Synthesis and spectral studies on 3d metal complexes of mesogenic Schiff base ligands. Part 1. Complexes of N-(4-butylphenyl) salicylaldimine

A novel mesogenic Schiff base, N-(4-butylphenyl) salicylaldimine ( Hbpsal), was prepared and its ligational behavior towards some 3d metal ions studied. All the metal complexes synthesized were of the general formula, [ M( bpsal)(2)( H2O)(2)] where M = Mn( II), Co( II), Ni( II), Cu( II) and Zn( II). The complexes were structurally characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductance, IR, NMR, and electronic spectral data. The metallo mesogenic phases of the Cu( II) complex were studied by optical microscope. The spectral data show that Hbpsal acts as a bidentate ligand towards the metal ions. Mesogenic studies indicate that the ligand shows a focalconic structure with smectic-A phase while the Cu( II) complex displays smectic-A as well as smectic-E phases.