Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Luminescent Properties of a Zinc (II) Schiff Base Complex Derived from Salicylaldehyde and Diaminomaleonitrile: Application in Selective Oxidation and Nanoparticle Synthesis

A novel zinc (II) complex of a 1 + 2 condensed Schiff base derived from the template condensation of salicylaldehyde and diaminomaleonitrile has been synthesized and characterized using various spectroscopic techniques, including electronic absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Structural analysis, performed through single-crystal X-ray diffraction, reveals a well-defined coordination geometry, highlighting the binding mode of the Schiff base ligand with the Zn (II) center. The luminescent properties of the zinc complex, along with the free Schiff base ligand, were thoroughly investigated, showing a significant enhancement in fluorescence upon metal coordination. Additionally, the complex was evaluated as a catalyst for the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde in the presence of hydrogen peroxide in water, a green solvent. Furthermore, the zinc complex served as a precursor for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles through thermal decomposition, emphasizing its versatility in material science applications. This work contributes to the development of new luminescent metal complexes with potential applications in catalysis, materials chemistry, and nanomaterials synthesis.