In situ 2,5-pyrazinedicarboxylate and oxalate ligands synthesis leading to a microporous europium-organic framework capable of selective sensing of small molecules

A new microporous europium-containing metal-organic framework [Eu-2(mu(2)-pzdc)(mu(4)-pzdc)(mu(2)-ox)(H2O)(4)]center dot 8H(2)O (1) (H(2)pzdc = 2,5-pyrazinedicarboxylic acid, H(2)ox oxalic acid) has been hydrothermally synthesized via an unprecedented in situ formation of 2,5-pyrazinedicarboxylate (pzdc) and oxalate (ox) ligands. Structure 1 was characterized by both single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction analysis. It can be described as a 4-connected binodal Moganite network with the Schlafli symbol of (4.6(4).8)(2)(4(2).6(2).8(2)), which exhibits a reversible and highly selective sensing function with respect to acetone.