The synthesis, characterization, and electronic spectroscopy of two ML sandwich complexes, where M = Ce(iv) or Th(iv) and L = napthylsalophen are described. The ThL complex, unlike the isovalent CeL, complex possesses unusual fluorescence properties in both solution and solid-state. These observations are explained with TD-DFT.

The pentadentate coordination environment of a 2,6-bis[1-[(2-hydroxyphenyl)imino]ethyl] pyridine ligand scaffold was designed to accommodate the larger atomic radius of uranium as the uranyl dioxo cation, while fully occupying its equatorial plane. Here, two new uranyl (UO) complexes utilizing this scaffold have been synthesized from successive condensation reactions and subsequent metal complexation. Surprising Zn fluorescence is also discussed.

ErIII-Centered upconversion emission in LnIII complexes with a cyano-naphthylsalophen ligand.