Structural evidence of the formation of ZnPc-DBU complex during recrystallisation of commercially available ZnPc dye

► This work reports the X-ray structural characterization of a ZnPc-DBU complex that has been obtained during recrystallisation of commercially available ZnPc dye in a liquid 2-cyanopyridine or 4-cyanopyridine. ► A combination of X-ray single crystal analysis and NMR spectroscopy together with an elemental analysis enable to identify the composition and the structure of the obtained ZnPc-DBU crystals (where DBU is 1,8-diazabicyclo[4.5.0]undec-7-ene). ► In our opinion this work is interested and will be helpful to inorganic community working in this field. ► Especially, this work will be helpful for the synthesis of MPc complexes by recrystallisation of commercially available MPc in O- or N-donating solvents.