Thiacalix[4]arene ligands have the advantages of high recognition,derivatization,excellent stability and other advantages.Lanthanide(Ln)ions can coordinate with thiacalix[4]arene ligands to form multi-functional coordination clusters,which received increasing attention due to their unique catalytic,magnetic,optical properties.Thiacalix[4]arene can sensitize Ln ions to luminescence by the coordination of phenol and S groups via the"Antenna effect".This paper reviewed recent advances in structures,luminescent properties,and applications of luminescent Ln-thiacalix[4]arene complexes.