Synthesis and characterization of a double helical dinuclear Zn–salen complex and its application in the detection of nitroaromatics

Abstract

Zn(II)-assisted self-assembly of N,Nʹ-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-salicylidene)-2,2ʹ-diaminodiphenyl ether (H₂L) was synthesized and fully characterized. The single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of the Zn₂L₂·C₇H₈ complex (1) confirms the double helical structure and Zn(II) ions are present in distorted tetrahedral environments. The thermal stability and photophysical properties of 1 have been investigated. 1 was used for the recognition of nitroaromatics and displayed high sensitivity towards trinitrophenol, and a dual static and dynamic quenching mechanism was operative.