Thermal decomposition of lanthanide(III) complexes with 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-phenyl-1,3-butanedione

The complexes of general formula Ln(btfa)3L, where Ln=Eu or Tb, btfa=4,4,4-trifluoro-1-phenyl-1,3-butanedione, L=1,10-phenanthroline (phen) or 2,2-bipyridine (bipy), were synthesized by reacting the corresponding metal chloride with the proper beta-diketone and the other ligand. The complexes were obtained in the powder form and were characterized by photoluminescence and TG. Their thermal decomposition was studied by non-isothermal thermogravimetric techniques. The Eu(btfa)3bipy complex presented the highest thermal stability and it melts before being decomposed. The complex Eu(btfa)3phen presented the largest activation energy for a heating rate of 5 deg C min.