Syntheses,structures, and properties of transition metal coordination polymers based on a long semirigid tetracarboxylic acid and multidentate N-donor ligands

Six transition metal coordination polymers based on a semirigid tetracarboxylic acid and the multidentate N-donor ligands have been synthesized by the hydrothermal method, namely, {[Co(H₂obda) (μ₂-H₂O) (H₂O)₂]·2H₂O}_n (1), {[Co(obda)_0.5(bpe) (H₂O)₂]·3H₂O}_n (2), {[Zn(H₂obda) (H₂O)₄]·H₄obda·6H₂O}_n (3), {[Zn(bpy) (H₂O)₄]·H₂obda}_n (4), {[Ni(bpy) (H₂O)₄]·H₂obda}_n (5) and {[Cu(H₂obda) (bpy)₂]}_n (6) (H₄obda = 1,4-bis(4-oxy-1,2-benzene dicarboxylic acid)benzene, bpe = 1,2-Bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene), bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine). Compounds 1–6 were structurally characterized by the elemental analyses, infrared spectra, and single crystal X-ray diffractions. Compounds 1–2 exhibit the 2D quadrilateral and polygonal layered grid structures, respectively; a 3D supramolecular structure of 2 has been build via π···π and hydrogen bonds interactions. Compounds 3–6 reveal the 1D zigzag and linear chains structures, respectively; furthermore, 3–5 display the diverse 3D supramolecular structures via hydrogen bonds, respectively. The 1-D infinite water chain in 3 has been found between the lattice water molecules. In addition, the thermogravimetric analyses of 1–6, magnetic property of 1, and photoluminescence of 3–4 have been investigated, respectively.     

Synthesis,characterization and property study of new coordination polymers constructed from flexible dicarboxylates and bidentate nitrogen mixed ligands

Five new coordination polymers, [Cd(1,2′-cy)_0.5(bix)H₂O]_n (1), [Cd₂(1,2′-cy)₂(1,10′-phen)₂(H₂O)₂] (2), {[Co(1,2-cy)(2,2′-bipy)(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O}_n (3) {[Cd(succ)(1,10′-phen)H₂O]·H₂O}_n (4), and {[Cd(succ)(2,2′-bipy)H₂O]·2H₂O}_n (5) (1,2-cy = 4-cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboxylate, succ = succinic acid, bix = 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene, 1,10′-phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, 2,2′-bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine), have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystallographic X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 shows a two-dimensional covalent layer structure. Complex 2 exhibits a two-dimensional supramolecular layer network composed from discrete fundamental units. Complex 3 exhibits a one-dimensional covalent chain-like structure, which further extends to a two-dimensional supramolecular structure with hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions respectively. Complexes 4 and 5 show three-dimensional supramolecular networks composed from one-dimensional chain-like covalent structures. Furthermore, the magnetic property of complex 3 and fluorescent properties of complexes 1, 2, 4 and 5 have also been studied.     

Solvent-free synthesis of three layered manganese sulfate-oxalates with different pore apertures

Three manganese sulfate-oxalates, namely, H₂pip·Mn₂(SO₄)₂(ox)(H₂O)₂·2H₂O (1), H₃ipa⋅Mn₂(SO₄)(ox)_2.5·H₂O (2), and H₃dpta⋅Mn₂(SO₄)₂(ox)_1.5(H₂O)₃ (3), were prepared under solvent-free conditions, where pip = piperazine, ox = oxalate, ipa = 3,3′-iminobis(N,N-dimethylpropylamine), and dpta = dipropylenetriamine. These compounds have different layered structures intercalated with organic cations. Their pore apertures range from small 8-membered ring (8 MR) to large 12 MR and extra-large 20 MR. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility of these compounds were also investigated.     

Synthesis,structure and characterization of new 1D and 2D Ni(II) coordination polymers

Two new Ni(II) coordination polymers, namely [Ni₃(Hsdac)₂(sdac)₂(2,2′-bipy)₂] (1) and [Ni₂(sdac)₂(4,4′-bipy)₂]·2H₂O (2) (sdba = 4,4′-sulfonyldibenzoate, 2,2′-bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, 4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine), have been prepared under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Compound 1 possesses an interesting chain structure. Adjacent chains are further linked through H-bond interactions between Hsdac ligands to give a two-dimensional (2D) supramolecular architecture. Compound 2 displays an unusual 2D polyrotaxane-like network.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of a new organically templated three-dimensional open-framework gallium phosphate–phosphite (C6N2H18)2(C6N2H17)Ga15(OH)8(PO4)2(HPO4)12(HPO3)6·2H2O

Using H₃PO₃ as a phosphorus source and oxalic acid as a reducing agent, the first three-dimensional open-framework gallium phosphate–phosphite formula as (C₆N₂H₁₈)₂(C₆N₂H₁₇)Ga₁₅(OH)₈(PO₄)₂(HPO₄)₁₂(HPO₃)₆·2H₂O (1), has been hydrothermally synthesized in the presence of N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylenediamine (TMEDA) as a structure-directing agent. Compound 1 crystallizes in trigonal system with space group P ? 3, a = b = 19.046(3) Å, c = 8.3306(17) Å, γ = 120°, V = 2617.1(7) Å³, and Z = 1. Its 3-D network is based on alternated Ga-centered (GaO₄ tetrahedra, GaO₅ trigonal bipyramids, and GaO₆ octahedra) and P-centered (PO₄^3?, HPO₄^2?, and HPO₃^2?) units. Protonated organic amines and water molecules are located in the 12-membered ring channels.     

Solvothermal synthesis of new open-framework metal phosphites with structure-directing agents generated in situ

By using amide molecules and a urea derivative as the source of structure-directing agents (SDAs), three open-framework metal phosphites, (CH₃NH₃)₂·[Be₃(HPO₃)₄] (1), (CH₃CH₂NH₃)₂·[Be₃(HPO₃)₄] (2), and [(CH₃)₂NH₂]_1.5·(H₃O)_0.5·[Al₄(HPO₃)₇(H₂O)₃]·(H₂O)_0.5 (3), have been synthesized under solvothermal conditions. Compound 1 has left- and right-handed helical channels running along the [001] directions. Compound 2 possesses zigzag 12-ring channels running along the [001] direction. Compound 3 contains multidirectional 12-ring channels running along the [100], [010], and [110] directions. It is noteworthy that the direct use of methylamine, ethylamine and dimethylamine as SDAs can't produce corresponding single crystals of compounds 1–3, demonstrating the slow release of amines from amide molecules and urea derivative is a key process for the crystal growth.     

A series of novel 1D coordination polymers constructed from metal–quinolone complex fragments linked by aromatic dicarboxylate ligands

Self-assembly of quinolones with metal salts in the presence of aromatic dicarboxylate ligands affords a series of novel 1D metal–quinolone complexes, namely [Mn(Hppa)(oba)]·3H₂O (1), [Co(Hppa)(oba)]·3.25H₂O (2), [Zn(Hppa)(sdba)]·1.5H₂O (3), [Mn(Hcf)(bpda)(H₂O)]·2H₂O (4), [Mn(Hppa)₂(bpdc)] (5) and [Mn(Hlome)₂(bpdc)]·4H₂O (6) (Hppa = Pipemidic acid, Hcf = ciprofloxacin, Hlome = lomefloxacin). The structures of compounds 1–3 consist of novel polymeric chains spanning two different directions, which display an intriguing 1D → 3D inclined polycatenation of supramolecular ladders. Compound 4 exhibits a chain compound formed from the interconnection of [Mn₂(Hcf)₂(μ-CO₂)₂] dimers with bpda ligands. Compounds 5 and 6 are similar chain compounds constructed from [Mn(Hppa)₂] (or [Mn(Hlome)₂]) fragments linked by bpdc ligands. The magnetic properties of 4 have been studied, which indicate the existence of antiferromagnetic interactions. Furthermore, the luminescent properties of compound 3 are discussed.     

Complexes derived from the copper(II) perchlorate/maleamic acid/2,2′-bipyridine and copper(II) perchlorate/maleic acid/2,2′-bipyridine reaction systems: Synthetic,reactivity, structural and spectroscopic studies

A systematic investigation of the reactions of Cu(ClO₄)₂ · 6H₂O with maleamic acid (H₂L) in the presence of 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) has been carried out. The chemical and structural identity of the products depends on the solvent, the absence or presence of external hydroxides in the reaction mixture and the molar ratio of the reactants. Various reaction schemes have led to the isolation of the complexes [Cu₂(HL)₂(bpy)₂(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ (1), [Cu₂(HL)₂(bpy)₂(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ · 2H₂O (1 · 2H₂O), [Cu(L′′)(bpy)]_n · 2nH₂O (2 · 2nH₂O), [Cu₂(L′′)(bpy)₂(H₂O)₂]_n(ClO₄)_2n · 0.5nH₂O (3 · 0.5nH₂O), [Cu₂(L′′)₂(bpy)₂] · 2MeOH (5 · 2MeOH), [Cu₂(L′)₂(bpy)₂(ClO₄)₂] (6) and [Cu(ClO₄)₂(bpy)(MeCN)₂] (7b), where L′′^2? and L′^? are the maleate(?2) and monomethyl maleate(?1) ligands, respectively. The HL^? ion has been transformed to L′′^2? and L′^? in the known compounds 2 · 2nH₂O and 6, respectively, via metal ion-assisted processes involving hydrolysis (2 · 2nH₂O) and methanolysis (6) of the primary amide group. The reaction that leads to 6 takes place through the formation of the mononuclear complex [Cu(ClO₄)₂(bpy)(MeOH)₂] (7a), whose structure was assigned on the basis of its spectral similarity with the structurally characterized complex 7b. The structures of the cations in 1 and 1 · 2H₂O consists of two Cu^II atoms bridged by the carboxylate groups of the two HL^? ligands, each exhibiting the less common η² coordination mode; a chelating bpy molecule and a H₂O ligand complete square pyramidal coordination at each metal centre. The structure of the dinuclear repeating unit in the 1D coordination polymer 3 · 0.5nH₂O consists of two Cu^II atoms bridged by two syn,syn η¹:η¹:μ₂ carboxylate groups belonging to two L′′^2? ions; each ligand bridged two neighboring [Cu^II,II₂] units thus promoting the formation of a helical chain. The structure of the dinuclear molecule of complex 5 · 2MeOH consists of two Cu^II atoms bridged by two η² carboxylate groups from two L′′^2? ligands; the second carboxylate group of each maleate(?2) ligand is monodentately coordinated to Cu^II, creating a remarkable seven-membered chelating ring. The L′^? ion behaves as a carboxylate-type ligand in 6, with the carboxylate group being in the familiar syn,syn η¹:η¹:μ₂ coordination mode; a chelating bpy molecule and a coordinated ClO₄^? complete five-coordination at each Cu^II centre. The crystal structures of the complexes are stabilized by various H-bonding patterns. Characteristic IR bands of the complexes are discussed in terms of the known structures and the coordination modes of the ligands.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structures and Magnetic Properties of Three New Polynuclear Cu(II) Complexes Based on the Methoxybenzoate Isomers

In this paper, self-assembly reactions of copper(II) ions, methoxybenzoate isomers and 2,2′-bipyridine yield two copper-oxygen polynuclear complexes: [Cu₂(bpy)₂(2-C₈H₇O₃)₃]·(2-C₈H₇O₃)·14H₂O 1, [Cu₄(bpy)₄(H₂O)(OH)₄]·4(3-C₈H₇O₃)·17H₂O 2, and a simple mononuclear complex [Cu(bpy)(H₂O)(4-C₈H₇O₃)₂] 3. (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, C₈H₇O₃ = methoxybenzoate ion). Single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reval that compound 1 is a dinuclear copper(II) complex which bridged by three carboxylate groups, and 2 presents a discrete step-like tetra-nuclear copper Cu₄O₄ core. Compound 3 shows a square pyramidal mononuclear geometry. The magnetic susceptibility of complex 1 measured from 2 to 300 K, revealed an antiferromagnetic interaction between the Cu(II) ions. Furthermore, the results about IR spectra and thermal analyses were discussed.     

Magnetic and catalytic properties of the 2D copper(II) functionalized VPO hybrid system [{Cu(bpy)}2(VO)3(PO4)2(HPO4)2]·2H2O

The hybrid 2D compound [{Cu(bpy)}₂(VO)₃(PO₄)₂(HPO₄)₂]·2H₂O (1), has been investigated due to its interesting magnetic and catalytic properties. Compound (1) acts as an efficient catalyst in the epoxidation of cyclohexene and styrene. The chemoselectivity towards the epoxidation of cyclohexene is notoriously higher than the one observed towards styrene. The bulk antiferromagnetic behaviour of [{Cu(bpy)}₂(VO)₃(PO₄)₂(HPO₄)₂]·2H₂O (1) can be well described with a pentanuclear model, using five J values. Both antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic interactions mediated by phosphate bridges are found to be present in this hybrid copper(II)–vanadium(IV) material.     

From discrete entity to three-dimensional architecture: Syntheses,crystal structures and optical properties of a series of transition metal complexes constructed from 4-carboxymethylbenzoic acid and 4,4′-bipyidine

Five new interesting transition metal coordination polymers [MnL₂(bpy)₂(H₂O)₂]_n (1) (H₂L = 4-carboxymethylbenzoic acid) (bpy = 4,4′-bipyidine), [CoL(bpy)(H₂O)₃ · H₂O]_n (2), [CdL(bpy)(H₂O)₃ · H₂O]_n (3), [Cu₂L(bpy)₂ · 3H₂O]_n (4) and [Zn₂L₂(bpy) · H₂O]_n (5) have been synthesized under solvothermal conditions and structurally characterized. This series of complexes has shown an intriguing variety of architectures, which firstly form zero- to two-dimensional frameworks by metal–ligand interactions, and secondly form three-dimensional supramolecular frameworks by intermolecular interactions such as hydrogen bonds. Compound 3 shows strong blue fluorescent emissions in the solid state upon photo-excitation at 359 nm at room temperature and may be an excellent candidate for blue-fluorescent materials. Compound 4 appears to be a good candidate for new hybrid inorganic–organic NLO materials.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and structure characterization of two six-connected metal–organic frameworks based on the mixed ligands

Two metal–organic frameworks, namely, [Ni₂(BIMB)₂(ndd)₂·H₂O]_n (1) and [Zn₃(ndd)_2.5(μ₃-OH)(1,3-dpp)]_n (2) (H₂ndd = 2,2′-(naphthalene-1,5-diylbis(oxy))diacetic acid, BIMB = 1,4-bis[(1H-imidazol-1-ly)methyl]benzene, 1,3-dpp = 1,3-di(pyridin-4-yl)propane) have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. Compound 1 presents a two-dimensional network with point symbol of (3⁶·4⁶·5³)-hxl topology. Moreover, compound 2 displays a novel 2-fold interpenetrated structure with the point symbol of (4¹²·6³)-pcu topology based on the hexanuclear [Zn₆(CO₂)₁₀(N)₄] unit as a six-connected node. Meanwhile, compound 2 shows good fluorescence property in the solid state at room temperature.     

Assembly of two novel inorganic–organic hybrid solids based on 3-(aminomethyl)pyridine ligand

Two new inorganic–organic hybrids, (Hampy)Zn₂(PO₄) (HPO₃) (1) and (ampy)Zn₂(HPO₃)₂ (2), where ampy = 3-(aminomethyl)pyridine, have been solvothermally prepared and structurally characterized. Compound 1 exhibits an unusual two-dimensional layer structure, which possesses a central 4.8² zincophosphate sheet wrapped by infinite zincophosphite chains. Left- and right-handed helical chains participate in the formation of the zincophosphate layer. Compound 2 features a three-dimensional pillared-layer structure, in which two-dimensional Zn^II(HPO₃) inorganic sheets were cross-linked by ampy ligands. The simultaneous occurrence of zinc-amine helical chains in 2 is unique and, to the best of our knowledge, firstly encountered in phosphite/phosphate hybrid materials. Different coordination modes and roles of the same ampy ligand were observed in the formation of the hybrid structures.     

Two zincophosphite frameworks templated by 1,4-diaminobenzene: syntheses and structures of C6N2H10·Zn(HPO3)2 and (C6N2H8)0.5·ZnHPO3

The solution-mediated syntheses and single crystal structures of C₆N₂H₁₀·Zn(HPO₃)₂ (I) and (C₆N₂H₈)_0.5·ZnHPO₃ (II) are reported. Slight variation of the synthesis conditions led to two quite different phases. I contains infinite chains of ZnO₄ and HPO₃ groups with the protonated organic moiety acting as a template and interacting with the chains by NH⋯O hydrogen bonds and possible CH⋯O interactions. In II, the neutral 1,4-diamino benzene molecule bonds to Zn (as a ligand) and an unusual composite, “pillared”, structure results, with the organic species bridging 6³ polyhedral sheets, although NH⋯O bonds are also present. Similarities and differences to other zinc phosphites and phosphates are briefly discussed for I and II. Crystal data: C₆N₂H₁₀·Zn(HPO₃)₂, M_r=335.48, monoclinic, C2/c (No. 15), a=17.2471 (14) Å, b=9.0720 (8) Å, c=7.6529 (6) Å, β=103.752 (2)°, V=1163.09 (7) Å³, Z=4, R(F)=0.038, wR(F²)=0.084. (C₆N₂H₈)_0.5·ZnHPO₃, M_r=199.42, orthorhombic, Pbca (No. 61), a=8.0314 (16) Å, b=8.1299 (16) Å, c=18.830 (4) Å, V=1229.5 (4) Å³, Z=8, R(F)=0.026, wR(F²)=0.055.     

Hydrothermal synthesis,structure and properties of copper–bipyridine complexes substituted mono-vacant Keggin arsenotungstate

A new arsenotungstate, [H₂AsW₁₁O₃₉][Cu₃(2,2′-bipy)₃(H₂O)₂(OH)]·2H₂O (1) (2,2′-bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine), has been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV–Vis, TG and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound 1 represents the first example of copper–bipyridine complexes substituted mono-vacant Keggin polyoxotungstate containing As^V. Compound 1 exhibits fluorescent property at room temperature. Furthermore, compound 1 has been used as a solid bulk-modifier to fabricate bulk-modified carbon paste electrodes (1-CPE) by direct mixing. The electrochemical behavior and electrocatalysis of 1-CPE have been studied in detail.     

Carboxylic-supported copper complexes as catalyst for the green oxidative coupling of 2,6-dimethylphenol: Synthesis,characterization and structure

Three new Cu(II) complexes with carboxylic ligand, namely {[Cu(qc)₂(py)]·4H₂O}_∞ (1), [Cu(qc)₂(4,4′-bpy)]_∞ (2) and [Cu(pc)(2,2′-bpy)(H₂O)]₂·H₂O (3) (Hqc = 3-hydroxy-2-quinoxalinecarboxylic acid, H₂pc = 4-hydroxyphthalic acid, py = pyrazine) have been synthesized and characterized. In both 1 and 2, each Cu(II) ion is coordinated by two quinoxalinecarboxylate moieties in the equatorial plane and two 4,4′-bpy or pyrazine units provide coordination in the axial positions, thus, resulting in a 1-D polymeric chain structure. Complex 3 has a dimeric structure in which two Cu(II) cations are bridged by two deprotonated pc^2? ligands and two 2,2′-bpy molecules. As heterogeneous catalysts, the title complexes showed high catalytic efficiency in the green oxidative polymerization of 2,6-dimethylphenol (DMP) to poly(1,4-phenylene ether) (PPE) in the presence of H₂O₂ as oxidant in water under mild conditions. Moreover, they allow reuse without significant loss of activity through four runs, which suggests that these catalysts are efficient, mild, and easily recyclable for the oxidative coupling of DMP. The preliminary study of the catalytic–structural correlations suggests that the coordination environment of the metal center plays an important role in the improvement of their catalytic efficiencies.     

Dual-ligand approach to the synthesis of new luminescent cadmium(II) coordination polymers with one- and two-dimensional homochiral structures

Two new homochiral cadmium(II) coordination polymers, Cd₂(bipy)₂(H₂O)₂ (cam)₂ (1) and Cd₂(phen)₂(cam)₂·eg (2), where bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, H₂cam = (1R, 3S)-(+)-camphoric acid, and eg = ethylene glycol, have been synthesized by a dual-ligand approach. Compound 1 possesses a chain-like architecture and compound 2 has a layered structure with a (4,4) grid topology. Both compounds crystallize in the space group C2 and exhibit intense photoluminescence upon photoexcitation at 280 and 300 nm, respectively.     

New α,ω-dicarboxylate coordination polymers with 4,4′-bipyridine: Cu(bpy)(C5H6O4), Zn(bpy)(C5H6O4), Zn(bpy)(C6H8O4) and Mn(bpy)(C8H12O4) · H2O

Four 4,4′-bipyridine α,ω-dicarboxylate coordination polymers Cu(bpy)(C₅H₆O₄) (1), Zn(bpy)(C₅H₆O₄) (2), Zn(bpy)(C₆H₈O₄) (3) and Mn(bpy)(C₈H₁₂O₄) · H₂O (4) have been synthesized and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods (bpy = 4,4-bipyridine, (C₅H₆O₄)²⁻ = glutarate anion, (C₆H₈O₄)²⁻ = adipate anion, (C₈H₁₂O₄)²⁻ = suberate anion). Their crystal structures are featured by dimeric metal units, which are co-bridged by 4,4′-bipyridine ligands and dicarboxylate anions such as glutarate, adipate and suberate anions to generate 2D layers with a (4,4) topology in 1, 2 and 4 as well as to form 3D frameworks in 3. Two 3D frameworks in 3 interpenetrate with each other to form a topology identical to the well-known Nb₆F₁₅ cluster compound. Over 5–300 K, the paramagnetic behavior of 4 follows the Curie–Weiss law χ_m(T − Θ) = 4.265(5) cm³ mol⁻¹ with the Weiss constant Θ = −6.3(2) K. Furthermore, the thermal behavior of 3 and 4 is also discussed.     

Syntheses,structures and magnetic studies of three heterometallic Fe2Ln 1D coordination polymers

Three new heterometallic 1D coordination polymers [Fe^III₂Pr(4-Me-sal)₄(2,2′-bipy)₂(H₂O)₆](NO₃) · 2MeOH · 1.5H₂O (1), [Fe^III₂Gd(4-Me-sal)₄(2,2′-bipy)₂(H₂O)₅]Cl_1/2(NO₃)_1/2 · 5H₂O (2) and [Fe^III₂Dy(4-Me-sal)₄(2,2′-bipy)₂(H₂O)₅]Cl_1/2(NO₃)_1/2 · 5H₂O (3) have been synthesized. 1 and 2 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, and 3 was shown to be isomorphous to 2 by X-ray powder diffraction. Magnetic studies show that the three compounds show a similar temperature dependence of their magnetic susceptibilities over the range 1.8–300 K. The observed decrease of χT with decreasing temperature for all three compounds could be the result of antiferromagnetic interactions between Fe–Ln centres and/or the depopulation of the Stark sublevels in the case of the anisotropic Ln ions (Pr^III and Dy^III).     

Supramolecular assembly of three Ag(I) coordination polymers derived from flexible N-containing ligands and polycarboxylates: synthesis,structures, and catalytic properties

Three Ag(I) coordination polymers [Ag(L1)]·(H₃bptc)·H₂O (1), [Ag₂(L2)(oba)]·H₂O (2), and [Ag₂(L2)₂]·(H₂bptc) (3) [L1 = 1,4-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazole)butane, L2 = 1,4-bis(2-methylbenzimidazole)butane, H₄bptc = 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid, H₂oba = 4,4′-oxybis(benzoic acid)] constructed from N-containing ligands with different flexibilities and organic carboxylates as co-ligands have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. All three complexes display 1D chain structures, which are further extended into 2D supramolecular networks via non-classical C–H···O hydrogen bonding interactions. The fluorescence and catalytic properties of the complexes 1–3 have been investigated in detail. Complexes 2 and 3 reveal promising catalytic activities for the degradation of methyl orange in a Fenton-like process.