Synthesis, structure and properties of a heterometallic 4f-5d complex [Sm(Hinic)3(H2O)2]n·(1.5nHgCl4)·(2nH2O)
A novel complex with samarium and mercury [Sm(Hinic) 3 (H 2 O) 2 ] n ·(1.5 n HgCl 4 )·(2 n H 2 O) ( 1 ) (Hinic = pyridine-4-carboxylic acid, i.e. isonicotinic acid), has been synthesized via hydrothermal reaction and structurally characterized. Complex 1 is characteristic of a one-dimensional polycationic chain-like structure. Photoluminescent investigation reveals that the title complex displays interesting emissions in violet, blue, green, orange and red regions. The luminescence spectra show the stronger violet and blue emissions than the green, orange and red ones. The green, orange and red emission bands are attributed to the characteristic emissions of 4 G 5/2 → 6 H J ( J = 5/2, 7/2, 9/2) of Sm 3+ ions. Optical absorption spectra of 1 reveal the presence of a wide optical bandgap of 3.27 eV. The magnetic properties show that complex 1 exhibits antiferromagnetic-like interactions.