Two 2D metal–organic frameworks containing flexible bis(benzimidazole) derivatives for selective sensing of acetylacetone and Fe3+ ions.

Two metal organic frameworks based on flexible bis(benzimidazole) ligand, namely {[Co 2 (L) 2 (OBA) 2 ]·3H 2 O} n (1) and {[Zn(L)(OBA)]·H 2 O} n (2), were synthesized under hydrothermal condition. 1 and 2 can serve as probes for sensing acetylacetone and Fe3+ ions. [Display omitted] • Two new CPs based on bis(benzimidazole) ligands were synthesized and characterized. • 1 and 2 are dual-responsive probes for detection of acetylacetone and Fe3+ ions. • The luminescence sensing mechanisms can be ascribed to competitive absorption of energy and electron transfer. Two new metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), {[Co 2 (L) 2 (OBA) 2 ]·3H 2 O} n (1) and {Zn(L)(OBA)]·H 2 O} n (2) were constructed via N -donor and dicarboxylic acids co-ligands (L = 1,3-bis(5,6-dimethylbenzimidazol-1-yl)-2-propanol and H 2 OBA = 4,4′-oxybisbenzoic acid) under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods. Two MOFs display 2D layers that are simplified as sql networks. 2 is further extended to 3D supramolecular framework via π–π stacking interactions. 1 and 2 feature high thermal and pH stability. Finally, both MOFs can serve as luminescence probes for sensing of acetylacetone and Fe3+ ions, the related sensing mechanisms are discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]