Two new polyoxometalate-templated supramolecular compounds constructed by a new tridentate ligand 2,4,6-tris[1-(4-oxidroxypyridinium)-ylmethyl]-mesitylene

Two novel compounds, namely, [(H2toym)4(Mo8O26)2]·15H2O (1) and [(H2toym)2(SiW12O40)]·6H2O (2) (toym = 2,4,6-tris[1-(4-oxidroxypyridinium)-ylmethyl]-mesitylene), have been hydrothermally synthesized. Their structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and further characterized by infrared spectra (IR), elemental analyses, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric (TG) analyses, and UV–Vis absorption spectra. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibit new supramolecular networks templated by polyoxometalates (POMs). The “host” supramolecular networks with large pores are composed of the partly protonated toym ligands for 1 and 2. The “guest” POMs are located in the pores and dispersed between two organic layers in the complexes. The luminescent properties for 1 and 2 have been studied. In addition, compounds 1 and 2 exhibit photocatalytic activities for methylene blue (MB) degradation under UV.

Graphical abstractTwo novel POM-templated supramolecular compounds based on a new tridentate ligand have been successfully synthesized, where their thermal, optical energy gaps, luminescence, and photocatalytic properties have been investigated.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► The choice of O-donor ligand is critical in determining the ultimate structures. ► The inorganic anions with different sizes led to the differences of 1 and 2. ► Compounds 1 and 2 exhibit luminescent and photocatalytic properties.