Three-dimensional metal-organic frameworks constructed from bix and 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylate

Two new metal-organic complexes [Cd-1.5(btrc)(bix)](n) (1) and [Zn-2(btrc)(Hbtrc)(0.5)(bix)(2)](n)(2) (H(3)btrc = 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylate; bix = 1,4-bis(imidazol-l-ylmethyl)-benzene) have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 represents a three-dimensional (3D) structure based on the 2D sheets and bix pillars. Complex 2 exhibits unique architecture. The two complexes exhibit strong fluorescent emissions in their solid states at room temperature.