Single crystal structure, self-assembled nano-structure and semiconductor properties of a sandwich-type mixed (phthalocyaninato)(porphyrinato) europium triple-decker complex

• Triple-decker complex Eu2[Pc(β-OC4H9)8]2(TClPP) was synthesized.
• Self-assembly properties were studied in a confirmed manner.
• Nanorods formed from the triple-decker complex show good semiconductor feature.

Sandwich-type (phthalocyaninato)(porphyrinato) europium triple-decker complex with butyloxy substituents at the peripheral-positions of the two phthalocyanine ligands in the triple-decker molecules Eu2[Pc(β-OC4H9)8]2(TClPP) (1) has been designed, synthesized, and characterized. Their self-assembly properties and in particular nano-structures formed have also been systematically investigated in a confirmed manner due to the available single crystal structure. Investigation reveals that introduction of butyloxy substituents at the peripheral-positions of the phthalocyanine ligands in the triple-decker molecule induces additional van der Waals interactions between neighboring triple-decker molecules. This in combination with the intermolecular π–π interaction result in the formation of one-dimensional nanostructures with rod shaped morphology. In addition, current–voltage (I–V) measurement result indicates good semiconductor feature of the nanorods with the conductivity of 2.2 × 10−5 Sm−1.

The self-assembly properties of sandwich-type (phthalocyaninato)( porphyrinato) europium triple-decker complex and in particular nano-structures formed have been systematically investigated in a confirmed manner due to the available single crystal and X-ray diffraction analysis.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide