A zinc(II) triazolate framework with luminescence response toward dichromate anion in aqueous solution

Abstract A new zinc(II) triazolate framework, {[Zn4(Trz)6(HCOO)2]}n (1) (Trz = 1H-1,2,4-triazole) has been synthesized via solvothermal approach and structurally characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction associated with elemental analysis, infrared spectrum, thermogravimetric analysis and powder X-ray diffraction. The X-ray structural analysis reveals that the neighboring Zn(II) ions are bridged through the nitrogen atoms of triazole ligands to form a [2×2] square gride and the formate anions derived from the decomposition of N,N-dimethyformamide serve as terminal ligands. The [2×2] square grides can be further interconnected each other by the triazole groups to generate a 3D framework. Furthermore, 1 demonstrates luminescence response toward dichromate anion in aqueous solution with the average quenching Ksv value of 9.72 × 103 L mol-1and the detection limit of 5.82 × 10-4 mol L-1, indicating 1 is a promising luminescent chemosensor to selectively and sensitively probe dichromate anions in aqueous solution.