A Novel Eu3+ β-Diketonate Complex as the First Luminescent Marker for 12-Gauge Ammunition

Eu³⁺ β-diketonate complexes have attracted attention due to their outstanding luminescent properties and potential applications in optoelectronics, sensing, and forensic science. In this work, a new europium complex, [Eu(btb)₃(bpy)] (btb = 1-(4-bromophenyl)-4,4,4-trifluoro-1,3-butanedione; bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine), was synthesized, structurally characterized, and investigated by photoluminescence spectroscopy. The complex exhibits intense red emission and was successfully applied as a luminescent marker for 12-gauge shotgun ammunition. These findings demonstrate the potential of this Eu³⁺ β-diketonate complex as a forensic marker, contributing to firearm identification and crime scene reconstruction technologies.