Zinc(II) and copper(II) ternary complexes of phthalate and imidazole were synthesized by room temperature solid-state reaction with o-phthalic acid (H2phth), imidazole (Im) and zinc acetate or copper acetate as raw materials. The compositions and structures of the complexes were characterized by chemical and elemental analysis, Fourier transformed infrared spectra, X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetry analysis and fluorescence spectra. The results show that the compositions of the

more »

... s are Zn(phth)(Im)•2H2O and Cu(phth)(Im)2•2H2O, respectively, the ligands are coordinated simultaneity with Zn(II) or Cu(II) via the carboxyl group of o-phthalic acid to form bidentate chelates and the nitrogen atom of imidazole is formed M-N bond with metal ion. Thermal decomposition processes of the complexes include dehydration, oxidation and pyrolysis of the ligands and finally as metallic oxide. Fluorescence spectra of the compound Cu(phth)(Im)2•2H2O with DNA show corresponding biological activity.