| abstract |
A Ianthanide complex, method of forming and method of using the lanthanide complex as a near-infrared luminescent material are described. The complex includes at least one lanthanide ion and at least one polydentate ligand derived from a molecule having the general formula of Structure: Structure 2, where: E represents a heteroatom or heteroatom-containing group and R 1 R 8 are independently selected from H, —OH, —NH 2 , —SO 3 H, —CO 2 H, halides, optionally substituted organic groups; and conjugated linking groups which link two of the polydentate ligands of Structure 2 together. |