Strategies to enhance signal intensity with paramagnetic fluorine-labelled lanthanide complexes as probes for 19F magnetic resonance.

The synthesis and (19)F NMR spectroscopic properties are reported for three series of CF(3)-labelled lanthanide(III) complexes, based on mono- and diamide cyclen ligands. Analyses of variable temperature, pH and field (19)F, (17)O and (1)H NMR spectroscopic experiments are reported and the merits of a triphosphinate mono-amide complex defined by virtue of its favourable isomer distribution and attractive relaxation properties. These lead to an enhanced sensitivity of detection in (19)F magnetic resonance experiments versus a diamagnetic Y(III) analogue, paving the way for future shift and imaging studies.