Thermal behaviour of light lanthanide(III) complexes with 2,3-pyridinedicarboxylic acid

Abstract The lanthanide(III) complexes with 2,3-pyridinedicarboxylate ligand (PDC) were obtained as crystalline compounds from the water solutions. These compounds form the series of Ln2(PDC)3 ・ nH2O. All compounds are stable in air and insoluble in both water and common organic solvents. The hydrated complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, thermal analysis (TG/DSC/DTA, and TG−FT-IR), FT-IR spectroscopy and X-ray analysis. 2,3-pyridinedicarboxylates of lanthanides(III) are stable in air below 313−323 K. Upon heating, hydrated complexes lose crystallization and lattice water in two steps. The values of dehydration enthalpy complexes are calculated from the DSC curves. The anhydrous compounds are stable at the temperature from 473 K to about 623 K and when heated they decompose to lanthanide oxides. Thermal and spectroscopic studies are essential for further studies and classification of compounds as MOF-like structures.