A porous two-dimensional Zn(II)-coordination polymer exhibiting SC–SC transmetalation with Cu(II): efficient heterogeneous catalysis for the Henry reaction and detection of nitro explosives

The linker 5-(benzylamino)isophthalic acid (H2L) forms a robust 2D Zn(II)-coordination polymer, {[Zn8(L)6(μ3-OH)4(H2O)6]·(DMF)·(H2O)2.5}n(1Zn) consisting of [Zn4(μ3-OH)2]6+ SBUs. It further shows strong π⋯π interactions between the layers to form an overall 3D structure with well-defined channels. Metal bound water molecules are directed towards these channels. Upon heating, these metal bound water molecules are lost along with lattice solvent molecules to afford coordinatively unsaturated metal centers that can be utilized as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the C–C bond forming nitroaldol or Henry reaction. The solid catalyst can be recycled at least three times without losing its catalytic activity. The easily accessible channels in 1Zn are found suitable for the SC–SC transmetalation reaction with Cu(II) producing 1Cu. The catalytic activity of 1Cu is found to be comparable to that of 1Zn. Furthermore, the framework 1Zn gives high emission in DMSO, which can be efficiently quenched by trace amounts of nitro explosives. All the complexes have been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, IR, thermogravimetry and elemental analysis.