1-D wave-like chain, twofold 2-D layer, and chiral 3-D open framework based on multidentate ligand: Structural diversities, thermal properties, and photoluminescence

From 1-D to 3-D zinc coordination polymers based on multifunctional flexible 4-(1,2,4-triazole-methylene)-benzonitrile (tzbt), {[Zn(tzbt)₂(bdc)]·2H₂O}_n (1), [Zn(tzbc)₂]_n (2), and [Zn(bpdc)(H₂O)]_n (3) (bdc = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid, tzbc = 4-(1,2,4-triazole-methylene)-benzoic acid, bpdc = 4,4′-biphenyldicarboxylic acid), were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. The tzbt was synthesized by N-alkylation and hydrolyzed in situ to produce tzbc (in 2). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that 1 displays 1-D wave-like chains based on [Zn(bdc)]_n. 2 is a chiral twofold interpenetrating 2-D architecture constructed with "V"-shaped tzbc. 3 is a 3-D chiral compound constructed from achiral H₂bpdc with right-handed helical chains. 1-3 display stable blue-emitting luminescence with emission maxima ranging from 383 to 410 nm, depending on ligand-centered π∗→π transitions. The effects of different polarity solvents and temperature on luminescence are discussed. TGA and VT-XPRD reveal that 2 has thermal stability to 360 °C.