Science University Research Symposium (SURS)
Publication Date
2025
College
College of Sciences & Mathematics
Department
Chemistry and Physics, Department of
SURS Faculty Advisor
Dr.Stace
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Lanthanide ions have attracted attention for applications in microwave electronics, memory devices, lighting applications, and chemical sensors. Terbium(III)-centered homoleptic complexes show promise as potential fluorescence-based chemical sensing agents. Tb(phen)2(NO3)3 (phen = 1,10-phenothroline) exhibits striking visible emission when excited by short-wave ultraviolet light; this emission is completely quenched by exposure to water or strong acid. However, the luminescence returns under relatively benign conditions. Unfortunately, our array of terbium(III) complexes are notoriously insoluble; rendering standard analytical techniques useless to assess purity, notably, 1H and 13C-NMR. Titration is a useful technique to give us, an assurance of purity—in conjunction with the ad-hoc purity assurance given by crystal growth. An EDTA titration was developed to assess the concentration of the terbium(III) in our array of terbium(III) based complexes: Tb(phen)2(NO3)3, [Tb(CH3OH)2(H2O)(NO3)3](dmphen)3 (dmphen = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenthroline), Tb(bpy)2(NO3)3 (bpy = 2,2’-bipyridne), and [Tb(pydm)3](NO3)3 (pydm = 2,6-pyridine dimethanol). The titration provides a rapid, onsite, and efficient method to assess the purity of the product of our synthetic attempts.
Recommended Citation
Timbes, Jake E.; Bateman, Cameron; and Stace, Justin, "Complexometric titration of terbium(III) compounds: an analytical blast from the past gives purity assurance when modern instruments fail us." (2025). Science University Research Symposium (SURS). 269.
https://repository.belmont.edu/surs/269
