Synthesis, structure, photo-physical properties and catalytic activities of Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) complexes of an azinopyridyl ligand

Three new complexes [Zn(L)(NO3)2]n (1), [Cd(L)2(NO3)2]n (2) and [Hg(L)I2]n (3) of an azinopyridyl ligand L, have been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies, X-ray powder diffraction studies, elemental analyses, IR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, emission spectroscopy and thermo-gravimetric analysis. They represent one-dimensional chain (1 and 3) and one-dimensional ribbon (2) polymeric assemblies depending on functionality of the ligand and the nature of the metal ions. In 1, Zn(II) adopts five coordinated distorted trigonal bipyramidal stereochemistry; in 2, Cd(II) is octahedral and in 3, the Hg(II) is distorted tetrahedral. These three complexes are thermally stable and can also catalyze transesterification reactions.