A Fluorescent Hexanuclear Zn(II) Complex

Zn(II) Schiff base complexes are good precursors for preparation of ZnO nanoparticles which find several biomedical applications. Herein, a fluorescent hexanuclear Zn(II) Schiff base complex [Zn(II) 6 (L−Me) 6 (MeOH) 2 ]⋅12MeOH(1) [H 2 L-Me=diprotic Schiff base ligand] has been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Fluorescence properties of this Zn(II) 6 -complex have also been studied in solid state and solution. Lifetime measurement and quantum yield calculation have been performed to further investigate the fluorescence properties. Temperature dependent stability of complex 1 has been studied in air and inert gas atmospheres. Fluorescent ZnO nano-particles were prepared by thermal decomposition of 1 at 400 °C and higher temperatures under aerobic atmosphere.