Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of Coordination Polymers Based on 1,4-Bis((2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl)benzene and Different Carboxylate Ligands

Three novel coordination polymers, formulated as {[Zn(1,4-bmimb)(PhAA)2]·H2O}n (1), [Cu(1,4-bmimb)0.5(2,6-PyDC)]n (2), and {[Cu(1,4-bmimb)0.5(2-PAC)(HCOO)]·2H2O}n (3) (1,4-bmimb = 1,4-bis((2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl)benzene; PhAA = phenylacetic acid; 2,6-PyDC = pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid; 2-PAC = 2-pyrazinecarboxylic acid), were synthesized by the self-assembly of mixed ligands with Zn(II) and Cu(II) under solvothermal conditions and characterized by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction, X-ray powder diffraction, infrared spectra, thermogravimetric analysis, fluorescence spectra and UV-vis absorption spectra. 1 is shown as a Z-shaped chain, which is formed by Zn2+, PhAA ligands, and 1,4-bmimb ligands, and is assembled into a 3D structure by hydrogen bonding and π···π interaction. Similarly, 2 displays a single chain, which is built by Cu2+, 2,6-PyDC ligands, and 1,4-bmimb ligands, and is assembled into a 3D structure by hydrogen bonding and π···π interaction. 3 possesses a 1D ladder structure, which is formed by Cu2+, 2,6-PyDC ligands, and 1,4-bmimb ligands, and is assembled into a 3D structure by hydrogen bonding. The luminescence properties (for 1) and UV-vis spectrum (for 2 and 3) were also studied and discussed.