Coordination polymers of sodium 2-(quinolin-8-yloxy)propionate: A receptor for selective metal ions

► Unusual bi- and trifurcated carboxylate binding of a sodium ion is reported. ► The reactivity of [{Na2L(H2O)3}Br·H2O]n (1) (where L = 2-(quinolin-8-yloxy)propionate) is shown. ► Reaction of 1 with perchloric acid led to a dinuclear complex, [Na2(HL)2(ClO4)2(μ-H2O)]. ► The fluorescence properties of a cadmium coordination polymer [Cd(L)Br]n are reported. ► Metal ion recognition by 1 is shown.