A stable 3D Cd(II) metal–organic framework for highly sensitive detection of Cu2+ ions and nitroaromatic explosives

A Cd(II) coordination polymer, [Cd3(L)2(H2O)5]·(H2O)4 (1) (H3L = 9-(4-carboxy-phenyl)-9H-carbazoly-3,6-dicarboxylic acid) has been synthesized solvothermally. Compound 1 exhibits excellent luminescence and good stability in aqueous and DMF solution. In particular, 1 can detect Cu2+ ions through fluorescence quenching in aqueous solution. In addition, 1 also shows a highly sensitive response to some nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) in DMF solution. Thus, 1 can serve as a promising luminescent sensor for detecting Cu2+ ions and NACs.