Two nd-zn and sm-zn isonicotinic/nicotinic Acid complexes.

The 4f-3d heterometallic complexes [Nd(L)3(H2O)2]2(ZnCl4)3n • 4nH2O (1) (L = isonicotinic acid) and [Sm(L')3(H2O)2]2(ZnCl4)n • 2nH2O (2) (L' = nicotinic acid) have been obtained by hydrothermal reactions and structurally characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffractions. Both complexes feature an infinite 1-D polycationic chain-like structure. Photoluminescent investigations reveal that both complexes display totally different emissions. The emission of complex 1 is attributed to the π → π* charge-transfer interaction of the isonicotinic acid. Complex 2 exhibits emissions in a wide range, and the emissions are ascribed to the characteristic emissions of 4G5/2 → 6HJ (J = 5/2, 7/2, 9/2, 11/2) of Sm3+ ions.