Ternary complexes TbPhen

2

Sal

2

and EuPhen

2

Sal

2

were prepared. Their UV absorption spectra and fluorescence yields were compared with each other and with those of the binary complexes TbSal

3

·H

2

O

TbPhen

2

Cl

3

and EuSal

3

·H

2

O.The UV absorption spectra of the ternary complexes is dominated by the absorption of Phen.Hence the fluorescence properties of the ternary complexes are determined by the energy transfer from Phen to the rare earth ions.Fluorescence intensity of the Eu ternary complex is higher than that of the binary complex

while it is in contrast for Tb complexes. This result can be well explained by the difference in energy mismatch between the lowest triplet of Phen and the first excited rare earth state.