A dual-functional Cd(ii)–organic-framework demonstrating selective sensing of Zn2+ and Fe3+ ions exclusively and size-selective catalysis towards cyanosilylation

Abstract

A dual-functional complex with the formula Cd₂(L)(DMF)₂(H₂O)₂ (L = 2,3′,5,5′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic acid) has been successfully synthesized under solvothermal conditions and characterized by thermogravimetric analyses, IR spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and single crystal X-ray diffraction. This material can selectively sense Zn²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions over mixed metal ions through fluorescence enhancement and quenching, respectively. The cyanosilylation of aldehydes reaction studied used activated complex as a catalyst; the results showed that this complex with Lewis acid sites can act as a stable heterogeneous catalyst.