Solvent-regulated assembly of two new Cd(II) coordination polymers based on 3-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl) propanoic acid

► Two Cd(II) coordination polymers have been obtained using different solvents. ► Complex 1 exhibits a (4,4) network constructed from linear finite pentanuclear cadmium SBUs. ► Complex 2 is a 1D chain with interesting helical character. ► Complexes 1 and 2 exhibit intense, large red-shift emissions in the visible region.