Synthesis, structure, photochromic and fluorescent imaging properties of a 3D cadmium(II) complex [Cd2(AT)2(H2O)4]·H2O (AT = 5,5′-azotetrazolate)

A 5,5′-azotetrazolate based Cd2 + complex of [Cd2(trans-AT)2(H2O)4]·H2O (1) has been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. In 1, each Cd2 + ion coordinates to six N atoms from four AT2 − anions and two water molecules to form a dicapped trigonal prismatic coordination environment. Each coplanar AT2 − anion acts as a novel bis-bridging-chelating mode with six N atoms linking four different Cd2 + ions to form a 3D structure. The aqueous solution of 1 with the concentration of 7.5 × 10− 5 mol·L− 1 shows photochromism. The solid photoluminescence of 1 under UV-light or laser irradiation and the fluorescent imaging of the onion cell using 1 as imaging agent were also reported.

Graphical abstractA 3D cadmium(II) complex based on 5,5′-azotetrazolate (AT) ligand [Cd2(trans-AT)2(H2O)4]·H2O (1) has been synthesized and characterized and the photochromic and fluorescent imaging properties of 1 have been found and discussed.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A 3D Cd(II) complex based on 5,5′-azotetrazolate ligand has been synthesized. ► The aqueous solution of the complex shows photochromism. ► The solid of the complex can emit green photoluminescence. ► The complex can be employed as onion cell label.