1 and 2. p