Syntheses, crystal structures, nonlinear optical properties and cis-trans isomerization of functionalized sulfur-terminal [Zn(II) and Cd (II)] complexes based on phenothiazine-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine conjugated ligands

•A novel chromophore with D–π–A configuration was reported.•The structure was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.•The relationships between the structures and properties were investigated.•The cis-trans isomerization of the ethylene group had large influence on its properties.•The two-photon absorption cross-sections were determined by Z-scan technique.

One novel 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine ligand L and its complexes (Zn(S)2L, Cd(S)2L) were synthesized and systematically characterized. There were cis-trans isomerization of the ethylene group in compounds of L, Zn(S)2L and Cd(S)2L though some characterization. Finally it was found that the two-photon absorption cross section values (σ) for the complexes in the near infrared region (∼800 nm) were dramatically enhanced compared to the free D–π–A type ligand.

Graphical abstractOne novel 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine ligand L and its complexes Zn(S)2L, Cd(S)2L were synthesized, they display interesting cis-trans isomerization and excellent NLO properties.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide