A zinc complex with a schiff base, ZnL, was synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, infrared spectra, differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetry, in which the ligand compound is N,N'-bis(2-hydroxy-l-naphthylidene)-3, 6-dioxa-1, 8-diaminooctane (H2L). The blue fluorescence of the complex in both solution and solid states was observed. The electroluminescence devices with the ZnL complex as the emitting layer were constructed, which exhibited blue emission with a peak at 455 nm and the maximum brightness of 650 cd m(-2). (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.