Layered Ln(III) Complexes from a Sulfonate‐Based 1,8‐Naphthalimide: Structures, Magnetism and Photophysics

Five lanthanide(III) complexes of N ‐(4‐phenylsulfonate)‐1,8‐naphthalimide ( L 1 ) are described {[Ln( L 1 )(DMSO) 5 (H 2 O) 2 ]( L 1 ) 2 ⋅3H 2 O where Ln(III)=Eu(III) ( 1 ), Tb(III) ( 2 ), Dy(III) ( 3 ), Ho(III) ( 4 ) and Er(III) ( 5 )} . A structural, magnetic and photophysical study is reported for these complexes. The complexes feature a 1,8‐naphthalimide based anionic ligand, which is known for extending structure directing properties through π‐based interactions. Within these complexes L 1 acts as both a coordinating ligand as well as a non‐coordinating counter‐ion and overall the solid‐state structures adopt layered topologies that are achieved through π‐π interactions between L 1 molecules. Complexes of 1 and 2 display the characteristic line‐like emission profiles expected for Eu(III) and Tb(III) whilst the magnetic properties of the Dy(III) containing complex 3 were investigated.