Synthesis, structure and characterization of two solvatochromic metal–organic frameworks for chemical-sensing applications

Two isostructural Zr and Hf metal–organic frameworks (PU-1 and PU-2) were constructed from a hitherto unreported anthracene-derived dicarboxylate ligand and inorganic [M6O4(OH)4(CO2)12] (M = Zr4+ or Hf4+) secondary building unit under solvothermal conditions. They crystallized in the cubic Fdm space group with doubly interpenetrated fcu-c topology. PU-1 exhibited an eye-catching color change within different solvents (especially in water) and could be a solvatochromic sensing material for recognition of solvent molecules.