Remarkable luminescence of novel Nd(III) complexes with low-vibrational hexafluoroacetylacetone and DMSO-d6 molecules

Abstract The structure of the Nd(III) complex with deuterated hexafluoroacetylacetone, Nd(HFA-D)3(D2O)2, in DMSO-d6 was investigated since the system gave a remarkable luminescence. The emission rate, Judd–Ofelt analysis, EXAFS, NMR and electrospray mass spectra suggested that the system should have the symmetrical bulky shell of six inner coordinating DMSO and three outer coordinating HFA molecules. This conjectured 12-coordinate structure with low-vibration C–D and C–F bondings and bulky shell well rationalized the enhanced emission of the Nd(HFA-D)3(D2O)2 in DMSO-d6. The incorporation of the Nd(HFA-D)3/DMSO-d6 system into the methacrylate polymers was successfully attempted. Use of the polymethacrylate with low percentage of C–H bonds, i.e., P-FiPMA (polyhexafluoroisopropylmethacrylate) gave remarkable luminescence of Nd(III) in the organic polymer matrix.