Solvatochromic studies of a novel Cd2+-anthracene-based curcuminoid and related complexes

► The synthesis of the new metal-curcuminoid, [Cd(9Accm)2(dmf)2], has been reported. ► Solvatochromic studies have been performed with it and the related [Zn(9Accm)2(py)] and 9accm. ► Metal-coordination produces a slight decrease on the solvatochromic properties. ► Kamlet-Taft treatment has been used to analyze contributions on solvatochromism. ► The nature of the metal and/or the geometry seem also to influence on these properties.