Extended molecular networks based on Zn and Cd imparting N-substituted imidazole

Synthesis of complexes with the formulations [M(CPI)2Cl2] (M = Zn, 1; M = Cd, 4) and [M(CPI)6](X)2 (M = Zn, X = NO3−, 2; X = ClO4−, 3; M = Cd, X = NO3−, 5; X = ClO4−, 6) have been achieved from the reactions of MCl2, M(NO3)2·xH2O and M(ClO4)2·xH2O (M = Zn, Cd) with 1-(4-cyanophenyl)-imidazole (CPI). Complexes 1–6 have been characterized by elemental analyses and spectral studies (IR, 1H, 13C NMR, electronic absorption and emission). Molecular structures of 1, 2, 3 and 6 have been determined crystallographically. Weak interaction studies on the complexes revealed presence of various interesting motifs resulting from C–H···N, C–H···Cl and π–π stacking interactions. The complexes under study exhibit strong luminescence at ∼450 nm in DMSO at room temperature.