Structure and applications of metal–organic framework based on cyanide and 3,5-dichloropyridine

•(CuCN)2·(3,5-dClpy)2, 1 is backed by H-bonds, π–π stacking and lp–π interaction.•The MOF 1 was used as heterogeneous catalyst for the degradation of MB dye.•The cytotoxic effect of the MOF 1 on the viability of MCF-7 cells was determined.•The luminescence behavior of 1 provides the foundation for VOC-sensing devices.

The reaction of the aqueous/acetonitrile solutions of K3[Cu(CN)4] and 3,5-dichloropyridine (3,5-dClpy), in the presence of Me3SnCl affords a new metal–organic framework (MOF), 3∞[(CuCN)2·(3,5-dClpy)2]3∞[(CuCN)2·(3,5-dClpy)2], 1. The structure of the MOF 1 was characterized by IR, UV–visible, TGA and X-ray single crystal analysis. The structure of MOF 1 consists of CuCN building blocks which are connected by CN group forming 1D-zig-zag chains. Each chain is bridged to another chain by hydrogen bonding organizing 2D-sheets. The structure of 1 is further close packed by hydrogen bonds, π–π stacking and lp–π interactions creating 3D-network. The emission spectra and the thermodynamic parameters from TGA of the MOF 1 were discussed. The MOF 1 was used as heterogeneous catalyst for the oxidative discoloration of methylene blue dye (MB) by dilute solution of hydrogen peroxide as oxidant. The in vitro cytotoxic activity has been evaluated against the human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7. The cytotoxic effect of the MOF 1 on the viability of MCF-7 cells was determined by MTT assay.

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