Coordination compounds having formulae [AsPh4][Ln(NMA)4] (1Ln), Ln(NMA)3(tppo)2 (2Ln), Ln(NMA)3(bipyO2) (3Ln), Ln(NMA)3(phen) (4Ln) and Ln(NMA)3(terpy) (5Ln) (Ln = Y and some lanthanides; NMA = conjugate base of nitromalonaldehyde; tppo = triphenylphosphine oxide; bipyO2 = 2,2′-bipyridine-N,N′-dioxide; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; terpy = 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine) were synthesized and characterized and X-ray diffraction data were collected for [AsPh4][Y(NMA)4] (1Y). The neutral europium derivatives showed appreciable luminescence in the solid state upon excitation with UV light and photoluminescence measurements were carried out. These compounds were used as dopants for the preparation of luminescent poly(methyl methacrylate). Luminescent polyvinylpyrrolidone samples were obtained by reacting the pure polymer with water solutions containing NMA and trivalent europium ions.
