Abstract
Rational synthesis of a series of new heterometallic MOFs was carried out by the judicious choice of the corresponding pivalate complexes [Li
2
M
2
(piv)
6
(py)
2
] (M = Zn
2+
, Co
2+
, piv
−
= pivalate anion and py = pyridine) as a source of secondary building units, {LiM(O
2
CR)
3
} and an organic tricarboxylate linker as a node defining the dimensionality of the framework by the orientation of the carboxylic group in or out of the central aromatic ring plane. Thus the trimesate (btc
3−
) linker results in 3D
srs
topology frameworks with intersecting systems or isolated channels, and 1,3,5-benzenetribenzoate (btb
3−
) results in layered
hcb
isostructural compounds additionally stabilized with H–π interactions between the layers. The layered compounds demonstrate a permanent porosity with a BET surface area of up to 688 m
2
·g
−1
with the possibility of selective gas adsorption (CO
2
over N
2
and CH
4
). Zn-Based coordination polymers show notable color changes and drastic (up to 30 times) quenching of luminescence upon inclusion of different nitroaromatics.