Synthesis, structure, and properties of a 3D porous Zn(ii) MOF constructed from a terpyridine-based ligand

Abstract

A new 3D porous metal–organic framework [Zn₂L₂]·5H₂O (H₂L = 4′-(furan-2-yl)-[2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine]-4,4′′-dicarboxylic acid) has been solvothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by TGA, PXRD, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 possesses a 3D porous framework with a sra topology. Gas adsorption measurements with N₂, H₂ and CO₂ confirm its permanent porosity. Importantly, complex 1 exhibits excellent fluorescence properties that have been exploited to sense organic nitro compounds and metal ions, and the results show that complex 1 bears rapid and selective sensing capabilities for 4-NPH and 4-NP through fluorescence quenching.