Complexes of vanadyl and uranyl ions with a benzoxazole derivative: Synthesis, structural features and remarks on luminescence properties

UO2(NO3)2·6H2O and VO(acac)2 react with Hpbx to give [UO2(pbx)2(CH3OH)] (1) and [VO(pbx)2] (2) {Hpbx = 2-(2′-hydroxylphenyl)benzoxazole}. Complex 1 shows a distorted pentagonal bipyrimidal geometry, in a pseudo-dimeric association with an inversion center. Complex 2 attains a distorted octahedral geometry and the molecules “stack” along the b axis through V⋯O interactions.