Syntheses, crystal structures and properties of Cd(II) and Co(II) complexes with 4,4′-dipyridylsulfide ligand

Two new coordination polymers [Cd(dps)₂Cl₂] (1) and [Co(dps)₂(H₂O)₂]·(abs)₂(H₂O)₂ (2) (dps = 4, 4′-dipyridylsulfide, Habs = 4-amino benzenesulfonic acid) have been synthesized under similar conditions and characterized by elemental analysis, fluorescence spectra and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 displays a dps-bridged 2D puckered, grid-like layer, which is further linked by C-H?Cl hydrogen bonds to form a 3D supramolecular architecture. Compound 2 shows a dps-bridged double-stranded chain structure, which is extended by N-H?O and O-H?O hydrogen bonds generating a 3D network. Solid-state fluorescence results reveal that both complexes can emit strong emission bands, at 467 nm and 518 nm for 1 and 344 nm for 2, respectively. Magnetic measurements show that there are weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the adjacent Co(II) ions in 2.     

Three Mn(II) supramolecular coordination complexes containing carboxylate-tetrazolate ligands

Three novel complexes [Mn(atza)₂(H₂O)₄] (1), [Mn(nptza)₂(CH₃OH)₄] (2), and [Mn(a4-ptz)₂(H₂O)₂]_n · 2nH₂O] (3) [atza = 5-aminotetrazole-1-acetato, nptza = 5-[(4-nitryl)phenyl] tetrazole-1-acetato, a4-ptz = 5-[N-acetato(4-pyridyl)] tetrazole] containing carboxylate-tetrazolate ligands have been synthesized and characterized by element analysis. X-ray crystallography shows that complexes 1 and 2 both contain mononuclear structure. The complex 3 is a 1D polymeric chain structure. Compounds 1-3 are self-assembled to form supramolecular structures through hydrogen bonds interactions.     

Hydrogen-bonded copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes and coordination polymeric structures containing reduced Schiff base ligands

Complexes [Cu(HSas)(H₂O)] · 2H₂O (H₃Sas = N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-l-aspartic acid) (1), [Cu(HMeSglu)(H₂O)] · 2H₂O (H₃MeSglu = (N-(2-hydroxy-5-methylbenzyl)-l-glutamic acid) (2), [Cu₂(Smet)₂] (H₂Smet = (N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-l-methionine) (3), [Ni(HSas)(H₂O)] (4), [Ni₂(Smet)₂(H₂O)₂] (5), and [Ni(HSapg)₂] (H₂Sapg = (N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-l-aspargine) (6) have been synthesized and characterized by chemical and spectroscopic methods. Structural determination by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed 1D coordination polymeric structures in 2 and 4, and hydrogen-bonded network structure in 5 and 6. In contrast to previously reported coordination compounds with similar ligands, the phenol remains protonated and bonded to the metal ions in 2 and 4, and also probably in 1. However, the phenolic group is non-bonded in 6.     

3D non porous and thermally labile nickel(II) and manganese(II) complexes with hetero donor ligands: Synthesis, X-ray single crystal structure, thermal and luminescent study

Three coordination complexes of formula [Ni(L₁)₂(H₂O)₄].4H₂O (1), [Mn(L₂)₂(H₂O)₄] (2) and [Mn(L₂)₂(H₂O)₂]_n (3) [L₁H = 6-methylpyridine-3-carboxylic acid, L₂H = 3-(3-pyridyl)acrylic acid] have been synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray single crystal analysis. A 3D network is achieved through H-bonding in 1 and 2, while crystal packing of complex 3 shows a 3D supramolecular coordination polymer. Thermal properties have been investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. Luminescence study features the presence of LMCT and metal purterbed ligand centered emission bands.     

Preparation and characterization of two supramolecular complexes with 5-amino-2,4,6-triiodoisophthalic acid under N-donor auxiliary ligand intervention

Assemblies of 5-amino-2,4,6-triiodoisophthalic acid (H₂ATIBDC) with Cd(II) and Zn(II) in the presence of N-donor auxiliary ligand, 1,4-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)butane (btb), at ambient conditions yield two new supramolecular complexes, [Cd(ATIBDC)(btb)(H₂O)₂]·3H₂O (1), and [Zn(ATIBDC)(btb)]·2H₂O (2). Generally, these two complexes display 1D ATIBDC²⁻-bridged coordination arrays. Distinct extended 3D network architectures are further constructed with the help of weak secondary interactions especially aromatic stacking, halogen bonding, and hydrogen bonding as supramolecular driving forces. It is worthy to mention that halogen bonds (C-I?π and C-I?N/O) play important roles in the supramolecular assembly. The pentameric cluster (H₂O)₅ in 1 assembles into highly ordered helical infinite chains. Complex 2 exhibits the fascinating single-walled tube-like chain structure. It loses crystallinity rapidly in the air and leads to the formation of [Zn(ATIBDC)(btb)]·H₂O (2A). Thermal stabilities and solid state fluorescent properties of complexes 1 and 2A have been studied.     

Construction of three low dimensional Zn(II) complexes based on different organic-carboxylic acids

Three new Zn(II) complexes based on different organic-carboxylic acids, [Zn(mba)₂(2,2′-bipy)] (1), [Zn(mpdaH)₂(H₂O)₄] · 4H₂O (2) and [Zn(cda)₂(H₂O)₂]_n (3) (Hmba = 4-methylbenzoic acid, H₂mpda = 2,6-dimethylpyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid and H₂cda = chelidonic acid) have been synthesized successfully under hydrothermal conditions. X-ray single crystal diffractions show that compounds 1 and 2 are the mononuclear and 3 is one-dimensional chain, in which the Zn(II) centers have different coordination geometries with octahedron for 1 and 2 and tetrahedron for 3. Through π-π stacking and/or hydrogen bonding (O-H?O and O-H?N) interactions, different supramolecular structures are assembled, namely, 2D supramolecular layer for 1 and 3D supramolecular networks for 2 and 3. Furthermore, the IR, TGA and luminescent properties are also investigated in this work.     

Structure and properties of a macrocyclic silver(II) supramolecular polymer

A new silver(II) complex, {[Ag(L1)](NO₃)₂·4H₂O}_n (1) (L = 3,14-dimethyl-2,6,13,17-tetraazatricyclo[14,4,0^1.18,0^7.12] docosane) has been synthesized and structurally characterized by a combination of analytical, spectroscopic, electrochemical and X-ray diffraction methods. The complex 1 exhibits a 1D supramolecular polymer with the silver(II) macrocycle L1 and nitrate ions, where 1D chain is formed by hydrogen bonds between the two sets of pre-organized N-H groups of the macrocycle and nitrate ions. The lattice water molecules mediate to interconnect each 1D chain to form the 2D supramolecular sheet. In 1 the unusual high oxidation state of Ag(II) is stabilized by the tetraazamacrocyclic ligand L1. The cyclic voltammogram for 1 indicates that the electrochemical oxidation of [Ag(L1)]²⁺ is an irreversible process.     

Cobalt(II) and nickel(II) coordination polymers constructed from P,P′-diphenylmethylenediphosphinic acid (H2pcp) and 4,4′-bipyridine (bipy): Structural isomerism in [Co(pcp)(bipy)0.5(H2O)2]

The P,P′diphenylmethylenediphosphinic acid (H₂pcp) reacts with Co(ClO₄)₂ · 6H₂O and 4,4′-bipyridine to give a mixture of two polymeric isomers of formula [Co(pcp)(bipy)_0.5(H₂O)₂], {red (1) and pink (2)} and the new violet hybrid [Co(Hpcp)₂] (3). The pure red and violet species have been obtained by the reaction of H₂pcp with Co(CH₃COO)₂ · 4H₂O and bipy or with Co(ClO₄)₂ · 6H₂O, respectively. The analogous reaction of Ni(CH₃COO)₂ · 4H₂O or Ni(ClO₄)₂ · 6H₂O with H₂pcp and bipy affords only the [Ni(pcp)(bipy)_0.5(H₂O)₂] species (4). The two cobalt isomers present different structural arrangements. Whereas the red isomer (1) shows an undulated 2D layered structure, the pink one (2) forms an infinite monodimensional strand. Both the architectures extend to higher dimensions through hydrogen bonding interactions. The nickel derivative is isomorphous with the red cobalt isomer. The violet [Co(Hpcp)₂] (3), which is isomorphous with the complexes of the reported series [M(Hpcp)₂], M = Ca(II), Mg(II), presents a monodimensional polymeric structure. Compounds 1 and 4 show a very similar thermal behaviour, the two water molecules being lost in the temperature range 25-150 and 160-320 °C, respectively. Temperature dependent X-ray powder diffractometry (TDXD) has been performed on compound 1 in order to follow the structural transformations that occur during the heating process.     

Different coordination modes of Hdipic and dipic ligands to nickel(II) ions in a same environment (dipic = 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylate, dipicolinate)

Two new nickel(II) complexes of the composition [Ni(cyclam)(Hdipic)₂] · 2H₂O (1) and [Ni(cyclam)(H₂O)₂][Ni(dipic)₂] · 2.5H₂O (2) (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) have been prepared and structurally characterized by a combination of analytical, spectroscopic, thermogravimetric, and crystallographic methods. The structure of 1 shows that the central nickel(II) ion is coordinated axially by two monodentate Hdipic ligands. The discrete neutral complex 1 further extends its structure by hydrogen bonding interactions to form a one-dimensional supramolecule. The structure of 2 consists of two independent nickel(II) centers. Water molecules instead of dipic ligands prefer to coordinate to the Ni1 ion forming a divalent cation [Ni(cyclam)(H₂O)₂]²⁺. Two dipic ligands coordinate to the second Ni2 ion forming a divalent anion [Ni(dipic)₂]²⁻. The divalent cations and anions are charge-balanced, resulting in a molecular salt. The divalent cations and anions are interconnected by multiple types of hydrogen bonding interactions.     

Syntheses, crystal structures and magnetic properties of two adamantane-1,3-dicarboxylato bridged cobalt(II) phenanthroline complexes

Two adamantane-1,3-dicarboxylato bridged cobalt(II) phenanthroline complexes [Co₂(H₂O)₂(phen)₂(adc)₂]·(C₂H₇N)·2H₂O (1) and [Co(H₂O)(phen)(adc)]·H₂O (2) were synthesized in a mixed solvent under 45 °C (H₂adc = adamantane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid). Compound 1 consists of dinuclear [Co₂(H₂O)₂(phen)₂(adc)₂] complex molecules, dimethylamine (C₂H₇N) molecules and hydrogen-bonded water molecules. The dinuclear molecules, via intermolecular hydrogen bonds, are interconnected into hydrogen-bonded chains along [1 0 0] and interdigitation of phen ligands due to interchain π?π stacking interactions assembles the hydrogen-bonded chains into 2D supramolecular layers parallel to (0 0 1). In compound 2, the Co(II) ions are bridged by adamantane-1,3-dicarboxylate anions to form 1D chains along [0 0 1], and the resulting chains are assembled into double-chains based on interchain π?π interactions. The double-chains are further held together via hydrogen bonds into 2D supramolecular layers parallel to (1 0 0). The variable temperature magnetic measurements show an overall weak antiferromagnetic behavior for 1, and an weak ferromagnetic behavior over 300-75 K followed by antiferromagnetic behavior below 75 K for 2.     

2D and 3D sulfate-water supramolecular networks templated via triazole-nickel(II) complexes

Tuning the substituents of triazoles, we obtained di- and tri-nuclearic triazole-nickel complexes [Ni₂(deatrz)₄(H₂O)₅](SO₄)₂ · 7H₂O (1) and [Ni₃(dmtrz)₆(H₂O)₆](SO₄)₃ · 21H₂O (2) (deatrz = 3,5-diethanyl-4-amino-1,2,4-triazole; dmtrz = 3,5-dimethanyl-1,2,4-triazole). The X-ray single-crystal diffraction results reveal that sulfate anions and water clusters form supramolecular networks in both complexes. In 1, a supramolecular two-dimensional structure was fabricated by nano-sized grid with novel tetramer water rings templated via binuclear-nickel(II) cations, while in 2, water molecules and sulfate anions construct the first sulfate-water three-dimensional supramolecular network as host to encapsulate trinuclear-nickel guests.     

Three isomorphous threefold interpenetrated 2D supramolecular frameworks: Synthesis, structure and sorption properties

Strategically designed and synthesized three isomorphous mononuclear complex, M(bpee)₂(6-me-2,3-pyrdcH)₂ [M = Co^II (1), Ni^II (2) and Fe^II (3)] using the mixed ligand system. Structure determination reveals that each mononuclear fragment is engaged in bidirectional H-bonding (O-H···N) interactions forming a 2D supramolecular rectangular grid. Each rectangular grid undergoes threefold interpenetration resulting a 2D interpenetrated supramolecular framework with hydrophobic small pores. CO₂ sorption at 195 K in 1 shows no occlusion in the pore surface, however hysteretic sorption observed with H₂O and MeOH, correlated with the H-bonding interaction of H₂O and MeOH with the pendant carboxylate O-atoms, which are aligned on the 2D surface.     

Synthesis, crystal structures, and characterization of three coordination compounds constructed from 4-sulfophthalic acid ligand

Three new coordination compounds with 4-sulfophthalic acid (H₃SPA) ligand, namely {[Pb₃(4-SPA)₂(H₂O)](H₂O)}_n (1), [Mn(4,4′-bpy)₂(H₂O)₄][Mn₂(4-SPA)₂-(4,4′-bpy)₄(H₂O)₄]·7.5(H₂O) (2) and Cu₂(4-HSPA)₂(2,2′-bpy)₂(H₂O)₂ (3) (4,4′-bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine and 2,2′-bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine), have been synthesized. The structures exhibit different dimensionality depending on the nature of the metal ions and/or the ancillary ligands. Compound 1 has a 2D layered architecture constructed from one-dimensional inorganic lead(II) oxygen chains containing tetranuclear [Pb₄(μ₂-O)₄] cluster. Compound 2 has a dinuclear manganese [Mn₂(4-SPA)₂(4,4′-bpy)₄(H₂O)₄] motif charged with mononuclear [Mn(4,4′-bpy)₂(H₂O)₄]²⁺ cation. Compound 3 is a discrete dinuclear copper(II) structure that linked by extensive hydrogen bonds to form a three-dimensional supramolecular structure. In the solid state, compound 1 exhibits blue photoluminescence with the maximum at 432 nm upon excitation at 350 nm. The temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility data of 2 have been investigated. The Curie constant C and Weiss constant θ are 3.14 emu K mol⁻¹ and −2.09 K, respectively, revealing antiferromagnetically magnetic interactions between the Mn²⁺ ions. In addition, these compounds are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, IR, elemental analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis.     

Supramolecular assembly driven by hydrogen-bonding and π-π stacking interactions based on copper(II)-terpyridyl complexes

Six 2D and 3D supramolecular complexes [Cu(L1)(O₂CCH₃)₂] · H₂O (1), [Cu₂(L2)₂(μ₂-O₂CCH₃)₂](BF₄)₂ (2), [Cu₂(L1)₂(BDC)(NO₃)₂] · 0.5H₂O (3) [Cu₂(L2)₂(BDC)(NO₃)₂] (4), [Cu₂(L3)₂(BDC)(NO₃)₂] · 0.5H₂O (5) and [Cu₂(L2)₂(BDC)(H₂O)₂](BDC) · 8H₂O (6) (L1 = 4′-(4-pyridyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine, L2 = 4′-(2-pyridyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine, L3 = 4′-phenyl-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine, BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate), have been prepared and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction crystallography. In complexes 1, 3, and 4, 1D channels are formed through C-H?O and C-H?N hydrogen-bonding interactions, and further linked into 3D structure via C-H?O and O-H?O interactions. Complex 2 is a 2D layer constructed from intermolecular C-H?F and π-π stacking interactions. In the structure of 6, the BDC²⁻ ions and solvent water molecules form a novel 2D layer containing left- and right-handed helical chains via hydrogen-bonds, and an unusual discrete water octamer is formed within the layer. In 2, 4, 6 and [Ag₂(L2)₂](PF₆)₂ (7) the bonding types of pendent pyridines of L2 depending on the twist about central pyridines are involved in intramolecular (2 and 4), intermolecular (6) or coordination bonds (7) in-twist-order of 5.8°, 3.7°, 28.2° and 38.0°, respectively. Differently, the pendent pyridines of L1 in 1 and 3 form intermolecular hydrogen bonds despite of distinct corresponding twist angles of 25.1° (1) and 42.6°(3). Meanwhile, π-π stacking interactions are present in 1-6 and responsible for the stabilization of these complexes.     

Structures and magnetic properties of one-dimensional polymers constructed with copper(II) salts and pyridinecarboxamide-type ligands

Three complexes of the composition {[Cu(μ_1,5-dca)₂(mppca)₂] · H₂O}_n (1), [Cu(μ_1,5-dca)₂(nppca)₂]_n (2) and [Cu(μ-Cl)₂(mppca)₂]_n (3) (dca = dicyanamide, ; mppca = N-(4′-methylphenyl)-4-pyridinecarboxamide; nppca = N-(4′-nitrophenyl)-4-pyridinecarboxamide) have been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray crystallography and magnetic susceptibility studies. Different supramolecular structures of the complexes have been constructed by different non-covalent motifs in the crystalline solids. In complex 1, adjacent copper(II) atoms are connected by double μ_1,5-dca(end-to-end) bridges to form a chain-like structure. The chains are linked by π-π interactions and hydrogen bonds between the ligands and water molecules to form a 3D network. In complex 2, copper(II) atom has a coordination environment similar to 1, but water molecules have not been found. Weak C-H?N hydrogen bonding and π-π interaction yield a 3D supramolecular network which is different from that of complex 1. Complex 3 is a 1D polymeric chain in which Cu(II) ions are bridged by Cl⁻, and only CH/π interactions had been found. Magnetic measurements revealed antiferromagnetic properties of 1, 3 and ferromagnetic behavior of 2.     

Synthesis, structure and fluorescence of two novel manganese(II) and zinc(II)-1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylate coordination polymers: Extended 3D supramolecular architectures stabilised by hydrogen bonding

Two new coordination polymers {[Mn(H₂btc)(phen)(H₂O)₂]H₂btc · H₂O}_n (1) [H₃btc = 1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylic acid, phen = phenanthroline] and {[Zn₃(btc)₂(H₂O)₈](H₂O)₄}_n (2) have been synthesised and structurally characterised. Both the complexes crystallise as 1D chain, which further propagates through ligand-based hydrogen bonding interactions into a 3D supramolecular architecture. Supramolecular framework of 1 is constructed by [Mn(H₂btc)(phen)(H₂O)₂]⁺ as well as the constituent materials-uncoordinated H₂btc⁻ and water molecules. Complex 2 exists as a corrugated chain with both the bridging and terminal Zn²⁺ ions and each zinc centre is coordinated to four water molecules. Both 1 and 2 are stacked by mutual π-stacking of the ligands and exhibit strong fluorescence emission band at 414 and 400 nm, respectively.     

Stereospecific interactions between dinuclear complex cations involving square-planar [Pt(II)(μ-S)2(bpy)] (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) frameworks derived from optically active octahedral Co(III) units with d- or l-penicillaminates

The reaction of the octahedral mononuclear complex, trans(N)-[Co(l-pen-N,O,S)₂]⁻ (pen = penicillaminate), with [PtCl₂(bpy)] (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) stereoselectively gave an optically active S-bridged dinuclear complex, [Pt(bpy){Co(l-pen)₂}]Cl · 3H₂O (2Cl · 3H₂O), whose structure is enantiomeric to the previously reported [Pt(bpy){Co(d-pen)₂}]Cl · 3H₂O (1Cl · 3H₂O). The mixture of equimolar amounts of 1Cl · 3H₂O and 2Cl · 3H₂O in H₂O crystallizes as [Pt(bpy){Co(d-pen)₂}]_0.5[Pt(bpy){Co(l-pen)₂}]_0.5Cl · 7H₂O (3Cl · 7H₂O), in which the enantiomeric complex cations 1 and 2 are included in the ratio of 1:1. The crystal structures of 2Cl · 3H₂O and 3Cl · 7H₂O were determined by X-ray crystallography, and compared with that of 1Cl · 3H₂O. The structural feature for 2 is essentially consistent with that for 1, except for the absolute configurations around the octahedral Co(III) center. The optically active complex cation 2 exists as a monomer, accompanied by no intermolecular interactions in the π-electronic systems of bpy moieties. In the crystals of 3Cl · 7H₂O, on the other hand, the enantiomeric complex cations, [Pt(bpy){Co(d-pen)₂}]⁺ and [Pt(bpy){Co(l-pen)₂}]⁺, are arranged alternately while overlapping the bpy planes along a axis, and the π electronic system of the bpy framework in [Pt(bpy){Co(d-pen)₂}]⁺ interacts with those in [Pt(bpy){Co(l-pen)₂}]⁺. Differences between the crystal structures of 2Cl · 3H₂O and3Cl · 7H₂O significantly reflect their diffuse reflectance spectra. In aqueous solution, each cation in both 2Cl · 3H₂O and 3Cl · 7H₂O is comparatively put on a free environment without such intermolecular interactions.     

Synthesis, characterization, interaction with DNA and cytotoxicity in vitro of dinuclear Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes dibridged by 2,2'-azanediyldibenzoic acid

The dinuclear complexes [Pd₂(L)₂(bipy)₂] (1), [Pd₂(L)₂(phen)₂] (2), [Pt₂(L)₂(bipy)₂] (3) and [Pt₂(L)₂(phen)₂] (4), where bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline and L = 2,2′-azanediyldibenzoic dianion) dibridged by H₂L ligands have been synthesized and characterized. The binding of the complexes with fish sperm DNA (FS-DNA) were investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy. The results indicate that the four complexes bound to DNA with different binding affinity, in the order complex 4 > complex 3 > complex 2 > complex 1, and the complex 3 binds to DNA in both coordination and intercalative mode. Gel electrophoresis assay demonstrates the ability of the complexes to cleave the pBR 322 plasmid DNA. The cytotoxic activity of the complexes was tested against four different cancer cell lines. The four complexes exhibited cytotoxic specificity and significant cancer cell inhibitory rate.     

One-dimensional silver(I) and mercury(II) complexes with 1,4-bis(1-benzyl-benzimidazol-2-yl)cyclohexane (N-BBzBimCH)

The crystal structures of four Ag(I) and Hg(II) complexes of the ligand 1,4-bis(1-benzyl-benzimidazol-2-yl)cyclohexane (N-BBzBimCH) have been described, that is, [Hg₂(N-BBzBimCH)Cl₄] (1), [Hg(N-BBzBimCH)Br₂] (2), [Ag(N-BBzBimCH)](NO₃)(H₂O) (3) and [Ag₂(N-BBzBimCH)(CF₃OCO)₂] (4). All these compounds show 1D polymeric structures in the solid state. In complexes 1 and 4, the chloride ions and the trifluoroacetate groups bridge the [Hg₂(N-BBzBimCH)Cl₂] and [Ag₂(N-BBzBimCH)] fragments, respectively, to generate 1D polymers. While the bromide ions in complex 2 and nitrate groups in complex 3 are only serving as terminal ligands to suffice the coordination geometry of the metal centers. In all cases, weak intermolecular interactions such as C-H?X (X = Cl, Br) contacts, hydrogen bonds, π-π interactions and C-H?π stacking play important roles to extend the 1D chain structures to 2D network. Solid state fluorescence of these compounds was also studied.     

Zinc(II) complexes with 1,8-naphthyridine-based ligand: Crystal structures and luminescent properties

The reactions of 2,4-dimethyl-7-(2-pyridylamino)-1,8-naphthyridine (L1) with Zn(ClO₄)₂ · 6H₂O, and bis(5,7-dimethyl-1,8-naphthyrid-2-yl)amine ligand (L2) with Zn(OAc)₂ · 2H₂O, ZnCl₂ or Zn(ClO₄)₂ · 6H₂O afforded four blue luminescent zinc(II) complexes, [Zn(L1)₂](ClO₄)₂ · 2CH₂Cl₂ (1), [Zn(L2)(OAc)₂] · CH₂Cl₂ (2), [Zn(L2)₂][ZnCl₄] · 3.5CH₂Cl₂ (3) and [Zn(L2)₂](ClO₄)₂ (4), respectively. Crystal structures of complexes 1-3 have been determined by X-ray structural analyses as mononuclear complexes with pseudo-tetrahedral geometry. The crystal packing of 1 reveals the coordination cation which is self-assembled to stair chains through aromatic π-π interactions. The intermolecular N-H?O hydrogen bond in 2 generates a centrosymmetric H-bonded dimer. However, the crystal lattice of 3 shows that the molecules are linked by extensive intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the amino groups and the anions, resulting in a one-dimensional zigzag chain. Furthermore, these molecular pairs or chains were self-assembled to two-dimensional sheets or three-dimensional networks through aromatic π-π interactions. All the zinc(II) complexes display intense intraligand ¹(π-π^∗) fluorescence with λ_max at 380 and 393 nm for 1, 385 and 404 nm for 2-4 in methanol at room temperature, respectively. Emission quantum yields of these complexes are in the range from 0.41 to 0.57. The broad emission bands in their solid-state emission spectra are attributed to intraligand ¹(π-π^∗) transition and aromatic π-π interactions as well.