Luminescence of Eu3+ and Tb3+ complexes of new macrobicyclic ligands derived from p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene

Several new calix[4] arene-crowns have been synthesized and their complexation of the Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions has been studied in order to obtain compounds exhibiting metal luminescence. Whereas ligands 3 and 5 gave no indication of complex formation with lanthanide ions, ligands 2, 4 and 6 were able to sensitize Eu3+ and Tb3+ luminescence. A high metal luminescence quantum yield was obtained for Tb2. The selectivity of these ligands towards alkali metal ions has also been assessed.