N–H–O and weak interactions stabilizing the schiff base/picrate multicomponent salt.

Abstract

Here, a new picrate salt containing a protonated Schiff base (SB) is presented. The new compound presents a high melting point (246-250 °C), compared to base free (99-101 °C), such as expected for a salt. Also, UV-Vis and infrared experiments were carried out to in order to confirm the presence of both components, a protonated SB and the picrate anion. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals the formation of the new compound, containing an ion pair in the asymmetric unit. The intramolecular interactions and, mainly, the intermolecular interactions were explored in detail. The salt presents strong N–H…O hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions stabilize the crystal self-assembly, differing from neutral SB which presents only weak interactions. Finally, we investigate the fluorescence properties and capability coordination with metals by Jobs method of the SB, however, no significant results were observed.