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Updated: Mar 9, 2026

Thermochemical Studies of NiII and ZnII Ternary Complexes Using Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry
Published on: June 8, 2022
Coordination-Directed Stacking and Aggregation-Induced Emission Enhancement of the Zn(II) Schiff Base Complex
Dan Wang1, Shu-Mu Li2, Jian-Quan Zheng3
1Beijing Key Laboratory of Energy Conversion and Storage Materials, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University , Beijing 100875, P. R. China.
This study developed a Zn(II) chemosensor, 2-(Trityliminomethyl)-quinolin-8-ol, exhibiting aggregation-induced emission enhancement. This molecule efficiently detects intracellular Zn(II) ions in aqueous media.
Area of Science:
- Coordination Chemistry
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- 2-(Trityliminomethyl)-quinolin-8-ol (HL) and its Zn(II) complex (ZnL2) were synthesized and structurally characterized.
- HL is nonfluorescent, while ZnL2 exhibits weak fluorescence in THF, with enhanced emission in THF/H2O mixtures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the synthesis and characterization of HL and its Zn(II) complex.
- To explore the aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) properties of ZnL2.
- To evaluate HL as a chemosensor for Zn(II) detection.
Main Methods:
- Single-crystal X-ray diffraction for structural analysis.
- UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy.
- Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for aggregate analysis.
- Theoretical computations (B3LYP/TD-B3LYP).
Main Results:
- ZnL2 forms an antiparallel arrangement with Zn(II) coordinated via hydroxyl oxygen and quinoline nitrogen.
- ZnL2 displays aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) in THF/H2O due to J-aggregates formation.
- The fluorescence enhancement is linked to the restriction of Excited-State Intramolecular Proton Transfer (ESIPT).
- HL demonstrates high selectivity and sensitivity for Zn(II) detection.
Conclusions:
- The Zn(II) complex exhibits ESIPT-coupled AIEE properties, making it suitable for sensing applications.
- HL functions as an effective ESIPT-coupled AIEE chemosensor for Zn(II) in aqueous media.
- The molecule's ability to detect intracellular Zn(II) ions is confirmed.
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