Novel emissive podands based on 8-OH-quinoline: Synthesis, fluorescence materials, DFT and complexation studies

► Two novel ligands bearing 8-hydroxyquinoline units were synthesized and characterized. ► The interaction with Cu2+, Zn2+, Eu3+ and Sm3+ was explored in solution. ► The coordination ability was explored in gas phase (MALDI mass spectrometry). ► Silver nanoparticles and polymer applications.