Bis-salicylaldiminato zinc complexes: Syntheses, characterization and luminescent properties

The syntheses of four four-coordinate zinc(II) complexes, (Ar1 = 7-(2,4-Me2)C9H4N, Ar2 = C6H4 (2a); Ar1 = 7-(2,4-Me2)C9H4N, Ar2 = 3,5-tBu2C6H2 (2b); Ar1 = 7-(2,4-Me2)C9H4N, Ar2 = 5-BrC6H3 (2c); Ar1 = 7-(2,4-Me2)C9H4N, Ar2 = 3,5-Br2C6H2 (2d)) are described. Complexes 2a–2d were synthesized by the reaction of ZnEt2 with 2 equiv. of the corresponding ligand. Ligands 1a–1d and the corresponding zinc(II) complexes 2a–2d were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The molecular structure of complex 2b was determined by single crystal X-ray crystallography. Luminescent properties of the ligands 1a–1d and complexes 2a–2d in both solution and the solid state were studied.

Bis-salicylaldiminato zinc complexes with four new salicylaldiminato ligands: (Ar1 = 7-(2,4-Me2)C9H4N, Ar2 = C6H4 (2a); Ar1 = 7-(2,4-Me2)C9H4N, Ar2 = 3,5-tBu2C6H2 (2b); Ar1 = 7-(2,4-Me2)C9H4N, Ar2 = 5-BrC6H3 (2c); Ar1 = 7-(2,4-Me2)C9H4N, Ar2 = 3,5-Br2C6H2 (2d)) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, 1H, 13C NMR and IR spectroscopy. The molecular structure of complex 2b was confirmed by X-ray crystallography, showing intermolecular π–π interactions in the solid state. These complexes produce bright fluorescence in both solution and the solid state. In addition, the emission color in solution can be tuned in the range 503–532 nm by the modification of the salicylaldiminato ligand.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideFigure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide