Synthesis, fluorescence study and biological evaluation of three Zn(II) complexes with Paeonol Schiff base

The synthesis of three Paeonol Schiff base ligand and their Zn(II) complexes are reported. The complexes were fully characterized by IR, 1H NMR, elemental analysis and molar conductivity. The experiment results show the three Zn(II) complexes can emit bright fluorescence at room temperature in DMF solution and solid state. The fluorescence quantum yields (Φ) of three Schiff base ligands and their Zn(II) complexes were calculated using quinine sulfate as the reference with a known ΦR of 0.546 in 1.0N sulfuric acid. Furthermore, in order to develop these Zn(II) complexes’ biological value, the antioxidant activities against hydroxyl radicals (OH) were evaluated. The results show the three complexes possess excellent ability to scavenge hydroxyl radicals.