Triboluminescence and crystal structure of the centrosymmetric complex [Tb(NO3)2(Acac)(Phen)2]·H2O

The atomic structure of crystals of the complex [Tb(NO₃)₂(Acac)(Phen)₂]·H₂O, (AA – acetylacetonate anion, Phen – 1,10‐phenanthroline) characterized by an intensive luminescence and triboluminescence has been determined by means of an X‐ray structural analysis method. Centrosymmetric crystals have a monoclinic syngony: a = 11.2298(1), b = 9.6492(1), c = 13.2745(1) Å, β = 101.290(1), space group P2/n, Z = 2, ρ_calc = 1.790 g/cm³. The crystal structure is represented by individual С₂₉Н₂₅N₆O₉Tb complexes linked through van der Waals interactions with clearly expressed cleavage planes. The Tb(III) atom coordination polyhedron reflects the state of a distorted square antiprism. The structural aspects of the suggested model of formation of the triboluminescent properties were considered and the role of the cleavage planes discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.