Synthesis, luminescence and host–guest chemistry of copper(I) and zinc(II) complexes of dppzc (dppzc=dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazo-15-crown-5)

Copper(I) and zinc(II) complexes containing dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazo-15-crown-5 (dppzc) ligand have been synthesized and characterized, and their photophysics and electrochemistry studied. The crystal structure of [Zn(SC6H4CH3-p)2(dppzc)] (2) has been determined. The ion-binding properties of these complexes towards alkali metal ions have also been described.