Two new coordination polymers containing long flexible bis(benzimidazole) ligand as luminescent chemosensors for acetylacetone and Hg(II) ions detection

The Methylene Spacer Matters: The Structural and Luminescent Effects of Positional Isomerism of n-Methylpyridyltriazole Carboxylate Semi-Rigid Ligands in the Structure of Zn(II) Based Coordination Polymers

Two Zn(II) coordination polymers (CPs) based on n-methylpyridyltriazole carboxylate semi-rigid organic ligands (n-MPTC), with n = 3 (L1) and 4 (L2), have been prepared at the water n-butanol interphase by reacting Zn(NO₃)₂·4H₂O with NaL1 and NaL2. This allows us to systematically investigate the influence of the isomeric positional effect on their structures. The organic ligands were obtained by saponification from their respective ester precursors ethyl-5-methyl-1-(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxylate (P1) and ethyl-5-methyl-1-(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxylate (P2), resulting in their corresponding sodium salt forms, 3-MPTC, and 4-MPTC. The structure of the Zn(II) CPs determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that both CPs have 2D supramolecular hydrogen bond networks. The 2D supramolecular network of [Zn(L1)]n (1) is built up by hydrogen bond interactions between oxygen and hydrogen atoms between neighboring n-methylpyridyltriazole molecules, whereas in [Zn(L2)·4H₂O]n (2) the water molecules link 1D polymeric chains forming a 2D supramolecular aggregate. The structures of 1 and 2 clearly show that the isomeric effect in the semi-rigid ligands plays a vital role in constructing the Zn(II) coordination polymers, helped by the presence of the methylene spacer group, in the final structural conformation. The structures of 1 and 2 significantly affect their luminescent properties. Thus, while 2 shows strong emission at room temperature centered at 367 nm, the emission of 1 is quenched substantially.

The Construct and Interpretation of Chelated Coordination Polymers and Their Use in Nanomaterials Research

Presently, an important step from basic research to practical applications is synthesizing nanostructured materials. Metal-organic structures, as well as coordination polymers, are a diverse group of materials with a wide range of potential and properties applications. It has been difficult to get these materials into commercial use because of many drawbacks. Polymers containing chelated units are described and assessed for their advancements and problems in preparation, properties, and structure. Here, a proposed approach based on designing coordination polymeric materials with chelated units using the metal-ligand approach (CPM-CU-MA) has been introduced for a columnar-layered plan, supramolecular components, and building levels. Nanocomposite materials can be formed through the thermal transformation of coordination polymers based on donor atoms. The polymeric metal chelates (PMCs) are categorized according to luminescent coordination polymer (LCoP) development. It is classified as macrocyclic intracomplex, polynuclear, and molecular according to its macrostructure. Supramolecular networks (SMNs) can be transformed into a coordination polymer by introducing cyclo-dehydrogenation of natural building blocks on a surface. The structure-property connections of LCPs can influence a framework of liquid crystal display (LCP) that has been given based on LC phase modulators with a large modulation depth and has useful applications in LC lens. In the spatial organization of PMCs, the main focus is on the commonalities and contrasts between higher- and lower-molecular-weight chelates based on molecularly imprinted sensors (MISs) and nanomaterial sensors for a wide range of uses. New functional nanoparticles based on the molecular components have exciting potential, as demonstrated by these findings based on parameters risk factors for human health, hazards reduction in the environment, lack of cost-effectiveness, environmental sustainability, and bioavailability of polymers with an overall performance of 95.3%.

Crystal Packing-Driven Selective Hg(II) Ion Sensing Using Thiazolothiazole-Based Water-Stable Zinc Metal-Organic Framework

A soft acid-soft base interaction is highly predictable. However, we demonstrate how the crystal packing of the newly synthesized zinc framework [Zn₂(5-AIA)₂(DPTTZ)]·DMF (where 5-AIA = 5-aminoisophthalic acid, DPTTZ = N,N'-di(4-pyridyl)thiazolo-[5,4-d]thiazole, DMF = N,N'-dimethylformamide) directs an unexpected interaction between the soft acid Hg(II) and the hard base oxygen instead of having a soft center like nitrogen and sulfur in the system attributed to a strong solvent interaction and a favorable ionic radius of Hg(II) ion for oxygen chelation. This engenders selective Hg(II) ion sensing through a "turn-off" emission quenching in water (limit of detection = (2.174 ± 0.06) × 10^-9 M) along with natural water resources and in a broad pH range. A quantum-chemical calculation elucidates the turn-off quenching mechanism and favorable Hg(II) interaction with encompassed oxygen atoms inside the framework.

Two chemically robust Cd(II)-frameworks for efficient sensing of levofloxacin, benzaldehyde, and Fe3+ ions

Two luminescent Cd(II)-organic frameworks [Cd₂(L1)(tdc)₂(H₂O)]_n (1) and [Cd(L2)_0.5(tdc)]_n (2) (L1 = 1,5-bis(1-(pyridine-4-ylmethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)pentane, L2 = 1,6-bis(1-(pyridine-4-ylmethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)hexane, and H₂tdc = 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid) were hydrothermally synthesized and characterized. 1 displays a rare binodal (3,4)-connected 2D cem-d network, while 2 exhibits a 3D mog (moganite) framework. The two MOFs are highly thermally durable and water-stable in a wide pH range from 3 to 12. Interestingly, 1 and 2 represent the first reported examples of multi-responsive probes based on MOFs for selectively detecting levofloxacin, benzaldehyde, and Fe³⁺ ions with reusability. The luminescence sensing mechanisms of the two CPs were explored in detail.

New Ln-MOFs based on mixed organic ligands: synthesis, structure and efficient luminescence sensing of the Hg2+ ions in aqueous solutions

In view of Hg²⁺ ion sensing by luminescence, a series of new, phenanthroline-decorated 3D lanthanide metal organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs) valorising an original combination of four different lanthanides and two organic ligands, i.e. thiobis(4-methylene-benzoic acid) (H₂tmba) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), have been successfully synthesized, namely {[Ln₄(tmba)₆(phen)₄]·m(H₂O)(phen)}_n [Ln = Ce, m = 3 (1); Pr, m = 1 (2); Eu, m = 3 (3); and Tb, m = 3 (4)]. Compounds 1-4 were characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental and thermogravimetric analyses, and powder X-ray diffraction. The luminescence properties of complexes 3 and 4 were thoroughly investigated. It is herein proved that compound 3 sensitively and selectively acts as an excellent luminescent probe for the detection of Hg²⁺ ions in waters, with a detection limit of 1.00 μM. As additional assets, 3 displays superb stability over a wide pH range (3-12) of the aqueous media, as well as convenient recycling after completion of the detection experiments. The rationale for the observed luminescence quenching effect of mercury might be a strong interaction arising between Hg²⁺ ions and the carboxylate oxygen atoms of the tmba^2- ligand. The results open new perspectives for applications in environmental remediation.

Flexible luminescent non-lanthanide metal-organic frameworks as small molecules sensors

Toxic, carcinogenic, and hazardous materials are omnipresent, generally obtained by anthropogenic activities, industrial activities, aerobic and anaerobic degradation of waste materials and are harmful to human health and environment. Thus, sensing, colorimetric detection, and subsequent inclusion of these chemicals are of prime importance for human health and environment. In comparison to other classes of highly porous materials, luminescent metal-organic frameworks (LMOFs) have chromophoric organic ligands, high surface area, high degree of tunability and structural diversity. They have received scientific interest as sensory materials for device fabrication to detect and sense toxic small molecules. Especially, as soft-porous materials exhibiting a degree of flexibility or dynamic behaviour, flexible LMOFs are promising for selective detection and sensing, and for encapsulation of toxic and health hazardous molecules. Such flexible LMOFs offer a potential platform for selective adsorption/separation, molecular recognition, and sensing application. In this perspective, we highlight the advantages of flexibility of LMOFs for selective detection and sensing, and inclusion of toxic small molecules (solvents, anions, halobenzenes, aromatics, aromatic amines, nitro-explosives and acetylacetone). In addition, the principles and strategies guiding the design of these MOF based materials and recent progress in the luminescent detection of toxic small molecules are also discussed. In this perspective we limit our discussion on the 'non-lanthanide' based luminescent MOFs that have flexibility in the framework and show small molecule sensing applications.

Progress in Metal-Organic Frameworks Facilitated Mercury Detection and Removal

Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are noted as exceptional candidates towards the detection and removal of specific analytes. MOFs were reported in particular for the detection/removal of environmental contaminants, such as heavy metal ions, toxic anions, hazardous gases, explosives, etc. Among heavy metal ions, mercury has been noted as a global hazard because of its high toxicity in the elemental (Hg0), divalent cationic (Hg2+), and methyl mercury (CH3Hg+) forms. To secure the environment and living organisms, many countries have imposed stringent regulations to monitor mercury at all costs. Regarding the detection/removal requirements of mercury, researchers have proposed and reported all kinds of MOFs-based luminescent/non-luminescent probes towards mercury. This review provides valuable information about the MOFs which have been engaged in detection and removal of elemental mercury and Hg2+ ions. Moreover, the involved mechanisms or adsorption isotherms related to sensors or removal studies are clarified for the readers. Finally, advantages and limitations of MOFs in mercury detection/removal are described together with future scopes.

One-Step Multicomponent Polymerizations for the Synthesis of Multifunctional AIE Polymers

As a new class of functional luminescent materials, polymers with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) feature attract much attention because of their advantages of efficient solid-state fluorescence, excellent processability, structural diversity, and multifunctionalities. Among all polymerization methods toward AIE polymers, multicomponent polymerizations (MCPs) exhibit the merits of simple operation, good atom economy, high polymerization efficiency, broad functional-group tolerance, etc. In this feature article, the recent progress on the development of one-step MCPs for the synthesis of AIE polymers is highlighted. The representative functionalities of the resulting AIE polymers are illustrated. Perspectives on the challenges and future development directions of this field are also discussed.

Acenaphtoquinoxaline as a selective fluorescent sensor for Hg (II) detection: experimental and theoretical studies

A new fluorescent chemosensor based on quinoxaline was successfully synthesized through a facile and green catalytic reaction of ortho-phenylenediamine (O-PDA) and acenaphthylene-1,2-dione in the presence of SBA-Pr-SO3H. Prepared a "switch-off" quinoxaline-based receptor to recognized Hg2+ ion in high selectively and, without any interference from other metal ions, was developed. The photophysical behavior of this fluorophore was studied in acetonitrile by using fluorescence spectra. The fluorescence properties of several cations to acenaphtoquinoxaline were investigated in acetonitrile, and the competition test displayed that the probe fluorescence changes were specific for Hg2+ ion. The obtained results have shown high selectivity and sensitivity only for Hg2+. Also, the detection limit was as low as 42 ppb, and a top linear trend was observed between the concentration of Hg2+ ions and fluorescence intensity. The binding stoichiometry between chemosensor L and Hg2+ was found to be 1:1. Moreover, a computational study was performed to obtain an electronic description of the fluorescence emission and quenching mechanisms. The optimized structures and binding mechanisms were supported with a high correlation and agreement by spectroscopy and DFT calculations.

Five water-stable luminescent CdII-based metal–organic frameworks as sensors for highly sensitive and selective detection of acetylacetone, Fe3+ and Cr2O72− ions

Five Cd^II-based MOFs with different topologies were prepared, in which 2 and 3 are rare examples which display excellent sensitivity, selectivity, recyclability and structural stability for detection of acac/Fe³⁺ and acac/Cr₂O₇²⁻, respectively.

Dual-responsive luminescent sensors based on two Cd-MOFs: rare enhancement toward acac and quenching toward Cr2O72−

Two luminescent Cd-MOFs were employed as dual-responsive luminescence sensors to detect acac and Cr₂O₇²⁻ through turn-on and turn-off mechanisms.

Three water-stable luminescent two-dimensional CdII-based coordination polymers as sensors for highly sensitive and selective detection of Cr2O72− and CrO42− anions

Three 2D Cd^II-CPs with different topologies were prepared, in which 1 and 3 are rare examples which display excellent sensitivity, selectivity, recyclability and structural stabilities for the detection of Cr₂O₇²⁻/CrO₄²⁻.

Multidimensional luminescent cobalt(ii)-coordination polymers as sensors with extremely high sensitivity and selectivity for detection of acetylacetone, benzaldehyde and Cr2O72−

Three new ternary cobalt(ii) CPs were synthesized. 1 exhibits a 3D pcu framework, 2 possesses a 2D hcb layer and 3 is a 1D chain structure. 1, 2, and 3 can be effective luminescent probes for sensing acetylacetone, benzaldehyde and Cr₂O₇²⁻ ions.