Synthesis, Structures, and Photocatalytic Properties of Zinc(II) and Cobalt(II) Supramolecular Complexes Constructed with Flexible Bis(thiabendazole) and Dicarboxylate Linkers

Three coordination complexes, namely, [Zn(btbp)(3-npa)]n (1), [Co(btbh)(3-npa)]n (2), and {[Co(btbb)(5-nipa)(H2O)]·H2O}n (3) (btbp = 1,3-bis(thiabendazole)propane, btbh = 1,6-bis(thiabendazole)hexane, btbb = 1,4-bis(thiabendazole)butane, 3-H2npa = 3-nitrophthalic acid and 5-H2nipa = 5-nitroisophthalic acid) were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods as well as by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 features a fascinating meso-helical chain, which is further extended into a 2D supramolecular framework involving π···π stacking interactions. Complexes 2 and 3 show dinuclear structures. Complex 2 is further connected through C–H···O hydrogen bonding interactions to afford a 2D supramolecular layer, whereas complex 3 is further extended to a rare 2-nodal (3,4)-connected supramolecular sheet with a point symbol of {3.42.5.6.7}2{3.82} by O–H···O hydrogen bonding interactions. The electrochemical behaviors of the two cobalt complexes 2 and 3 were reported. Moreover, the luminescent properties for 1 and the photocatalytic properties for the complexes were investigated.