Three-Dimensional Zinc(II) and Cadmium(II) Coordination Frameworks with N,N,N′,N′-Tetrakis(pyridin-4-yl)methanediamine: Structure, Photoluminescence, and Catalysis

Coordination polymer networks, i.e., [Zn(tpmd)(H2O)](NO3)2·7H2O (1) and [Cd(tpmd)(H2O)2](NO3)2·4H2O·4CH3OH (2), were assembled from MII(NO3)2 hydrates (M = Zn, Cd) and N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(pyridin-4-yl)methanediamine (tpmd) in CH3OH and characterized. 1 and 2 feature three-dimensional networks formed by coordination of the metal ions to the tpmd ligands. 1 exhibits a strong blue emission at ∼397 nm, while 2 shows strong emission at ∼361 nm. 1 is a more efficient catalyst for the transesterification of various esters than 2.