The [EuII(DTPA)(H2O)]3- complex (DTPA = diethylenetriamine pentaacetate) has been prepared
by controlled potential coulometry from [EuIII(DTPA)(H2O)]2-. [EuII(DTPA)(H2O)]3- is less stable toward
oxidation than Eu2+
(aq), as shown by its more negative redox potential (E
1/2 = −1.34 V in comparison to E
1/2
= −0.61 V vs calomel electrode, respectively). Nevertheless, the rate of oxidation was found to be reasonably
slow in highly concentrated solutions. Variable-temperature and -pressure, multiple-field 17O NMR and nuclear
magnetic relaxation dispersion (NMRD) measurements have been performed on [EuII(DTPA)(H2O)]3- in aqueous
solution. The water-exchange rate (k
ex
298 = 1.3 × 109 s-1) is 3 orders of magnitude higher than that on the
corresponding Gd(III) complex, and it is only slightly smaller than that on the Eu(II) aqua ion. The positive
activation volume (ΔV
⧧ = +4.5 cm3 mol-1) indicates a dissociatively activated water-exchange process. The
rotational correlation time is slightly longer for [EuII(DTPA)(H2O)]3- as compared to that for [GdIII(DTPA)(H2O)]2-,
which is explained by the higher number of water molecules hydrogen-bonded to the carboxylates of the
ligand in the highly charged Eu(II) chelate. The electronic relaxation parameters obtained from NMRD and
low-field transverse 17O relaxation rates indicate that electron spin relaxation is considerably faster on
[EuII(DTPA)(H2O)]3- than on Eu2+
(aq) or on the isoelectronic [GdIII(DTPA)(H2O)]2-. Possibilities to use EuII
complexes as MRI contrast agents are discussed.