Crystal structures and photoluminescence properties of chromium(III) complexes with 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone ligand

•Crystal structures of cis and trans chromium(III) complexes with 2-theonyltrifluoroacetone ligand are described for the first time.•In the solid state structure, cis and trans chromium(III) complexes with 2-theonyltrifluoroacetone reveal a distorted octahedral geometry.•Optical (Photophysical) properties of cis and trans chromium(III) complexes with 2-theonyltrifluoroacetone are investigated in both solution and in the solid state. Synthesis and characterization of chromium(III) complexes with 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone ligand are described and the crystal structures of the two possible geometric isomers, efficiently obtained by crystallization, are reported for the first time. In the solid state structure, both isomers reveal a distorted octahedral geometry of the metal ion. In addition, absorption and emission properties of the complex are determined in solution and in a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) matrix. [Display omitted]