Group 3 and lanthanide triflate-complexes with [N,N,O]-donor ligands: synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxic activity

Group 3 and rare-earth triflate-complexes M(OTf)2(bdmpza) {M = Sc (1Sc), Y (1Y), La (1La), Sm (1 Sm), Eu (1Eu) OTf=SO3CF3} bearing the heteroscorpionate ligand bdmpza {bdmpza=bis(3,5-dimethyl-pyrazol-1-yl) acetate} have been synthesized and characterized, together with the yttrium and europium complexes M(OTf)(bdmpza)2 {M = Y (2Y), Eu (2 Eu)}. The photoluminescent behavior of 2Eu has been investigated. The coordination mode of the [N,N,O]-donor in these complexes has been elucidated by DFT calculations. The cytotoxic effect of selected complexes and of the free ligand toward HeLa cells has been evaluated. © 2012 Taylor & Francis.