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.