Preparation, structural, spectroscopic, thermal and DFT characterization of cadmium(II) complexes with quinaldic acid

Cadmium(II) complex with quinaldic acid (quinH), [Cd(quin)2(H2O)2] (1), was prepared by the reaction of cadmium(II) acetate and quinaldic acid in water–ethanol mixture, while another cadmium(II) complex, [Cd(quin)2(DMSO)2] (2), was prepared by the recrystallization of 1 in DMSO. Both complexes were characterized by IR spectroscopy and TGA/DTA methods. The crystal structure of 2 was determined by X-ray structure diffraction analysis. Cadmium(II) ion is octahedrally coordinated by two N,O-bidentate quinaldate ligands in equatorial and by two DMSO molecules in axial positions. Only weak intermolecular C–H···O hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions as packing forces are present in the crystal structure of 2. The theoretical investigations included geometry optimizations of both complexes at DFT level (B3LYP and mPW1PW91 functionals) and calculations of vibrational frequencies. Calculated and experimental IR spectra were compared and characteristic bands assigned. The electronic properties of the complexes were investigated by the NBO analysis. Thermogravimetric studies showed the initial loss of two coordinated water molecules in 1 and of DMSO in 2 and then complete decomposition of quinaldate ligands for both 1 and 2.