Synthesis and characterization of two new Zn(II) metal-organic networks with iodine capture capability in solution

In this research, two new zinc (II) coordination networks containing 1,4-terphthalic acid (H2BCD) or 2-amino-terphthalic acid (NH2-H2BDC) linkers and a long pillar ligand 1,4-bis[(pyridine-4-yl)methylene]benzene-1,4-diamine (4-bpmb) have been successfully prepared and characterized. The compounds were prepared by the reaction of zinc(II) acetate or nitrate salts, H2BCD or NH2-H2BDC dicarboxylate ligands and pyridyl-based 4-bpmb ligand under solvothermal condition at 120°C for 48 hours in DMF solvent. The compounds were also prepared by ultrasonic irradiation and mechanochemical (solvent free) methods in short reaction times and high yields. The compounds show reversible iodine sorption/release behavior in solution. In addition, conversion of the zinc-organic architectures into ZnO nano-particles has also been investigated.