Two- and three-dimensional coordination complexes constructed by 2-(1<i>H</i>-imidazol-1-methyl)-1<i>H</i>-benzimidazole: syntheses, structures, and fluorescent properties

<div><p>Two new complexes, {[Zn(imb)(SO₄)]·H₂O}_n (<b>1</b>) and {[Cd₂(imb)₂(SO₄)₂(H₂O)]·CH₃OH}_n (<b>2</b>) (imb = 2-(1<i>H</i>-imidazol-1-methyl)-1<i>H</i>-benzimidazole), have been solvothermally synthesized. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction shows that <b>1</b> displays a 2-D (4,4) network, which is further extended to a 3-D supramolecular structure by hydrogen bonding interactions. Complex <b>2</b> exhibits a 3-D framework with (3,5)-connected (4²·6)₂(4²·6⁵·8³)₂ topology. The results indicate that changing metal ions can influence the coordination modes of sulfate, and then affect the structures of the complexes. In addition, IR and UV–vis spectra, powder X-ray diffraction patterns, thermogravimetric analyses, and fluorescent properties of both complexes have been investigated.</p>