Two different Zn(II) interpenetrating networks derived from different dicarboxylate ligands mixed with a flexible imidazole-based ligand

Two interpenetrating networks based on 1,4-bis(2-methylimidazol-1-ylmethyl)-2,3,5,6-tetramethylbenzene (bmimx), namely, {[Zn₂(bmimx)₂(cba)₂]·2.5H₂O}_n (1) and {[Zn(bmimx)(suc)]·2H₂O}_n (2) (H₂cba = 4,4′-carbonyldibenzoic acid, H₂suc = succinic acid) have been prepared at hydrothermal condition by varying the dicarboxylate ligands. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction indicates that complex 1 shows a 4-connected dmp net with 3-fold interpenetration which contains 1D (Zn − cba)_n right- and left-handed helical chains; complex 2 shows a dia topology with 4-fold interpenetration. The results indicate that the spacers of dicarboxylate coligands have an important effect on the interpenetrating characters and ultimate frameworks. Moreover, the photoluminescence properties of the two complexes were studied in the solid state at room temperature.