Benign synthesis of N-(8-quinolyl)pyridine-2-carboxamide) ligand (Hbpq), and its Ni (II) and Cu (II) complexes. A fluorescent probe for direct detection of nitric oxide in acetonitrile solution based on Hbpq copper(II) acetate interaction

The ligand Hbpq = N-(8-quinolyl)pyridine-2-carboxamide) has been prepared using tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) as an environmentally friendly reaction medium. Four new complexes of this ligand, M(bpq)X] (M = Cu(II), X = SCN? (1), N₃? (2); M = Ni(II), X = SCN? (3), N₃? (4)), have also been synthesized and fully characterized. The crystal and molecular structures of Cu(bpq)(NCS)]_n (1) have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Copper(II) ion adopts a distorted square pyramidal (4 + 1) coordination in this complex. Hbpq ligand shows a strong emission at 500 nm in acetonitrile solution. The emission is quenched in the presence of copper(II) acetate, apparently because of the formation of Cu(L)(OAc)(H₂O)] complex. Introduction of nitric oxide (NO) into the acetonitrile solution at room temperature induces an increase in the fluorescence intensity, presumably due to the reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I). This process is reversible and can form a basis for direct detection of NO.