Synthesis of the ligands and their lanthanide(III) complexes. Reagents and conditions: a benzyl chloroformate, K2CO3, water/dioxane; b tert-butylbromoacetate, NaHCO3, MeCN, 70%; c 1a or 1b, K2CO3, MeCN, 60%; d H2, Pd/C, MeOH; e Ac2O, pyridine, 75%; fN-methylpyrollidinone, Et3N; g trifluoroacetic acid; h LnCl3·6H2O