A new 3D metal–organic framework with (4, 8)-connected AlB2 topology constructed from coordinated evolution of a C3 symmetry ligand

A new 3D lanthanide metal–organic framework, {[Ce(L)(DMF)]·2.5(DMF)·3(H2O)}n (1) (H3L = N,N′,N″-tris(4-carboxyphenyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide, DMF = N,N′-dimethylformamide) has been synthesized under solvothermal condition. Compound 1 features a 3D non-interpenetrated binodal (4, 8)-connected AlB2 topology with a Schläfli symbol of (45.6)2(410.614.84), where the C3 symmetry ligand H3L evolves into an unusual 4-connected node and dinuclear cerium cluster acts as an 8-connected node. Furthermore, compound 1 displays blue emission in the solid state at room temperature.