Syntheses, structural aspects, luminescence and magnetism of four coordination polymers based on a new flexible polycarboxylateElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: IR, TGA curves, luminescent spectra, as well as powder XRD patterns. CCDC reference numbers 769618–769621for compounds 1–4. For ESI and crystallographic data in CIF or other electronic format see DOI: 10.1039/c0ce00393jThis paper is dedicated to the memory of Prof. Robert Bau (1944–2008).

Four novel coordination polymers, {Na2[Co3(H2TTHA)2(H2O)12](H2O)2}·4(H2O) (1), {Na[Cu4(H2TTHA)(HTTHA)(H2O)8](H2O)3}·5(H2O) (2), [Cd3(TTHA)(H2O)4] (3) and [Ca5(HTTHA)2(H2O)8] (4), (H6TTHA = 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine hexaacetic acid) have been synthesized by self-assembly of the flexible hexapodal acid H6TTHA and corresponding metal salts. The four complexes exhibit novel frameworks with different topologies due to diverse coordination modes and different conformations of the flexible H6TTHA. Complex 1shows a 3D network with (4,4,6)-connected topology constructed from parallel one-dimensional hybrid ribbons with nearly planar 24-membered rings, in which all Co(ii) atoms are located in one plane. Complex 2features a 3D (3,4,4,4,7)-connected network bridged by sodium ions from 2D layer structures which are formed through the interconnection of the tetranucleate units and the flexible ligands. Complex 3possesses hybrid layers constructed from zigzag Cd–O chains. These layers are further linked by the TTHA6−ligands with two configurations, leading to another 3D (3,3,8)-connected framework. The metal ions in complex 4are connected into wall-like infinite metal chains which are bridged by the carboxylate groups of ligands into a 3D (3,3)-connected hybrid framework. The framework is further furnished with the ligands forming hydrophobic channels with approximate sizes 3.5 Å × 9 Å based on the distances of the opposite atoms. The enantiometric pairs of ligands are formed in spite of no asymmetric carbon atom in complexes 1–3. Variable temperature magnetic studies down to 2 K reveal antiferromagnetic interactions in complexes 1and 2. Complexes 3and 4are both highly emissive at room temperature. And the luminescent intensities are largely enhanced once they are frozen to 10 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]