Temperature-controlled structural diversity of two Cd(II) coordination polymers based on a flexible tripodal multicarboxylate ligand

Two new 3-D Cd(II) coordination polymers (CPs) with 3,5-bi(4-carboxyphenoxy)-benzoic acid (H3L), namely [Cd3(L)2(H2O)4]·4H2O (1) and [Cd3(L)2(H2O)3]·2H2O (2), were successfully synthesized under hydrothermal condition at 140 °C and 180 °C, respectively. Complex 1 is constructed from 1-D (–Cd–O–)∞ rod-shaped SBUs (secondary building units) and ‘Y’-shaped L ligands. In complex 2, the 3-D network is mediated by 2-D [Cd(COO)2]n layered motifs and ‘T’ and ‘Y’-shaped L ligands. The results show that the reaction temperature plays a key role on the final structures of the complexes. The luminescent properties of the complexes have also been investigated.