Synthesis, crystal structure and properties of Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes with 2-(4-isopropyl-4-methyl-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)nicotinic acid ligand

Two novel complexes, namely [Cd(L)2] (1) and [Zn(L)2(H2O)2] (2) have been synthesized (HL = 2-(4-isopropyl-4-methyl-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)nicotinic acid), which are characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectrum and X-ray crystal diffraction. While strong hydrogen bonds play central roles in the formation of the 3D structure, the combined influence of the weak interactions such as C–H⋯O bonds, carbonyl⋯π and C–H⋯π interactions are also evident in the structures. The preliminary investigation on the thermal and fluorescence property of the complexes are presented.