A luminescent Li(I)-based metal–organic framework showing selective Fe(III) ion and nitro explosive sensing

• A versatile Li(I)-based metal − organic framework
• Exhibiting rare ant topological net and binuclear Li(I) SBUs
• Selective luminescent detection and mechanism

A new Li(I)-based metal–organic framework (MOF), namely {(Me2NH2)2[Li(NTB)](H2O)3(DMF)2}n (1, NTB = 4.4′,4″-nitrilotrisbenzoate; DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide), has been successfully achieved by solvothermal reaction of a C3-symmetric tricarboxytriphenylamine based ligand and Li(I) ion. The resulting framework features a binuclear Li(I) secondary building unit (SBU) and a rare 3.6-connected ant topology. Luminescence properties of 1 towards different metal ions and solvents have also been investigated systematically, with emission intensities significantly quenched towards Fe(III) ion and nitrobenzene (NB). The quenching mechanism has also been investigated in detail.

A versatile Li(I)-based metal–organic framework with a rare 3.6-connected ant topology has been constructed by employing a C3-symmetric 4.4′,4″-nitrilotrisbenzoic acid, which exhibits relatively high luminescence selective detection for toxic nitrobenzene and Fe(III) ion in solution.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide