Vol. 11, Issue 5 (2023)

The lanthanide ions are distinguished from those of the d-transition metal ions by their propensity to exhibit enhanced coordination numbers by the lanthanide complexes. Complexes of lanthanides range in coordination number from 6 to 12. Lanthanides, often known as rare earth elements, are a group of 15 different elements. One of the many parts of rare earths, coordination compounds, is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of illnesses. These substances can also be used as antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiviral agents, as well as pharmacological agents in the diagnosis of cancer. Because of their paramagnetic properties, lanthanides and their complexes are often used in medicine as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging. They aid in the treatment of neoplastic diseases as well. Lanthanide (III) ions can be used to successfully create Schiff base compounds. The anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity of Schiff base compounds can be markedly improved by coordination to a metal ion, according to recent studies, which has sparked more interest in these substances. The synthesis and biological functions of Schiff-based lanthanide compounds will be summarised in this review.