Synthesis of pyrimidine Schiff base transition metal complexes: characterization, spectral and electrochemical analyses, and photoluminescence properties

This study includes the synthesis, characterization, electrochemical analysis and photoluminescence properties of a Schiff base ligand bearing a pyrimidine ring and its Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Pd(II) metal complexes. The Schiff base ligand was derived from the condensation reaction of a pyrimidine amine with 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde. The structures were characterized using FT-IR, UV–Vis, elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility and electrolytic conductivity. The ligand and its metal complexes displayed strong violet emissions upon UV exposure. The photoluminescence quantum yield and excited-state decay were measured for the ligand and its complexes. The excited-state lifetime for the ligand was 3.70 ns and its quantum yield of luminescence was found to be 0.40. A reduction in photoluminescence intensity and quantum yield was observed upon metal ion complexation. The compounds synthesized were studied by cyclic voltammetry to probe the existence of electrochemical reduction and oxidation processes.