Cobalt(II), nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of a Schiff base ligand: synthesis, structural characterization and luminescence properties

A Schiff base ligand (HL), 2,4-dimethoxy-N-(5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzylidene)-benzenamine, derived from 5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde and 2,4-dimethoxyaniline, and its metal complexes [Co(L)2]·CH3OH (1), [Ni(L)2] (2), [Cu(L)2] (3) have been synthesized. The compounds were characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods. In addition, the structures of the Schiff base HL and its Co(II) complex were determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The Co(II) center is six-coordinate, being coordinated to two imine nitrogen, two phenolate oxygen and two methoxy oxygen atoms of two crystallographically independent Schiff base ligands. Luminescence properties of HL and its complexes were investigated both in solution and in the solid state.