Lanthanide complexes based on an anthraquinone derivative ligand and applications as photocatalysts for visible-light driving photooxidation reactions

•An anthraquinone derivative ligand and its lanthanide complexes were synthesized.•X-ray structure analysis reveals rich hydrogen bonding motifs and strong π-π interactions.•The complexes are good photocatalysts for visible-light driving photooxidation reactions.•Photooxidation of diarylacetylenes and thioethers can be catalyzed in good yields.•The photocatalyst is recyclable for at least 5 cycles without loss of activity.