Two novel coordination polymers constructed by the same mixed ligands of 1,3-bip and H2bpdc: Syntheses, structures and catalytic properties

•Two new Co(II)/Cu(II) complexes were synthesized under solvothermal conditions.•Their structures were characterized by FT-IR spectra and single X-ray diffraction.•Their structures exhibit a 3D → 3D fivefold interpenetrating framework and 2D (4,4) grid layer, respectively.•They all exhibit catalytic properties on degradation of methyl orange in Fenton-like process.

Two novel coordination polymers, namely [Co(1,3-bip)(bpdc)·0.5H2bpdc]n (1), [Cu(1,3-bip)(bpdc)·3H2O]n (2), where 1,3-bip = 1,3-bis(imidazol-1-yl)propane, H2bpdc = biphenyl-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid, were synthesized under solvothermal conditions and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, powder XRD, FT-IR, TGA and elemental analysis techniques. Single crystal X-ray analysis revealed that complex 1 features a 3D → 3D fivefold interpenetrating framework. The structure of complex 2 displays a (4,4) grid layer which is further reinforced through strong H-bonding with lattice solvent molecules to form a 3D supramolecular framework. Furthermore, the complexes 1 and 2 exhibit catalytic properties on degradation of methyl orange in Fenton-like process.

Graphical abstractTwo new M(II) complexes were constructed, which exhibit 3D → 3D fivefold interpenetrating framework and 2D (4,4) grid layer, respectively.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide