Single-ion activities and Zn/Zn(II) reactions in alkali chloride solutions

The title subject has been studied through equilibrium potential measurements on the Zn/Zn(II) and the Ag/AgCl electrode vs. SCE and galvanostatic single-step and chronopotentiometric polarization measurements on the former electrode, all in acidified (to pH about 3) solutions of 0.005 M ZnCl₂+0.99 M MeCl (for Me=Li, Na, K, and Cs) at 25°C. It is found that the Zn(II) activity decreases together with the alkali-ion activity along the sequence LiCl>NaCl>KCl>CsCl, that the chloride-ion activity essentially is insensitive to mutual substitutions of alkali ions, and that the Zn/Zn(II) reactions exhibit no other than pure activity effects of such substitutions. The results support that the Zn/Zn(II) electrode reacts in two consecutive steps with Zn(I) as intermediate, and that some sluggishness appears in chemical reactions to and from electroactive Zn(II) species.     

Effect of ammonia on the Zn(Hg)/Zn(II) electrode reactions in aqueous chloride solutions

The title subject has been studied using single pulse and chronopotentiometric polarization measurements on the Zn(Hg)/Zn(II) electrode and equilibrium measurements on the same and the Zn/Zn(II) electrode, mainly in 2 M NH₄Cl with 0–0.3 M NH₃. At low ammonia concentrations, the Zn(Hg)/Zn(II) reactions are found to occur in two consecutive charge-transfer steps with Zn(I) as intermediate, and with little or no participation of ammonia. At higher ammonia concentrations, however, nearly symmetric transfer by divalent zinc ion (α=0.5 and n=2) to and from diammine species appears to be the predominant charge-transfer step.     

Effect of halides and alkali cations on the Zn(Hg)/Zn(II) electrode reactions

The title subject has been studied by galvanostatic single-pulse, chronopotentiometric and equilibrium measurements on the Zn(Hg)/Zn(II) electrode in x M KI+(1?x) M KCl (x from 0 to 1), 1 M KBr and 1 M MeCl (Me=Li, Na, K and Cs) solutions of pH 3 at 25°C. Quantitative information about the effect of specifically adsorbed halides on the rates of the Zn(II)/Zn(I) and the Zn(I)/Zn(Hg) steps is obtained separately (for the latter step mainly at potentials near ?1.0 V(SCE)), and the latter step seems to be more influenced than the former by the adsorption. An attempt is made to correlate the adsorption effect on the rate of the Zn(II)/Zn(I) step to double-layer parameters according to recent models for such effects. The extra current observed at potentials where the halides are adsorbed, seems to vary with the surface activity of the specifically adsorbed ion. The lack of any observed kinetic effect of Cs⁺, which is specifically adsorbed at these potentials, is possibly due to the Cs⁺ specific adsorption enhancing the Cl^? specific adsorption and vice versa, so that the decelerating and accelerating effects by these ions may cancel each other.     

Synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of new tetradentate Schiff base and its coordination compounds of NOON donor atoms and their antibacterial and antifungal activity

New Schiff base (H₂L) ligand is prepared via condensation of o-phthaldehyde and 2-aminobenzoic acid in 1:2 ratio. Metal complexes are prepared and characterized using elemental analyses, IR, solid reflectance, magnetic moment, molar conductance, ¹H NMR, ESR and thermal analysis (TGA). From the elemental analyses data, the complexes were proposed to have the general formulae [MCl(L)(H₂O)]·2H₂O (where M = Cr(III) and Fe(III)); [M(L)]·yH₂O (where M = Mn(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II), y = 1–2) and [M(L)(H₂O)_n]·yH₂O (where M = Co(II) (n = y = 2), Co(II) (n = y = 1), Ni(II) (n = 2, y = 1). The molar conductance data reveal that all the metal chelates were non-electrolytes. IR spectra show that H₂L is coordinated to the metal ions in a bi-negative tetradentate manner with NOON donor sites of the azomethine-N and carboxylate-O. The ¹H NMR spectral data indicate that the two carboxylate protons are also displaced during complexation. From the magnetic and solid reflectance spectra, it was found that the geometrical structure of these complexes are octahedral (Cr(III), Fe(III), Co(II) and Ni(II)), square planar (Cu(II)), trigonal bipyramidal (Co(II)) and tetrahedral (Mn(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II)). The thermal behaviour of these chelates showed that the hydrated complexes losses water molecules of hydration in the first step followed immediately by decomposition of the ligand molecule in the subsequent steps. The biological activity data show that the metal complexes to be more potent/antibacterial than the parent Shciff base ligand against one or more bacterial species.     

Metal complexes of gliclazide: Preparation,spectroscopic and thermal characterization. Biological potential study of sulphonylurea gliclazide on the house fly,Musca domestica (Diptera – Muscidae)

Metal complexes of gliclazide (GLZ; HL) drug are prepared and characterized based on elemental analyses, IR, diffused reflectance, magnetic moment, molar conductance and thermal analyses (TG and DTG) technique. From the elemental analyses data, the complexes are proposed to have the general formulae [M(HL)Cl₃(H₂O)]·3H₂O (M = Cr(III) and Fe(III)), [M(HL)Cl₂(H₂O)₂]·yH₂O (M = Co(III), Ni(II) and Cu(II), y = 0–2) and [M(HL)Cl₂]·yH₂O (M = Mn(II) and Zn(II), y = 0–1). The molar conductance data reveal that all the metal chelates are non-electrolytes. IR spectra show that GLZ is coordinated to the metal ions in a neutral bidentate manner with ON donor sites of the amide-O and sulphonamide-OH. From the magnetic and solid reflectance spectra, it is found that the geometrical structures of these complexes are octahedral (Cr(III), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II)) and tetrahedral (Mn(II) and Zn(II)). The thermal behaviour of these chelates is studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TG and DTG) techniques. The results obtained show that the hydrated complexes lose water molecules of hydration followed immediately by decomposition of the anions and ligand molecules in the successive unseparate steps. The activation thermodynamic parameters are calculated using Coats–Redfern method. The GLZ drug, in comparison to its metal complexes also is screened for their biological activity against house fly, Musca domestica (Diptera – Muscidae). Dose of 5 μg/insect of gliclazide is typically applied against 3 days-old larval instar of M. domestica. Survival of pupal and adult stages has been affected by the complexes of gliclazide more than larval instars. Morphogenic abnormalities of larvae, pupae and adults are studied. On the other hand, pupation and adult emergence program is deteriorated by the effect of different chemicals.     

Thermal Behaviour of the N-donor Adducts of Metal Saccharinates. II. 1,10-phenanthroline saccharinato complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Pb(II)

Adducts of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Pb(II) saccharinates with 1,10-phenathroline were synthesized and their thermoanalytical (TG, DTG and DTA) curves in the 20–1000°C temperature interval and static air atmosphere were recorded. The complexes are best represented as M(C₁₂H₈N₂)_x(C₇H₄NO₃S)₂⋅yH₂O (x=2, 2, 2, 2 and 1; y=1, 1, 2, 1 and 2 for M=Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb, respectively). The decomposition of the compounds regularly started with dehydration, followed by loss of the phenanthroline ligand(s). The structures of the Cu and Pb complexes are notably different from other compounds. FTIR spectra of the title compounds in the region of the OH, CO and SO₂ stretching vibrations were also studied. The pronounced similarity of the spectra of Co, Ni and Zn adducts indicates possible isomorphism among them. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Chelating behavior, thermal studies and biocidal efficiency of tioconazole and its complexes with some transition metal ions

New seven metal complexes of tioconazole drug with the general formulae [MCl₂(L)₂(H₂O)_x].yH₂O (where, x = 0 and y = 1 for M = Mn(II) or x = 2, y = 2 for M = Co(II)), and x = 0, y = 3 for M = Cu(II), Ni(II), Zn(II)) and [MCl₂(L)₂(H₂O)₂]Cl.3H₂O (where M = Cr(III) and Fe(III)) have been prepared and characterized based on elemental analyses, IR, magnetic moment, molar conductance, and thermal analyses techniques. From molar conductance data bivalent metal chelates are non-electrolytes while Cr(III) and Fe(III) chelates are electrolytes and of 1:1 type. According to the IR spectral data, TCNZ is coordinated to the metal ions in a neutral unidentate manner with N donor site of the imidazole–N. All the complexes are octahedral except Mn(II) complex has tetrahedral structure. TCNZ drug and its metal complexes were also screened for their biological activity.     

The effect of ligand basicity on the thermal stability of heterodinuclear NiII–ZnII complexes

Four complexes of the nuclear structure Ni^II–Zn^II were prepared with bis-N,N′-(salicylidene)-1,3-propanediamine (LH₂), bis-N,N′-(salicylidene)-2,2′-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine (LDMH₂) and the reduced derivatives of these Schiff bases, bis-N,N′-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-1,3-propanediamine (L^HH₂), bis-N,N′-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-2,2′-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine (LDM^HH₂). The complexes were characterized using IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and thermogravimetric methods. The stoichiometry of the complex molecules were found to be NiL·ZnCl₂·(DMF)₂, NiLDM·ZnCl₂·(DMF)₂, NiL^H·ZnCl₂·(DMF)₂ and NiLDM^H·ZnCl₂·(DMF)₂. The molecular models of the complexes prepared with the reduced Schiff bases were determined according to the X-ray diffraction method. It is seen that in these complexes Ni(II) is in octahedral and Zn(II) is in tetrahedral coordination sphere. Ni(II) ion is coordinated between two nitrogen and two oxygen donors of the ligand and oxygen donors of the two DMF molecules. Zn(II) ion on the other hand is coordinated between two oxygen of the organic ligand forming two μ bonds. It also coordinates two Cl ions. The thermogravimetric analysis showed that the complex NiLDM^H·ZnCl₂·(DMF)₂ containing methyl groups is more stable than the other complex NiL^H·ZnCl₂·(DMF)₂ containing reduced Schiff base. The coordinative DMF molecules in NiLDM^H·ZnCl₂·(DMF)₂ were thermally cleaved. However, the cleavage of DMF molecules NiL^H·ZnCl₂·(DMF)₂ resulted in the thermal degradation of the complex. In order to explain the TG data of the ligands were titrated in non-aqueous medium and their basicity strengths were determined. It was found that the basicity of the ligands containing two methyl groups were stronger. It is understood that the two methyl groups increase the negative charge density on nitrogen causing an increase in complex stability.     

X-ray diffraction and vibrational spectroscopic studies of indolecarboxylic acids and their metal complexes: Part VII. Indole-2-carboxylic acid and catena-poly[[diaquazinc(II)]-bis(μ2-indole-2-carboxylato-O:O′)]

The catena-poly[[diaquazinc(II)]-bis(μ²-indole-2-carboxylato-O:O′)], [Zn(I2CA)₂(H₂O)₂]_n has been synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis and the infrared and Raman spectroscopic methods. The co-ordination of the indole-2-carboxylate anion to Zn(II) results in the formation of the [Zn(I2CA)₂(H₂O)₂]_n, in which the Zn(II) cations lie on inversion centres in space group P2_1/c, with water ligands in the apical sites of octahedral geometry. Moreover, the infrared and Raman spectra of indole-2-carboxylic acid (I2CA) and the infrared spectrum of deuterated derivative of indole-2-carbocylic acid (I2CA-d2) are recorded in the solid phase. The theoretical wavenumbers, infrared intensities and Raman scattering activities were calculated by density functional B3LYP and mPW1PW91 methods with the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set for I2CA and I2CA-d2 and with the 6-311++G(d,p)/LanL2DZ basis sets for the theoretical model of Zn(I2CA)₂(H₂O)₂]_n. The detailed vibrational assignment has been made on the basis of the calculated potential energy distribution for all molecules.     

Synthesis, structural characterization and selectively catalytic properties of metal-organic frameworks with nano-sized channels: A modular design strategy

Modular design method for designing and synthesizing microporous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with selective catalytical activity was described. MOFs with both nano-sized channels and potential catalytic activities could be obtained through self-assembly of a framework unit and a catalyst unit. By selecting hexaaquo metal complexes and the ligand BTC (BTC=1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate) as framework-building blocks and using the metal complex [M(phen)₂(H₂O)₂]²⁺ (phen=1,10-phenanthroline) as a catalyst unit, a series of supramolecular MOFs 1-7 with three-dimensional nano-sized channels, i.e. [M¹(H₂O)₆]·[M²(phen)₂(H₂O)₂]₂·2(BTC)·xH₂O (M¹, M²Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), or Mn(II), phen=1,10-phenanthroline, BTC=1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate, x=22−24), were synthesized through self-assembly, and their structures were characterized by IR, elemental analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. These supramolecular microporous MOFs showed significant size and shape selectivity in the catalyzed oxidation of phenols, which is due to catalytic reactions taking place in the channels of the framework. Design strategy, synthesis, and self-assembly mechanism for the construction of these porous MOFs were discussed.     

Synthesis,Structure and Photoluminescent Properties of Zn(II)/Cd(II)‐Complexes Containing 2,4,6‐Tris‐(benzimidazolyl‐2‐yl)pyridine Ligand

Hydrothermal reactions of tridentate rigid 2,4,6‐tris‐(benzimidazolyl‐2‐yl)pyridine (pytbzim) ligand and Zn(II)/Cd(II) salts generate binuclear complexes {[Cd₂Cl₂(pytbzim)₂(H₂O)₂]·2NO₃}_n ( 1 ) and two isomorphs {[M₂Cl₂(pytbzim)₂(H₂O)₂]Cl₂·2H₂O}_n [M=Cd ( 2 ), Zn ( 3 )]. All complexes include [M₂Cl₂(pytbzim)₂(H₂O)₂] dimers, which are further connected into a three‐dimensional supramolecular networks through ?‐? stacking interaction and hydrogen bonds. The solid state photoluminescent studies reveal good fluorescent properties of the pytbzim ligand and complexes 1 – 2 at room temperature.     

A new route to bimetallic azine-bridged complexes: synthesis and characterization of mononuclear (Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn), homobinuclear (Zn-Zn) and heterobinuclear (Mn-Zn, Co-Zn, Ni-Zn, Cu-Zn) azine-bridged complexes

Summary A novel unsymmetrical tetradentate azine, 2-acetyl-pyridinesalicylaldazine (Haps), was prepared by condensing salicylhydrazone with 2-acetylpyridine, and was characterized by elemental analysis and its i.r. spectrum. This ligand reacted with Mn, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn acetates to yield deprotonated M(aps)₂(H₂O)₂ complexes. Subsequent reaction of the mononuclear unit Zn(aps)₂(H₂O)₂ with MCl₂ gave homo- [ZnCl₂Zn(aps)₂(H₂O)₂] and heterobinuclear [MCl₂Zn(aps)₂(H₂O)₂] type azine-bridged complexes, which were characterized by analytical, molecular weight, conductivity (solid and solution), magnetic susceptibility, and electronic, e.s.r. and i.r. spectroscopies, and X-ray powder diffraction data.     

4,7,13,16,21,24-hexaoxa-1,10-diazoniabicyclo[8.8.8]-hexacosane tetrachloromanganese(II) and tetrachlorozinc(II) hydrates: Synthesis and crystal structures

Two complex salts, i.e., 4,7,13,16,21,24-hexaoxa-1,10-diazoniabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane tetrachloromanganese(II) and tetrachlorozinc(II) hydrates, [H₂(Crypt-222)][MnCl₄] · 1.5H₂O (I) and [H₂(Crypt-222)][ZnCl₄] · 2H₂O (II) were synthesized and their crystal structures were studied by X-ray diffraction. Crystals I and II are trigonal (space group R \(\bar 3\) c, Z = 12); I: a = 11.033, c = 77.775 Å; II: a = 11.046, c = 77.555 Å (the structures were solved by the direct method and refined by the full-matrix least-squares method in anisotropic approximation to R = 0.056 (I) and 0.065 (II) for all 2634 (I) and 2636 (II) independent reflections; CAD-4 automated diffractometer, λMoK _α). The [MnCl₄]^2? or [ZnCl₄]^2? anion in structures I or II and the 2.2.2-cryptand dication (with two protonated N atoms) lie on crystal axis 3. The dication contains trifurcate hydrogen bonds N⁺-H(…O)₃. The bond lengths and bond angles in tetrahedral anions [MnCl₄]^2? or [ZnCl₄]^2? are disproportional, probably, due to the Jahn-Teller effect. The molecules of water of crystallization in crystals I, II are disordered over two positions.     

K2M(H2P2O7)2·2H2O (M = Ni,Cu, Zn): ortho­rhom­bic forms and Raman spectra

The crystal structures of three isotypic ortho­rhom­bic dihydrogendiphosphates, namely dipotassium copper(II)/nickel(II)/zinc(II) bis­(dihydrogendiphosphate) dihydrate, K₂M(H₂P₂O₇)₂·2H₂O (M = Cu, Ni and Zn), have been refined from single‐crystal data. The M²⁺ and K⁺ cations are located at sites of m symmetry, and the P atoms occupy general positions. These compounds also exist in triclinic forms with very similar structural features. The structures of both forms are compared, as well as the geometry of the MO₆ octa­hedron, which is considerably elongated towards the water mol­ecules for M = Ni and Cu. Such elongation has not been observed among the other representatives of the family. A Raman study of the whole series K₂M(H₂P₂O₇)₂·2H₂O (M = Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Mg) is reported.     

Electrochemistry of copper in aqueous acetonitrile

The electrochemical characteristics of the Cu (II)/Cu (I) and the Cu (I)/Cu (0) couples at platinum, carbon, mercury and copper have been studied in acetonitrile-water (AN-H₂O) mixtures. All the electrode processes are moderately fast with mercury the fastest but slower on platinum and carbon paste in that order. A slow chemical step precedes oxidation of Cu (I) to Cu (II) on allectrodes in solutions of high AN content. The slow step may be partial removal of AN from the solvated Cu (I) ion prior to electron transfer. Electrode processes are faster in chloride ions than in sulfate ion solutions. Reduction of Cu (I) in AN–H₂O is quite slow on glassy carbon. Adsorption of AN on platinum and carbon influences the processes. Diffusion coefficients in sulfate solutions are in the order, Cu (I) (AN–H₂O)>Cu (II)(AN–H₂O)>Fe (III)(H₂O) and 2-hydroxy-cyanoethane (2-HCE) strongly decreases the mobility of Cu (I) when added to H₂O. The relevance of the measurements to hydrometallurgical processes is considered. CuSO₄ in 30% v/v AN–H₂O is a faster oxidant than the common oxidant Fe₂(SO₄)₃ in H₂O because of the greater mobility and faster electron acceptance from a corroding surface of Cu (II). Only in solutions of very high nitrile content is the reduction potential of CuSO₄ as high as that of Fe₂(SO₄)₃ in H₂O.     

Synthesis of layered zinc hydroxide chlorides in the presence of Al(III)

Zinc hydroxide chloride particles were synthesized by hydrolysis of ZnCl₂ solutions dissolving AlCl₃ at different atomic Al/Zn ratios from 0 to 1.0 and characterized by various techniques. Increasing Al/Zn ratio changed the crystal phases of the products as ZnO→ZnO+ZHC (Zn₅(OH)₈Cl₂·H₂O)→ZHC→LDH (layered double hydroxides, Zn-Al-Cl) and the particle morphology as agglomerates (ZnO)→fine particles (ZnO)→plates (ZHC)+rods (ZnO)→plates (ZHC)→plates (LDH). The atomic Cl/Zn ratios of LDH particles formed at Al/Zn?0.3 were ca. 0.3 despite the increase of Al/Zn ratio, being due to the intercalation of CO₃²⁻ into the LDH crystal. The OH⁻ content of LDH estimated by TG was reduced by the deprotonation of OH⁻ to counteract the excess positive charge produced by replacing Zn(II) with Al(III). ZHC exhibited a high adsorption selectivity of H₂O.     

Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of some chloro complexes of imidazole-2-carbaldehyde semicarbazone: X-ray crystal structure of cis-NiCl2(H2L)(H2O)

Some first row transition metal(II) complexes of imidazole-2-carbaldehyde semicarbazone (H₂L) have been synthesised and characterised. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies have revealed the molecular structure of the neutral complex NiCl₂(H₂L)(H₂O). This latter complex shows a pseudo-octahedral geometry, with both chloride ions displaying a cis disposition. The asymmetry of this complex allows the formation of two enantiomers in the racemic crystal structure. The non-deprotonated semicarbazone ligand behaves as an N,N,O-donor, through the imidazole and imine N atoms and the O_keto atom. The coordinative behaviour of H₂L in CuCl₂(H₂L)(H₂O), ZnCl₂(H₂L)₂·0.5EtOH and CoCl₂(H₂L)₂·0.5H₂O is reported as only N,O-donor. The antimicrobial activity of the semicarbazone ligand and its metal complexes has been tested against some representative bacteria and fungi. A moderate inhibitory activity of the cobalt complex was detected towards the assayed phytopathogenic fungi Alternariatenuis and Sclerotinia minor (MIC 50 μg/mL).     

pH-Triggered Molecular Switch Toward Texture-Regulated Zn Anode

Zn electrodes in aqueous media exhibit an unstable Zn/electrolyte interface due to severe parasitic reactions and dendrite formation. Here, a dynamic Zn interface modulation based on the molecular switch strategy is reported by hiring γ-butyrolactone (GBL) in ZnCl₂/H₂O electrolyte. During Zn plating, the increased interfacial alkalinity triggers molecular switch from GBL to γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). GHB strongly anchors on Zn surface via triple Zn−O bonding, leading to suppressive hydrogen evolution and texture-regulated Zn morphology. Upon Zn stripping, the fluctuant pH turns the molecular switch reaction off through the cyclization of GHB to GBL. This dynamic molecular switch strategy enables high Zn reversibility with Coulombic efficiency of 99.8 % and Zn||iodine batteries with high-cyclability under high Zn depth of discharge (50 %). This study demonstrates the importance of dynamic modulation for Zn electrode and realizes the reversible molecular switch strategy to enhance its reversibility.     

Determination of electrochemical kinetic parameters by square-wave polarography: Polarographic reduction of Zn(II) in 1 M KCl,KBr, and KNCS solutions

A new method of determining electrochemical kinetic parameters by square-wave polarography was presented, in which the faradaic current at θ/2, θ being the half-period of superimposed square-wave voltage, was used for the analysis. The method gave the following kinetic parameters for the electrode reaction, Zn(II) + 2e(Hg), in aqueous solutions at 25° C: k_c^θ=0.0052 cm s^?1 and α_c=0.36 in 1 M KCl, k_c^θ=0.011 cm s^?1 and α_c=0.30 in 1 M KBr, and k_c^θ=0.020 cm s^?1 and α_c=0.52 in 1 M KNCS. Induced adsorption of Zn(II) on the dropping mercury electrode was suggested in solutions containing thiocyanate ions.     

Syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetic and fluorescence properties of three metal complexes coordinated by mixed flexible (2-pyridylmethyl,3-pyridylmethyl)amine and rigid 5-sulfoisophthalate ligands

Three new complexes, {[Cu₃(2,3-pyma)₂(sip)₂(H₂O)₅]·5H₂O} _n , {[Zn(H-2,3-pyma)(sip)(H₂O)]·H₂O} _n , and {[Cd(H-2,3-pyma)(sip)(H₂O)]·H₂O} _n (2,3-pyma = (2-pyridylmethyl,3-pyridylmethyl)amine and H₃sip = 5-sulfoisophthalic acid) were synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The Cu(II) complex crystallizes in neutral two-dimensional layers in which the Cu(II) centers are bridged by both the flexible 2,3-pyma and the rigid sip ligands. The Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes contain neutral one-dimensional chains linked by the rigid sip anions, whereas the flexible H-2,3-pyma ions only act as terminal ligands. The Cu(II) complex shows weak antiferromagnetic interactions, while the Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes exhibit fluorescent emissions in the solid state.