Construction of [EuZn(glycinate)(oxalate)2(H2O)2]n: An unusual heterometallic 3D 3d–4f coordination framework generated by in situ glycinate synthesis

The 3D heterometallic 3d–4f coordination polymer, [EuZn(gly)(ox)2(H2O)2]n, 1, (gly = glycinate, ox = oxalate), was the product of the hydrothermal synthesis of glycinate from the reaction of tetrazole-1-acetic acid, sodium oxalate, zinc and europium salts in the presence of a trace quantity of nitric acid. Coordination polymer 1 exhibits an unusual 3D heterometallic coordination framework that is built up by heterometallic dinuclear EuZn secondary building units and mixed ox and gly linkers in a uninodal 6-connected vme {33.43.58.6} net. The solid-state photoluminescence and lifetime characteristics of 1 reveal intense red luminescence.

Graphical abstractHydrothermal synthesis of the 3D heterometallic 3d–4f coordination polymer, [EuZn(gly)(ox)2(H2O)2]n, 1, (gly = glycinate, ox = oxalate), involving the in situ generation of glycinate, leads to a material that displays intense red luminescence properties.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A new 3-D heterometallic 3d–4f polymer has been synthesized. ► Heterometallic dinuclear EuZn secondary building units are found in an uninodal 6-connected vme {33.43.58.6} net. ► In situ hydrothermal glycinate synthesis. ► Intense red luminescence in the solid-state.