Synthesis and photophysical properties of complexes of Be(II) and Zn(II) with 10-hydroxybenzo[h]quinoline ligand

Two 10-hydroxybenzo[h]quinoline metal complexes, bis(10-hydroxybenzo[h]quinolinato) beryllium (Bebq2) and bis(10-hydroxybenzo[h]quinolinato)zincum (Znbq2), have been synthesized. The structure are characterized by 1HNMR, IR and so on. The photophysical processes of Bebq2 and Znbq2 have been carefully investigated by fluorescence spectra. The results show that the compounds emit yellow-green and yellow light. The emission peaks are at 492 and 512 nm, respectively. In addition, the light-emitting can be quenched by electron donor, N,N-dimethylaniline (DMA), and the quenching process follows the Stern–Volmer equation. Furthermore, the molecular interactions of Bebq2 and Znbq2 with electron acceptor, dimethylterephthalate (DMTP), were also carefully investigated. It displayed that the Znbq2 is a potential substitute for Bebq2 as an excellent emitting material.