Formation and uses of europium complexes
The present invention provides a method of forming an oxidatively-stable aqueous Eu(II) complex by synthesizing ligands that coordinate to large, soft, electron rich metals like Eu(II). The invention also provides an oxidatively stable aqueous Eu(II) complex. The complex can be used for a variety of purposes some of which include, but are not limited to, in paramagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer, as a medical diagnostic, as a semiconductor, and for use in forming materials.
1. An oxidatively-stable Eu(II) complex comprising:
an Eu(II) ion; and
a ligand having a formula selected from the group consisting of:
2. The Eu(II) complex of claim 1 wherein the ligand has formula:
3. The Eu(II) complex of claim 1 wherein the ligand has formula:
4. The Eu(II) complex according to claim 1 , further comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of proteins, dendrimers, biomolecules, and polymers, bound to the Eu(II) complex.
5. The Eu(II) complex according to claim 1 for use as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging.
6. The Eu(II) complex according to claim 1 for use as a contrast agent in ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging.
7. The Eu(II) complex according to claim 6 , wherein said magnetic resonance imaging uses an ultra-high field that is greater than 3 Tesla.
8. The Eu(II) complex according to claim 1 for use in diagnostic medical applications.
9. An oxidatively-stable Eu(II) complex comprising:
an Eu(II) ion; and
a ligand having a formula selected from the group consisting of:
10. The Eu(II) complex of claim 9 wherein the ligand has formula:
11. The Eu(II) complex of claim 9 wherein the ligand has formula:
12. The Eu(II) complex according to claim 9 , further comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of proteins, dendrimers, biomolecules, and polymers, bound to the Eu(II) complex.
13. The Eu(II) complex according to claim 9 for use as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging.
14. The Eu(II) complex according to claim 9 for use as a contrast agent in ultra-high field magnetic resonance imaging.
15. The Eu(II) complex according to claim 14 , wherein said magnetic resonance imaging uses an ultra-high field that is greater than 3 Tesla.
16. The Eu(II) complex according to claim 9 for use in diagnostic medical applications.