Abstract
A comprehensive photophysical characterization of a bis-naphthalene derivative, L, was carried out in acetonitrile, using UV–Vis absorption, steady-state and time-resolved emission spectroscopy. It was found that in the 250–400nm region, the absorption spectra showed two bands with maxima at ~220nm and ~292nm whereas the emission spectrum showed a band settled between 300 and 550nm. A detailed time-resolved investigation (in the ps and ns time domain) showed that the fluorescence decay of L in dichloromethane was bi-exponential indicative of the presence of a ground-state equilibrium involving two species: monomeric (absorption of a single naphthalene unit) and dimeric. Upon addition of Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+ or Hg2+ metal cations in acetonitrile a quenching of the fluorescence emission was observed. From time-resolved data, it is shown that the fluorescence contribution of the species with the longest decay time was sensitive to the explored metal ions.
Synthesis of Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+ and Hg2+ solid metal complex derivatives from L. Photophysical properties of L and study of the M:L complex in acetonitrile solution.
Bi-exponential fluorescence decay of L in dichloromethane: monomeric and dimeric species. [Display omitted]
•Synthesis of Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+ and Hg2+ solid metal complexes derivatives from L.•Photophysical properties of L and study of its metal complexation properties.•Bi-exponential fluorescence decay of L: monomeric and dimeric species.