Synthesis, spectral characterization and photoluminescence properties of cadmium(II) complexes of N-[(2-pyridyl)methyliden]-α (or β)-aminonaphthalene (α- or β-NaiPy) and comparison with the complexes of 1-alkyl-2-(naphthyl-α (or β)-azo)imidazole. Single c

Cadmium(II) complexes of N-[(2-pyridyl)methyliden]-α (or β)-aminonaphthalene (α or β-NaiPy) and 1-alkyl-2-(naphthyl-α (or β)-azo)imidazoles (α- or β-NaiR) using Cl−, ClO4- and NO3- as anions are spectroscopically characterized. Molar conductance data in nitromethane show that the chloro and nitrite compounds are non-conducting, while the perchlorate complexes are 1:2 electrolytes. The single crystal X-ray structure of [Cd(N-{(2-pyridyl)methyliden}-β-aminonaphthalene)2(ONO2)2] has been determined. The luminescence properties of Cd(II) complexes of α/β-NaiPy are studied and they exhibit ligand centered π–π∗ emissions. Naphthylazoimidazoles and their cadmium complexes are non-fluorescent.

Graphical abstractCadmium(II) complexes of N-[(2-pyridyl)methyliden]-α (or β)-aminonaphthalene (α- or β-NaiPy) are described. They have been spectroscopically characterized and structural confirmation has been carried out by an X-ray diffraction study in one case. The complexes are highly fluorescent. Naphthylazoimidazole complexes are non-fluorescent.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide