Hydrothermal syntheses, crystal structures and characterizations of three new copper coordination polymers

Three new copper complexes, [Cu^IICu^I(ip)(ipH)(4,4′-bipy)_3/2]_n (1), [Cu(ip)(4,4′-bipy)]_n · 3nH₂O (2), and [Cu(ipH)₂(4,4′-bipy)]_n (3), have been hydrothermally synthesized by the reaction of Cu(NO₃)₂ · 3H₂O with isophthalic acid (ipH₂) and 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bipy) under different reaction conditions. Complex 1, a mixed-valence copper(I,II) complex, exhibits a 2-D interpenetrating grid framework, in which five-coordinated Cu^II and three-coordinated Cu^I environments are established. The oxidation states of center Cu atoms have been confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron paramagnetic resonance spectra (EPR). Complex 2 features a 2-D box-like bilayer architecture, in which Cu^II atoms are linked by ip ligands to form a 1-D double-chain and the resulting chains are further strutted by the 4,4′-bipy ligands. In complex 3, two bridging 4,4′-bipy ligands and two terminal ipH ligands confine the Cu^II center in a square plane coordination geometry. The whole molecule of 3 was arranged into a 1-D linear chain structure. Additionally, the thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) for complexes 1-3 are also discussed in this paper.     

Two novel three-dimensional coordination polymers based on metal clusters: Hydrothermal syntheses, crystal structures and luminescence

Two novel coordination polymers with interesting supramolecular architecture, [Zn₂(OH)(BTC)(bix)] (1) and [Cd₂(CDC)₂(bix)₂] (2) (H₃BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid, H₂CDC = trans-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid and bix = 1,2-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene) have been obtained via hydrothermal reaction and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 features a 3D network with one of the scarce (3,8)-connected (4³)₂(4⁶.6¹⁸.8⁴) topology based on the rare CdI₂-type layer constructed from secondary building units (SBUs) of zinc clusters. While 2 exhibits a scarcely reported eight-connected 3⁶.4¹⁶.5⁶ net with dinuclear cadmium clusters as secondary building units. The luminescent properties of 1 and 2 along with the bix ligand in the solid state were investigated.     

Syntheses, crystal structures and magnetic properties of 1D and 2D cobaltous coordination polymers with mixed ligands

Two new Co(II) coordination polymers with mixed ligands, {[Co(BTA)_0.5(DBI)₂]·DBI·H₂O}_n (1) and [Co(PDA)(DBI)(H₂O)]_n (2) (H₄BTA = benzene-1,2,4,5-tetracarboxylic acid; H₂PDA = 2,2′-(1,2-phenylene)diacetic acid; DBI = 5,6-dimethyl-1H-benzoimidazole) have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions, respectively. Both of them are characterized by elemental analyses, powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and magnetic susceptibilities. In 1, the Co(II) ions are four-coordinated and lie in distorted tetrahedron coordination environment. 1D ladder-like chain structure is formed by the bridging BTA⁴⁻ ligand. In 2, the Co(II) ions are in slightly distorted octahedral coordination geometry, and linked by PDA²⁻ ligand exhibiting a 2D layer structure. Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements of 1 and 2 revealed that there are antiferromagnetic interactions between Co(II) ions.     

Hydrothermal syntheses, structures and properties of five rare earth coordination polymers with (1,3,4-thiadiazole-2,5-diyldithio)diacetic acid

Hydrothermal reactions of rare earth ions(III) with a flexible building unit (1,3,4-thiadiazole-2,5-diyldithio)diacetic acid (H₂tzda) lead to five novel coordination polymers with 1D chain and 3D network structures, namely, {[Y₂(tzda)₃(H₂O)₁₀] · 5H₂O}_n (1) and [Ln₂(tzda)₃(H₂O)₅]_n [Ln = Er (2), Pr (3), Nd (4), Eu (5)]. Compound 1 has one-dimensional ribbon-like chain structure constructed by [Y₂(tzda)₃] units through the syn-anti bidentate bridging mode of carboxylate groups. Compounds 2-5 possess compact three-dimensional network structures which are made up of [Ln₂(tzda)₃] (Ln = Er, Pr, Nd and Eu) units bridged by carboxylate groups. In these compounds, the flexible tzda²⁻ ligand is versatile and displays six different coordination fashions to meet the requirement of the coordination preference of the metal center. Furthermore, the magnetic behaviors for 2-5 in the temperature range of 5.0-300 K and photoluminescent property of 5 are significantly investigated in this paper.     

Synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic behavior of two 3D coordination polymers using N-(4/3-carboxyphenyl)iminodiacetic acids as bridging ligands

Research on structure and magnetic properties of polynuclear metal complexes to understand the structural and chemical factors governing the electronic exchange coupling mediated by multi-atom bridging ligands is of growing interest. Hydrothermal treatment of Ni(NO₃)₂·6H₂O with N-(4-carboxyphenyl)iminodiacetic acid [N-4(H₃CPIDA)] at 150 °C yielded a 3D coordination polymer of general formula [Ni₃{N-4(CPIDA)}₂(H₂O)₃]·6H₂O (1). An analogous network of general formula [Co₃{N-3(CPIDA)}₂(H₂O)₃]·3H₂O (2) was synthesized using N-(3-carboxyphenyl)iminodiacetic acid [N-3(H₃CPIDA)] in combination with Co(NO₃)₂·6H₂O under identical reaction condition. Both the complexes contain trinuclear secondary building unit, and crystallized in monoclinic system with space groups C2/c (1) and P2₁/c (2), respectively. Variable temperature magnetic characterization of these complexes in the temperature range of 2-300 K indicated the presence of overall ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic behavior for 1 and 2, respectively. Density functional theory calculations (B3LYP functional) were performed for further insight on the trinuclear units to provide a qualitative theoretical interpretation on the overall magnetic behavior of the complexes 1 and 2.     

Syntheses, crystal structures and properties of a series of 3D cadmium coordination polymers with different topologies

Hydrothermal reactions of 2-, 3-, 4-cyanopyridine, NaN₃ with CdCl₂ in basified solvents yielded three coordination polymers [Cd₃(2-pytta)₂(N₃)₄(H₂O)₂]_n (1), [Cd(3-pytta)₂]_n (2), [Cd₃(4-pytta)₂(N₃)₂Cl₂(H₂O)₄]_n (3). A similar reaction of tetrazole as ligand and the CdCl₂ being replaced by CdI₂ resulted in polymer [Cd₂(tta)₃I]_n (4). X-ray single crystal structural analyses revealed that four compounds all show three-dimensional architectures. Complex 1 exhibits rare 3,4,4-connected 3-nodal with (3.9²)₂(3.9⁴.10)(3².9³.10) network in the Schäfli notation, while complex 2 is an anatase net with 3,6-connected (4².6)₂(4⁴.6².8⁸.10) network. Complex 3 is 3,3,4,4-connected 4-nodal network with (4.10²)₂(4².10⁴)(4².6.10².12)₂(4².6)₂ topology, and complex 4 can be simplified as an interesting alpha-Po network. The solid emission spectra of 1, 2, 3 and 4 have also been studied. From the results, it can be found complex 4 exhibits a long triplet lifetime that is unusual in Cd^II complexes.     

Cd(II) coordination polymers constructed from flexible disulfide ligand: Solvothermal syntheses, structures and luminescent properties

Four novel coordination polymers, [Cd(Hdtbb)(dtbb)_0.5(DMF)]_n (1), {[Cd(dtbb)(2,2′-bpy)(H₂O)]·2DMA}_n (2), {[Cd₂(dtbb)₂(1,4-bix)₂]·3DMF}_n (3) and [Cd(dtbb)(1,4-btx)]_n (4) [H₂dtbb = 2,2-dithiobisbenzoic acid, 2,2′-bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, 1,4-bix = 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene, 1,4-btx = 1,4-bis(triazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene] have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Complexes 1 and 2 possess one-dimensional (1D) infinite structures. The structures of complexes 3 and 4 exhibit two dimensional (2D) frameworks, which mainly due to the differences in the bridging modes of dtbb²⁻ ligand and the effect of the N-donor auxiliary ligands. The infrared spectra, thermogravimetric and luminescent properties were also investigated for these compounds.     

Synthesis, spectral and crystallographic characterization of manganese(II) coordination polymers based on aliphatic dicarboxylate and flexible bis(imidazolyl) derivatives

Two structurally related flexible imidazolyl ligands, bis(N-imidazolyl)methane (L₁) and 1,4-bis(N-imidazolyl)butane (L₂) reacted with Mn(II) salts of aliphatic dicarboxylic acids resulted in the formation of a number of novel metal-organic coordination architectures. All complexes have been structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. The different coordination modes of dicarboxylate anions due to their chain length, rigidity and diimidazolyl functionality lead to a range of different coordination structures. The coordination polymers exhibit 1D single chain, 2D sheet and 3D network structures. The aliphatic dicarboxylates can adopt chelating μ₂, bridging μ₂, and chelating-bridging μ₃ coordination modes, or act as uncoordinated counter anions. The central metal ions are coordinated in N₂O₄ and N₄O₂ fashions depending on the ancillary ligands. The topology of [Mn(male)(L₁)(H₂O)₂] (1, male = maleate) gives rise to singly bridged 1D chains, whereas compound [Mn(mal)(L₁)(H₂O)] · H₂O (2, mal = malonate) exhibits 2D sheets in which the metal centers are bridged by both imidazolyl ligands and dicarboxylates. Compounds [Mn(L₁)₂(H₂O)₂](suc) · 6H₂O (3, suc = succinate) and [Mn(L₁)₂(H₂O)₂](fum) · 6H₂O (4, fum = fumarate) show doubly bridged 1D chains, and the dicarboxylate groups are not coordinated but form 2D corrugated sheets with water molecules intercalated between the cationic layers. Compound [Mn(suc)(L₂)(H₂O)₂] (5, suc = succinate) was built from very flexible succinate and 1,4-bis(N-imidazolyl)butane which yielded three-dimensional interpenetrate networks, both succinate anion and the imidazolyl ligand act as bidentate bridging.     

Hydrothermal synthesis, crystal structures and photoluminescent properties of four cadmium(II) coordination polymers derived from diphenic acid and auxiliary ligands

Four novel metal coordination polymers, [Cd(dpa)(H₂O)]_n (1), [Cd(dpa)(2,2′-bipy)]_n (2), {[Cd₂(dpa)₂(4,4′-bipy)₃](4,4′-bipy)(H₂O)₂}_n (3) and [Cd(dpa)(bim)₂(H₂O)]}_n (4) (H₂dpa = 2,4′-biphenyl-dicarboxylic acid, 2,2′-bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, 4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine, bim = benzimidazole), have been synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR and X-ray diffraction. Single-crystal X-ray analyses reveal that the 2,4′-diphenic acids acts as bridging ligands, exhibiting rich coordination modes to link metal ions: bis-monodentate, bidentate chelating, chelating/bridging, monoatomic bridging and monodentate modes. In addition, the luminescent properties for compound 1-4 are also investigated in this work.     

Hydrothermal synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic characterization of two 4f-3d heterometallic coordination polymers

Two new 4f-3d heterometallic coordination polymers [Gd₂Co(L₁)₃(ox)(H₂O)₄]·2.5H₂O (1, L₁ = pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylate anion, ox = oxalate dianion) and [GdNi(L₂)₂(ox)_0.5(H₂O)₃]·3H₂O (2, L₂ = pyridine-2,3-dicarboxylate anion) were successfully synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. In compound 1, one dimensional heterometallic and lanthanide infinite sheets were constructed with sole L₁ spacers and L₁-ox mixed bridges, respectively. While similar one dimensional heterometallic infinite sheet and normal lanthanide infinite zigzag chain were formed based on sole L₂ and L₂-ox mixed bridges, respectively in compound 2. Both of the two compounds exhibited new and interesting three dimensional topologies. In addition, the magnetic properties of the two compounds were analyzed via solid-state dc magnetic susceptibility measurements.     

2D network coordination polymers of lanthanide with N-(2-pyridylmethyl)iminodiacetic acid: Hydrothermal syntheses, crystal structures and luminescent properties

Six lanthanide two-dimensional network coordination polymers with the general formula of [Ln(pmida)(NO₃)(H₂O)]_n, where Ln = La (1), Nd (2), Sm (3), Gd (4), Dy (5), Er (6) and pmida²⁻ = N-(2-pyridylmethyl)iminodiacetate, have been synthesized by hydrothermal process and characterized by elemental analysis, Infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All crystals are isostructural and crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2₁/a. The lanthanide(III) ion is nine-coordinated in a geometry of distorted tricapped trigonal prism by two N atoms and two O atoms from one pmida²⁻ ligand, two bridging carboxylate O atoms from other two pmida²⁻ ligands, two O atoms of a bidentate chelating nitrate and a O atom of a coordinated water molecule. The luminescent properties of [Sm(pmida)(NO₃)(H₂O)]_n (3) and [Dy(pmida)(NO₃)(H₂O)]_n (5) were investigated.     

Syntheses, structures, and photoluminescent properties of four d metal-quinolinato coordination polymers with similar rod-like SBUs

Four M^II quinolinato complexes, [Zn₂(quin)₂(H₂O)₃]_n (1), [Zn(quin)(H₂O)₂]_n (2), [Zn(quin)(H₂O)]_n (3) and [Cd(quin)]_n (4) (H₂quin = 2,3-pyridinedicarboxylic acid or quinolinic acid), have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that all of these four complexes are constructed from similar rod-like SBUs, [M(quin)]_n (M = Zn or Cd). Complexes 1 and 2 have similar 1-D box-like chains but different packing structures; complex 3 has a 2-D grid-like network and complex 4 has an unusual 2-D bilayer structure. Due to the different structural features, these complexes exhibit different photoluminescent emissions: complex 1 at 439 nm (λ_ex = 345 nm), complex 2 at 428 nm (λ_ex = 360 nm), complex 3 at 508 nm (λ_ex = 304 nm) and complex 4 at 500 nm (λ_ex = 324 nm).     

A growing family: New structures of coordination polymers containing adamantane-shaped phosphorus-nitrogen cage ligands

Two new structurally characterized coordination polymers containing the P₄(NR)₆ ligand system are described. A convenient one-pot synthesis of P₄(NR)₆ (R = benzyl) via reaction of lithiated primary amine with phosphorus trichloride demonstrates an expanded scope for the preparation of this adamantane-type structure. Reactions of P₄(NR)₆ (R = Et, Bn) with cuprous iodide yield different products due to the differences in steric demands of the ligands.     

Two cadmium-thiocyanate coordination polymers with organic cations: Synthesis, crystal structures and luminescent properties

Two new inorganic-organic hybrid polymers [ClBzQl]₂[Cd(SCN)_3.5Br_0.5]·0.25H₂O (1) and [ClBzMePy][Cd(SCN)₃] (2) (ClBzQl = 1-(4′-Cl-benzyl)quinolinium cation and ClBzMePy = 1-(4′-Cl-benzyl)-2-methylpyridinium cation) have been synthesized and characterized by IR, UV, elemental analysis and X-ray crystallography. Crystal structure analyses show that two polymers belong to the monoclinic space group P2/n (1) and P2₁/c (2) with a = 18.548(2) Å, b = 9.526(1) Å, c = 20.689(2) Å, β = 94.008(1)°, V = 3646.6(5) Å³ for 1, and a = 11.195(2) Å, b = 16.415(3) Å, c = 10.751(2) Å, β = 102.930(3)°, V = 1925.7(7) Å³ for 2. The Cd atom exhibits a distorted octahedral coordination geometry for 1 and 2. For 1, a pair of 1,1-μ-SCN⁻ anions and a pair of 1,3-μ-SCN⁻ anions are alternately bridge adjacent Cd centers to form infinite polymeric chains. For 2, adjacent Cd atoms are linked by three 1,3-μ-SCN⁻ anions to form infinite [Cd(SCN)₃⁻]_∞ polymeric chains. The luminescent properties of the two polymers in the solid state at room temperature were investigated.     

New photoluminescence coordination polymers constructed from different ligands, which are generated from maleic acid at hydrothermal conditions

A new coordination polymer, [Zn₂(mal)(1,10-phen)Cl]_n (1), (mal = malate, 1,10-phenanthroline), has been synthesized with malic acid and fumaric acid which are generated from maleic acid under hydrothermal reactions. At about the same condition, we get [Cd(fma)(2,2′-bpy)(H₂O)]_n (2) (fma = fumarate, 2,2′-bpy=2, 2′-bipyridine). The diverse products illustrate that the carbon-carbon doublebond of the maleic acid has two kinds of reaction trends under different conditions. Complex 1, which displays a two-dimensional (4, 8) lattice-type network, is formed from Zn and maleic through the addition reaction with water molecule. If the Zn is changed by Cd, at the same reaction condition with 1, a two-dimensional supramolecular network complex 2 is formed through the conformation transform reaction. To our knowledge, a lot of coordination polymers have been constructed from malic acid and fumaric acid directly; however, these kinds of complexes have seldom been synthesized from maleic acid under hydrothermal reaction. As is known, the rigid carbon-carbon double bond makes maleic acid lead to some unique structural features which the saturated aliphatic acid does not possess. To illustrate this clearly, a simple one dimensional complex 3, [Cd(glut)(1,10-phen)(H₂O)]_n (glut = glutarate), is synthesized. Furthermore, complex 1 and complex 3 exhibit intense photoluminescent property at room temperature.     

Novel cup-like helical coordination polymers: synthesis, crystal structures and thermal properties

By the design of ligand 1,1^′-(1,5-pentamethylene)bis-1H-benzimidazole (pbbm), we have synthesized polymers {[Co(NO₃)(pbbm)₂]NO₃ · 1/2H₂O}_n (1), {[CdCl(pbbm)₂]Cl · CH₃OH}_n (2) and {[Cu(Ac)₂(pbbm)] · CH₃OH}_n (3), and characterized their structures by single crystal X-ray diffraction as well as thermoanalysis. In polymers 1 and 2, one of the anions coordinates to the central ion, the other is located in the environment. Two pbbm ligands coordinate simultaneously to two metal centers generating one-dimensional cup-like helical chains. To our best knowledge, this cup-like structure has never been observed in the reported polymers. In polymer 3, each Cu atom is five-coordinate by two nitrogen atoms from two pbbm ligands, and three oxygen atoms from one monodentate acetate anion and one chelating acetate anion leading to one-dimensional wave-like linear chain. In addition, the DTA and TG results of the three polymers are in agreement with the crystal structures.     

Synthesis, characterization and properties of series coordination polymers constructed from a biphenyl dicarboxylate and nitrogen-containing mixed ligands

A series of coordination polymers have been prepared by the combination of flexible ligand 1,1′-biphenyl-2,2′-dicarboxylic acid (H₂dpa) and different types of nitrogen-containing ligands, with various metal ions such as Co(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II). The single-crystal structure analyses reveal that the above complexes possess different structure features with the introduction of different nitrogen-containing ligands. When auxiliary linear ligand 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bpy) is introduced, two-dimensional layered complex, [Co₂(dpa)₂(4,4′-bpy)₂(H₂O)]_n (1) is formed. Whereas if chelating ligand, 1,10-phenanthroline (1,10′-phen) and 2,2′-bipyridine (2,2′-bpy) are introduced, one-dimensional complex [Zn(dpa)(1,10′-phen)]_n (2) and discrete complexes [Co₂(dpa)₂(2,2′-bpy)₂(H₂O)₂] (3), [Co₃(dpa)₃(1,10′-phen)₆(H₂O)₂] (4), [Cd(dpa)(1,10′-phen)₂][(H₂dpa)₂(H₂O)₂] (5) are synthesized. To our interest, 1 and 2 crystallize in homochiral spacegroup. Furthermore, the magnetic property of complex 1 and the fluorescent properties of complexes 2 and 5 are studied.     

Synthesis, structures and magnetic properties of 1D to 3D coordinated polymers based on series of flexible sulfide ligands

Five complexes [Mn₂O(L₁)₄]_n (1), [Co(L₂)(H₂O)₂]_n (2), [Co(L₃)₂(H₂O)₂]_n (3) and [Co(L₄)₂(4,4′-bpy)(H₂O)]_n (4) were obtained by using flexible organic ligands HL₁, HL₂, HL₃, and HL₄ in hydrothermal systems with cobalt, copper and manganese salts respectively (HL₁ = 2-(4-pyridylmethylthio)benzoic acid, HL₂ = 4-(4-pyridylmethylthio)benzoic acid, HL₃ = 2-(3-pyridylmethylthio)benzoic acid, HL₄ = 4-(2-pyridylmethylthio)benzoic acid). The five complexes have been characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction, FT-IR spectrum and elemental analysis. Complex 1 is assembled to a 3D porous framework with Mn₂O units as nodes. Complex 2 shows 2D layer networks comprised of six-coordinated Co²⁺ centers and L₂⁻ anionic ions. Complexes 3 and 4 have different 1D double or single chain structures. Various non-covalent bonds such as hydrogen bonds, π?π interactions, H-bond grids and S?S weak interactions lead to interesting supramolecular frameworks. DC (direct current) temperature dependent magnetic susceptibilities suggest weak antiferromagnetic behaviors exist in 1, and single ion paramagnetic along with spin-orbit coupling behavior dominate in 3 and 4.     

Cationic ligands for Ag(I): Organometallic polymers versus unimolecular complexes

We have prepared and characterized two cationic ligands and their Ag(I) coordination compounds. For the bidentate ligand 2, 2,2-bis-pyridin-2-ylmethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoindolium bromide, we obtained the organometallic polymer [AgL]_x[CF₃SO₃]_2x (4), and the unimolecular complex [AgL₂][PF₆]₃ (5). Compound 4 exists as an organometallic linear polymer with triflate anions either bonded to Ag(I) or non-bonded and sandwiched between the polymer chains. Complex 5 is the only unimolecular example in this series due to the non-interaction of anions with Ag(I) or with the cationic portion of the ligand. In the case of the tridentate cationic ligand 3-(3-pyridin-2-yl-2-pyridin-2-ylmethy-propyl)-benzyl-triethylammonium bromide (3), two dimeric Ag(I) complexes are formed, [Ag₂L₂][CF₃SO₃]₄ (6), and [Ag₂(CH₃CN₂)₂L₂][PF₆]₄ (7). Both of these dimers have essentially similar structures, with a closed-shell Ag(I)?Ag(I) interaction of approximately 3.00 Å in both cases; the pyridyl moieties of the ligands are forced into an electronically unfavourable face-to-face arrangement. The coordination spheres of the Ag(I) cations are completed by in the case of 6, and by CH₃CN solvent in the case of 7. In the extended packing diagrams, the arrangements of 6 and 7 are driven by intermolecular π-stacking and cation-anion interactions.     

Synthesis and structures of three d metal coordination polymers constructed from flexible polycarboxylate and 1,10-phenanthroline ligands

Three novel d¹⁰ metal coordination polymers, {[Cd(H₂odpa)(phen)₂]·H₂O}_n (1), [Cd₂(odpa)(phen)(H₂O)₂]_n (2), {[Zn₄(odpa)₂(phen)₂(H₂O)₂]·H₂O}_n (3), (H₄odpa = 4,4′-oxydiphthalic acid, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) were obtained with different metal/ligand ratios through hydrothermal method and characterized. Compound 1 forms a one dimensional zigzag chain, in which two phen ligands chelate to one cadmium atom. Compound 2 shows a three dimensional network structure comprised of new tetranuclear cadmium clusters as the nodes and (odpa)⁴⁻ anions as the linkers, exhibits an unusual topological structure. Compound 3 is an unprecedented three dimensional polymer based on octanuclear zinc clusters cross-linked by (odpa)⁴⁻ anions. In 1-3, central Cd^II/Zn^II ions and (odpa)⁴⁻ ligand display completely different coordination modes and conformations. In addition, the thermal stabilities and photoluminescence properties of 1-3 were also studied.