Synthesis and novel fluorescence phenomenon of terbium(III) complex with N, N',N' -tris (2-benzimidazolmethyl) amine

A benzimidazole ligand with a tripodal structure, N, N', N' -tris (2-benzimidazolmethyl) amine, and its terbium (III) complex has been synthesized. The complex has been characterized by element analysis, IR spectra, mass spectra, thermal analysis and molar conductivity. The terbium ion is found to coordinate with the nitrogen atoms (= N-) of imidazole ring and the bridgehead nitrogen atom. The fluorescence properties of the complex in aqueous solutions have been studied. Under excitation of UV light, the complex exhibits characteristic fluorescence of terbium ion. The luminescence of terbium complex in aqueous solutions is strongly enhanced by H+ concentration. This phenomenon makes the new complex favorable for use in fluorescence switches and sensors. The mechanism of the fluorescence enhancement by protonation of the nitrogen atoms (-NH-) of imidazole ring is due to the suppressed photoinduced electron transfer fluorescence quenching on addition of acid. (author)