Synthesis, structure and luminescence property of 2D lanthanide complexes with 3-fluorophthalate and oxalate

► [Ln2(fpht)2(ox)(H2O)4]·H2O (fpht=3-fluorophthalate; ox=oxalate) show 2D structures. ► The 2D structures are constructed from Ln-fpht double-stranded helices and ox linkage. ► The Sm(III), Eu(III) and Tb(III) complexes show the characteristic emission of the Ln(III) ions. ► Dy(III) complex displays ligand-based luminescent behavior.