Four new cadmium(II) homophthalate diimine complexes: Syntheses, structures and fluorescence

Four new complexes of homophthalate (hpht), [Cd(hpht)(phen)]n (1), [Cd(hpht)(2,2′-bpy)]n (2), [Cd(hpht)(2,2′-bpy)(H2O)]n · 2nH2O (3), [Cd(hpht)(4,4′-bpy)]n · nH2O (4), have been solvothermally synthesized and characterized. Both 1 and 2 are 1-D double-chains which are further extended to 2-D layer structure by the π–π interaction of phen (for 1) and 2,2′-bpy (for 2). Complex 3 is linear chain which is stacked to 3-D supramolecular network though the π–π interaction and hydrogen bonding. Complex 4 features a 2-D network formed by the linkages of bench-like chains though 4,4′-bpy. Both 1 and 2 exhibit intense blue fluorescence emission and 3 produces a green fluorescence, while 4 features a unique and very strong red fluorescence. Complexes 1–4 may be potential candidates for photoactive materials.

Graphical abstractFour new complexes [Cd(hpht)(phen)]n (1), [Cd(hpht)(2,2′-bpy)]n (2), [Cd(hpht)(2,2′-bpy)(H2O)]n · 2nH2O (3), and [Cd(hpht)(4,4′-bpy)]n · nH2O (4) were solvothermally synthesized by reactions of homophthalic acid and Cd(NO3)2 · 4H2O with different diimine auxiliary ligands, respectively. Complexes 1–3 feature interesting chain structures, and 4 is 2-D network. Complexes 1–4 exhibit specific photoluminescence properties and may be potential candidates for photoactive materials.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide