Synthesis, crystal structures and photophysical properties of novel copper(I) complexes with 4-diphenylphosphino-1,5-naphthyridine ligands

Two new copper(I) complexes [Cu(L1)2]PF6 (L1 = 4-diphenylphosphino-1,5-naphthyridine, 1) and [Cu(L2)2]PF6 (L2 = 4-diphenylphosphino-8-methyl-1,5-naphthyridine, 2), have been prepared and characterized. In each of them, the coordinate geometry of Cu atom is a distorted square planar configuration with bond distances and angles in the normal range. Moreover, compound 2 features one-dimensional zigzag chains which are cross-linked by the metal complex cations and PF6− anions through hydrogen bonding interactions. The HOMO–LUMO energy gaps of 1–2 estimated by the cyclic voltammetry (CV) show values in the order of 1 > 2. Both 1 and 2 show low-energy bands ranging from 360 to 430 nm and available florescence in the solid state at room temperature with λmax = 532–541 nm. The UV–vis absorption spectra of 1–2 show obvious red-shifts compared with those of the corresponding quinoline containing Cu(I) complexes [Cu(QN)2]PF6 (QN = 8-diphenylphosphino quinoline), exhibiting the HOMO–LUMO energy gaps of 1–2 should be narrower than that of [Cu(QN)2]PF6.

Graphical abstractComplex 1(RT) crystallizes with two molecules per asymmetric unit. Compound 2 features one-dimensional zigzag chains through hydrogen bonding interactions. Both 1 and 2 show low-energy bands ranging from 360 to 430 nm and available florescence in the solid state at room temperature with λmax = 532–541 nm.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► 4-Diphenylphosphino-1,5-naphthyridine ligands are first introduced into the system of Cu(I) complexes. ► X-ray determinations of complexes 1–2 reveal that the central copper(I) ions assume highly distorted tetrahedral geometry. ► Electrochemistry and photophysical properties of the complexes are investigated. ► These new Cu(I) complexes show narrower HOMO–LUMO energy gaps compared to analogous quinoline containing complexes.