Synthesis and luminescence properties of lithium, zinc and scandium 1-(2-pyridyl)naphtholates

► A series of new pyridyl-naphthol(phenol) complexes of Li, Zn, Sc are synthesized. ► Their photo- and electroluminescence properties are studied. ► The pyridyl-phenolate of scandium exhibited the luminance value of 8300 cd/m2 which is highest among the all other scandium fluorofores.