Three 2D complexes with helical chains constructed from pimelic acid and rigid bis (imidazole) ligand: Syntheses, structures, thermal and photoluminescent properties

► Three 2D complexes with helical chains have been synthesized and characterized. ► 1 and 2 consist of left- and right-handed helical chains and display 36-hxl nets. ► 3 consists of single-helical and double-helical chains with intercrossed arrangement.