EXAFS characterisation of metal bonding in highly luminescent, UV stable, water-soluble and biocompatible lanthanide complexes

The combination of X-ray diffraction with EXAFS was employed to assess the coordination environment of lanthanide complexes in solutions. This method is based on the assumption that the local structure of lanthanide complexes in solution combines elements of the crystal structure of the complex in the solid state (single- or polycrystalline) and the elements of the local structure of a lanthanide salt, completely dissociated in the solvent (usually chlorides). The success of this approach is demonstrated with the lanthanide (III) 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzoate complexes, where the local structure in aqueous and methanol solutions were estimated. Moreover, the dissociation degree of the complexes in aqueous and methanol solutions was evaluated.