Two threefold interpenetrated two‐dimensional frameworks based on a flexible imidazole‐containing ligand and benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylate

The open‐chain polyether‐bridged flexible ligand 1,2‐bis2‐(1H‐1,3‐imidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)phenoxy]ethane (L) has been used to create two two‐dimensional coordination polymers under hydrothermal reaction of L with Cd^II or Co^II, in the presence of benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylic acid (H₂bdc). In poly(μ₂‐benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylato){μ‐1,2‐bis2‐(1H‐1,3‐imidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)phenoxy]ethane}cadmium(II)] dihydrate], {Cd(C₈H₄O₄)(C₂₂H₂₂N₄O₂)]·2H₂O}_n, (I), and the cobalt(II) analogue {Co(C₈H₄O₄)(C₂₂H₂₂N₄O₂)]·2H₂O}_n, (II), the Cd^II and Co^II cations are six‐coordinated by four carboxylate O atoms from two different bdc²⁻ dianions in a chelating mode and two N atoms from two distinct L ligands. The metal ions, bdc²⁻ dianions and L ligands each sit across crystallographic twofold axes. The bdc²⁻ coordination mode and the coordinating orientation of the L ligand play an important role in constructing the novel two‐dimensional framework. Complexes (I) and (II) are threefold interpenetrated two‐dimensional frameworks; their structures are almost isomorphous, while the bond lengths, angles and hydrogen bonds are different in (I) and (II).