Two Zn(II) coordination polymers constructed by a new tricarboxylate and different N-containing ligands: synthesis,crystal structures,and selective luminescence sensing for Fe3+ in aqueous solution

Two Zn(II) coordination polymers, {Zn₃(L)₂(bipy)₂(H₂O)₄}_n (1) and {Zn(HL)(4,4′-bibp)}_n (2), were obtained from Zn(II) nitrate, a tricarboxylate ligand (H₃L) and different N-containing ligands with hydrothermal conditions, where H₃L = 4-((6-carboxynaphthalen-2-yl)oxy)phthalic acid, bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine, and 4,4′-bibp = 4,4′-di(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-1,1′-biphenyl. Single-crystal X-ray analysis reveals that 1 has a 2-D layer framework formed by L^3? and bipy and 2 has an infinite 1-D structure with Zn₂ units built by 4,4′-bibp ligands. The phase purity, IR spectra, thermal stabilities, and fluorescence properties in the solid state of 1 and 2 were investigated. Moreover, 1 and 2 were chosen as fluorescent probes to sense different metal ions, showing selective response to Fe³⁺ ion through luminescence quenching. The possible sensing mechanism to Fe³⁺ ion is also discussed.