Zinc(II) azadipyrromethene complexes substituted at the distal phenyl rings – Structure and spectroscopical properties

Four novel homodimeric zinc(II) azadipyrromethene complexes, bearing hydroxyl, 2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethoxy, (dimethylamino)ethoxy and isopropyl substituents were obtained. Two crystallographic structures indicate little influence of substituents on conformation. NMR spectroscopy were investigated. UV–Vis spectra indicate intense absorption of light, however the compounds are non-emissive and don’t generate singlet oxygen. [Display omitted] •Four novel homodimeric zinc(II) azadipyrromethene complexes obtained.•Two crystallographic structures - little influence of substituents on conformation.•UV–Vis and NMR spectroscopy investigated. Four novel zinc(II) azadipyrromethene complexes, bearing hydroxyl, 2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethoxy, (dimethylamino)ethoxy and isopropyl substituents, were obtained. The complexes were thoroughly characterized by UV–Vis spectrophotometry, mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. The UV–vis spectra of the complexes show two main bands – a broad band with a maximum at around 600 nm and another band in the UV region; the spectra are not significantly affected by the type of substituents present. The complexes are non-emissive. Additionally, studies of crystal structures of two complexes have revealed that the azadipyrromethene cores are virtually isostructural.