Two highly photoluminescent Eu3+ β-diketonates complexes with ε-caprolactam as ancillary ligands: From synthesis to the first example as gunshot residue markers

This study reports the synthesis of two new Eu3+ β-diketonates and their complete experimental and theoretical spectroscopic characterizations. These compounds present [Eu(tta)3(ε-cap)(H2O)] 1 and [Eu(btfa)3(ε-cap)(H2O)] 2, supported by 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(2-thienyl)-1,3-butanedione (Htta), 4,4,4-tri...

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Published inOptical materials Vol. 137; p. 113527
Main Authors Gomes, Emmanuel M., De Oliveira Silva, Julia P., Colaço, Marcos V., Cuin, Alexandre, Franco, Douglas F., Scarpari, Sérgio L., De Souza, Danilo O., Ferreira, Monica S., Freire, Ricardo O., Marques, Lippy F.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier B.V 01.03.2023
Subjects
Diketonate complexes
Gunshot residue
Lanthanides
Photophysical properties
Gunshot residue
Lanthanides
Photophysical properties
Diketonate complexes
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Summary:This study reports the synthesis of two new Eu3+ β-diketonates and their complete experimental and theoretical spectroscopic characterizations. These compounds present [Eu(tta)3(ε-cap)(H2O)] 1 and [Eu(btfa)3(ε-cap)(H2O)] 2, supported by 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(2-thienyl)-1,3-butanedione (Htta), 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-phenyl-1,3-butanedione (Hbtfa) formulas with a ε-caprolactam molecule acting as an ancillary ligand. These ligands act as efficient sensitizers for the Eu3+ ion, giving rise to an intense red emission. Due to this intense luminescence, compounds [Eu(tta)3(e-cap)(H2O)] 1 and [Eu(btfa)3(e-cap)(H2O)] 2 were selected as markers for the ammunition of a 38-caliber revolver and 0.380 pistol, respectively. This application is unprecedented for Eu3+ β-diketonates. The forensic assays indicated evident formation of luminescent gunshot residues (LGSR). Thus, these compounds may play an efficient role as allies in elucidating crimes. Luminescent Eu3+ β-diketonates as gunshot residue markers. [Display omitted] •In this work, two new luminescent Eu3+β-diketonates are presented.•The T1 .→ 5D1 and T1 → 5D0 are the main channels responsible for luminescence.•The compounds were selected as markers in firearms ammunition.•The forensic tests showed which these compounds can support public safety.
ISSN:0925-3467
1873-1252
DOI:10.1016/j.optmat.2023.113527