A novel multichromic Zn(II) cationic coordination polymer based on a new flexible viologen ligand exhibiting aniline detection in the solid state

In this work, a novel multichromic cationic coordination polymer, named [Zn-4(BTC)(3)(bcbpy)(2)]center dot 5H(2)O (1), based on a new flexible viologen ligand 1,1'-bis(3-cyanobenzyl)-[4,4'-bipyridine]-1,1'-diium (H(2)bcbpy center dot 2Cl), Zn(NO3)(2)center dot 6H(2)O and pyromellitic acid (H4BTC) was synthesized. Compound 1 has good photosensitive activity and can respond to sunlight at room temperature. The colour of compound 1 changes rapidly in response to UV light and blue ray irradiation within 5 s. We rarely obtained the crystal structures after irradiation under UV light and blue ray. At the same time, compound 1 shows the hydrochromism phenomenon when heated at 120 degrees C, and it also shows the ability of detecting aniline and NO2- under low-concentration conditions (10(-4) M).

Automated summary

A novel multichromic cationic coordination polymer with good photosensitivity was synthesized in this work, showing rapid color changes in response to UV and blue light, hydrochromism when heated, and the ability to detect aniline and NO2- under low-concentration conditions.