Fluorescent self-assembled monolayers of bis(salicylaldiminato)zinc(II) Schiff-base complexes

The synthesis and fluorescence properties of novel bis(salicylaldiminato) zinc (II) Schiff-base complexes is reported. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of these complexes are obtained by reaction of coupling layers, functionalized quartz substrates and a derivatized precursor complex. A comparison between the integrated emission intensity of the SAM films and that of a suitable model compound in solution indicates molecular fluorescence retention of the Zn-II Schiff bases on going from the solution phase to the monolayer. This is consistent with the absence of significant self-quenching processes, as expected on the basis of the relatively high estimated surface coverage. (C) Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004.