Two novel Zn(II)/Cd(II) complexes incorporating 2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline: synthesis and structure

Two new Zn(II)/Cd(II) complexes, [Zn(L)(cba)] n ( 1 ) and [Cd(L)(Br) 2 ]·H 2 O ( 2 ) (L = 2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline, H 2 cba = 4-Carboxyphenoxyacetic acid), have been synthesized hydrothermally and their structures and properties were systematically analyzed and characterized. 1 is composed of the [Zn(L)(cba)] unit, each deprotonated 4-cba 2- ligand chelates a Zn(II) atom, forming a 1D chain structure. The 1D double-chain structure is further formed through the π–π stacking interactions between L ligands. In addition, 2 is composed of the [Cd(L)(Br) 2 ] unit. The molecule is further extended into a 1D supramolecular chain via the interactions between nitrogen-containing ligands, and the 1D chain structure is further stabilized by hydrogen bonding interactions.