Mechanosynthesis of tetrakis Eu(III) beta-diketonate complex

This work involves the synthesis of tetrakis Eu(III) beta-diketonate complexes via mechanochemistry using a low-cost equipment, IKA-Turrax. Mechanosynthesis is a powerful alternative to solvent-based methods, allowing higher yields in shorter reaction time with energy efficiency, while reducing or removing solvent. Chemical and mechanochemical parameters are being evaluated to determine the best synthesis conditions. Two beta-diketones were used, 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-phenylbutane-1,3-dione (btfa) and pentane-2,4-dione (acac), with the first being solid and the second liquid. Also, the base (NaOH and Na₂CO₃), the use of a grinding aid (NaCl), inert solid, and the grinding time are being evaluated. We are also looking into the exchange the sodium counter-ion by organic cations like R₄N⁺, by adding Bu₄NBr at the end of the reaction with btfa and grinding for another 30 minutes.