Structure of a Luminescent MOF-2 Derivative with a Core of Zn(II)-Terephthalate-Isoquinoline and Its Application in Sensing of Xylenes

A new blue photoluminescent 2D metal–organic framework, 1, with formula {[Zn2(μ2-BDC)2(iQ)2]}∞ has been synthesized in a high yield under solvothermal conditions by reacting Zn(II) ions with 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid (H2BDC) and isoquinoline (iQ) in DMF. Compound 1 was thoroughly characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, solid-state cross-polarization magic-angle spinning 13C NMR, X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and thermoanalysis. The crystal structure of 1 showed interpenetrated 2D frameworks consisting of dinuclear paddle-wheel cores Zn2; moreover, this material possessed thermostability up to 310 °C. The CPMAS 13C-NMR spectrum of 1 is consistent with the symmetry of the crystal structure. Luminescence studies showed that 1 strongly enhances its fluorescence emission in the presence of xylene isomers with a pronounced selectivity to p-xylene.