Based on these self-assembly studies, complexes with Eu(III) were prepared with 1:1 and 1:3 stoichiometries by reflux of Eu(CF3SO3)3 and 1Gal in the appropriate ratios, followed by evaporation to give white solids which luminesce red-orange under UV irradiation ( Analogous complexes with 1Glc and 1Lac were also prepared. Due to the paramagnetic nature of the lanthanide ion, 1 H NMR spectra (500 MHz, D2O) of these complexes were broadened and shifted compared to those of the corresponding ligands (Figure S-11 and S-12, ESI †). Emission spectra of the isolated complexes demonstrate characteristic Eu(III)-centred emission as seen for the self-assembly studies. Quantum yields (Φ) of these complexes were determined by a relative method, using Cs3[Eu⋅(dpa)3] as a secondary standard, and it was found that the 1:1 complexes were more emissive than trileptic complexes with Φ = 4% for the 1:1 complex of 1Gal, approximately double that for the 1:3 complex (Table ).