Synthesis, structures and properties of Cu and Cd complexes with 1,10-phenanthroline

Three new Cu and Cd complexes, namely [Cu(phen)(isca)(EtOH)] (1)，[Cu(phen)2(HCOOH)] (2) and [Cd(phen)Cl2](3) (phen = 1, 10-phenanthroline, isca = isophthalic acid) have been synthesized, 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, C-H···π and lone pair···π interactions are also evident in the structures. The preliminary investigation on the thermal and fluorescence property of the complexes are presented.