Two 2D metal–organic frameworks containing flexible bis(benzimidazole) derivatives for selective sensing of acetylacetone and Fe3+ ions

Abstract

Two new metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), {[Co2(L)2(OBA)2]·3H2O}n (1) and {Zn(L)(OBA)]·H2O}n (2) were constructed via N-donor and dicarboxylic acids co-ligands (L = 1,3-bis(5,6-dimethylbenzimidazol-1-yl)-2-propanol and H2OBA = 4,4′-oxybisbenzoic acid) under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods. Two MOFs display 2D layers that are simplified as sql networks. 2 is further extended to 3D supramolecular framework via π–π stacking interactions. 1 and 2 feature high thermal and pH stability. Finally, both MOFs can serve as luminescence probes for sensing of acetylacetone and Fe3+ ions, the related sensing mechanisms are discussed in detail.