Synthesis and characterisation of a novel europium(iii)-containing heptaisobutyl-POSS†
Abstract
A novel luminescent metal-containing POSS, bearing in the structure the europium ion, was synthesized and characterized. The corner-capping reaction between the partially condensed isobutyl-POSS (molecular formula (C4H9)7Si7O9(OH)3) and the anhydrous EuCl3, under basic conditions, led to a completely condensed Eu(III)-containing POSS. The molecular compound involves THF molecules, coming from the reaction medium, in the coordination sphere on Eu(III). A deep optical characterization demonstrated that the Eu(III)-POSS sample is characterized by a quantum efficiency of ca. 14% and high photostability. Both these properties render this molecular platform an ideal candidate for the construction of luminescent devices and light-harvesting systems.