Synthesis, structure and photophysical properties of 2-benzhydryl-4-methyl-6-(aryliminomethyl)phenol ligands and the zinc complexes thereof

► 2-Benzhydryl-4-methyl-6-((arylimino)methyl)phenol derivatives. ► Bis(2-benzhydryl-4-methyl-6-((arylimino)methyl)phenolate)zinc complexes. ► Synthesis and structural characterization. ► The fluorescence intensities of the organic compounds were very weak. ► Coordination with Zn2+ greatly enhanced the fluorescence intensities.