Enhancement of the photoluminescence of a thioamide-based pincer palladium complex in the crystalline state

A thioamide-based pincer Pd complex, [2,6-bis(benzylaminothiocarbonyl-κS)phenyl-κC1]chloropalladium(II), was crystallized from different solvents. The structure of the complex in the solid state depends on hydrogen bonding interactions of cocrystallized solvent molecules with the metal complex in the crystal. The arrangement affects the intensity of the photoluminescence from the crystals. Strong emission was observed from the crystal having a densely packed arrangement of the complex, whereas the solutions and powders of the complex did not exhibit emission.

The crystallization of a Pd complex with hydrogen bonding donors from the solvent acting as a hydrogen bonding acceptor enhances emission of the Pd complex at room temperature in the case of a particular molecular arrangement.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► An emissive Pd complex at room temperature.
► The enhancement of emission via crystallization.
► Hydrogen bonding between a secondary thioamide group and a solvent molecule.
► C–H⋯O hydrogen bonding.