A novel samarium complex with interesting photoluminescence and semiconductive properties

[Sm(H2O)4(NO3)3](4,4'-Hbipy)2(NO3)2 (1) (bipy = bipyridine) has been synthesized via hydrothermal reaction and characterized by X-ray diffraction. The title complex features an isolated structure, based on discrete 4,4'-Hbipy moieties, isolated nitrates and [Sm(H2O)4(NO3)3] species. The samarium ion is in a distorted bicapped square antiprism environment, coordinated by three bidentate nitrates and four coordination water molecules. The 4,4'-Hbipy moieties, isolated nitrates and [Sm(H2O)4(NO3)3] species are held together via hydrogen bonds and p…p interactions to form a 3-D supramolecular framework. Luminescent investigation reveals a strong emission in blue region. Optical absorption spectrum of 1 reveals the presence of an optical gap of 3.60 eV.