Versatile lanthanide-azide complexes with azide/carboxylate/hydroxy mixed bridged chain exhibiting magnetic and luminescent properties

Two new lanthanide-azide complexes, [Ln2(N3)(isonic)2(OH)3(Hisonic)(H2O)]n (Ln=Yb for 1 and Tb for 2, isonic=isonicotinate), were obtained in hydrothermal condition. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated the two complexes are isomorphic chain structure in which the LnIII ions are mixed bridged by the azide anions, hydroxyl anions and carboxylate groups of the isonicotinate ligands. Further studies indicated weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the LnIII ions in 1 and 2, and complex 2 exhibit green sensitized Luminescent character of TbIII ion. - Graphical abstract: Two new 1D lanthanide-azide complexes, [Ln2(N3)(isonic)2(OH)3(Hisonic)(H2O)]n (Ln=YbIII for 1 and TbIII for 2, isonic=isonicotinate), were synthesized by hydrothermal reaction and exhibit interesting magnetism and fluorescence properties. Highlights: ► The research provided a new method for synthesizing lanthanide-azide complexes. ► The complexes have an interesting azide/hydroxyl/carboxylate mixed bridged1D chain structure. ► The antiferromagnetic coupling between the complexes and 2 displays green luminescence.