Crystal structure of MSIA and photochromism of Eu3+-MSIA-phen complex

The title compound N,N-bis(N-methylenesuccimido) beta-alanine (MSIA) was sy nthesized through the Mannich reaction of succimide with beta-alanine in th e formaldehyde solution. The structure of MSIA was determined by single cry stal X-ray diffraction. The molecule has two five-membered rings with a dih edral angle of 74.45 degrees instead of 180 degrees in the same plane. The chain of beta-alanine chooses the serrated conformation rather than linear one. Its Eu3+ complex with 1,10-phenanthroline(phen) has good photochromism in aqueous media. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.