Single-crystal structure, photophysical characteristics and electroluminescent properties of bis(2-(4-trifluoromethyl-2-hydroxyphenyl)benzothiazolate)zinc

► The single-crystal and electronic structures of Zn2(4-tfmBTZ)4. ► The multicolor emission of Zn2(4-tfmBTZ)4 were realized by the simple devices. ► White OLED is achieved with particularly high color rending index (CRI) by the emission of Zn2(4-tfmBTZ)4.