A series of nine mixed-ligand metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been prepared by the combination of a bent dipyridyl linker 4-amino-3,5-bis(4-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole (bpt) and three benzenedicarboxylate isomers (pa = phthalate, ip = isophthalate, and tp = terephthalate), respectively, with different metal ions such as CoII, NiII, CuII, ZnII, and CdII. The framework structures of these neutral polymeric complexes have been determined by the X-ray single-crystal diffraction technique. Structural analysis reveals that the benzenedicarboxylate isomers display versatile coordination modes to manage the metal ions to form 1-D chain or ribbon arrays, which are further extended via the exo-bidentate bpt connectors to give rise to a variety of coordination networks, such as a simple (4,4) layer, 2-D double layer with decorated (4,4) topology, 2-D layer with decorated (3,6) topology, 2-D bilayer with 82.10 topology (2-fold interpenetration), 3-D polythreaded architecture (1-D + 2-D), and 2-fold interpenetrating porous lattice of (4,4) layers. The accessorial secondary interactions such as hydrogen bonding and/or aromatic stacking are also helpful for the extension and stabilization of the final supramolecular aggregates. This work evidently indicates that the isomeric effect of the anionic benzenedicarboxylate is significant in the construction of these network structures, which are also well regulated by the metal centers. The ZnII and CdII MOFs exhibit strong solid-state luminescence emissions at room temperature, which originate differently from intraligand transition or ligand-to-metal charge transfer. Thermal stability of these crystalline materials has been explored by thermogravimetric analysis of mass loss. The 3-D host frameworks of MOFs 8 and 9 show similar porous cavities, and their desorption/adsorption behaviors of guest solvents have also been investigated.

We describe a simple and versatile method to fabricate conducting polymer hydrogels via supramolecular self-assembly between polymers and multivalent cations; the as-prepared hydrogels are potentially applicable in the fields of electrosensors, chemical release and artificial muscles.

A series of new metal-organic polymeric complexes, [[Co(bpt)(Htma)(H2O)3].2.25H2O]n (1), [Co(bpt)(Htma)(H2O)]n (2), [Ni(bpt)(Htma)(H2O)]n (3), [Zn(bpt)2(H2tma)2].6H2O (4), [[Cd(bpt)(Htma)(H2O)].(C2H5OH)(H2O)1.5]n (5), and [[Cd(bpt)(Htma)(H2O)2].5.5H2O]n (6), was prepared from solution reactions of 4-amino-3,5-bis(4-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole (bpt) and trimesic acid (H3tma) with different metal salts under diverse conditions. All these compounds were structurally determined by X-ray single-crystal diffraction, and the bulk new materials were further identified by X-ray powder diffraction. Complexes 1 and 6 show 1-D zigzag or linear Htma-bridged polymeric chains, with the terminal bpt ligands as pendants, which are extended to 2-D hydrogen-bonded arrays with 4.8(2) or (6,3) network topology. Coordination polymers 2 and 3, in which the 2-D corrugated metal-organic frameworks make the interdigitated 3-D packing, are isostructural. Complex 4 has a mononuclear structure, and its subunits are hydrogen-bonded to each other to give a 2-D grid-like net. For complex 5, the Cd(II) centers are linked by bpt/Htma ligands to form a 2-D (4,4) coordination layer, and these layers are interdigitated in pairs. Notably, secondary noncovalent forces, such as hydrogen bonds, play an important role in extending and stabilizing these structural topologies. Interestingly, distinct products are obtained for Co(II) (1 and 2) and Cd(II) (5 and 6) under ambient or hydrothermal conditions; however, for Ni(II) and Zn(II), single products, 3 and 4, are generated. The thermal stabilities of 1-6 were studied by thermogravimetric analysis of mass loss. The desorption/adsorption properties of the porous material 5 are also discussed. Solid-state luminescent spectra of the Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes, 4-6, indicate intense fluorescent emissions at ca. 380 nm.

A water soluble diiron hexacarbonyl complex, [Fe2{μ-SCH2CH(OH)CH2(OH)}2(CO)6] (1), was synthesised by reacting thioglycol with Fe3(CO)12 in THF. This diiron complex was employed as carbon monoxide releasing molecule (CO-RM). The CO-releasing was initiated via substitution of the bound CO by cysteamine (CysA, a clinic medicine). Further decomposition of the substituted products led to at least partially the formation of monoiron(II) dicarbonyl species via oxidative process while releasing more CO under inert atmosphere. Three intermediates generated in the CO-releasing process were spectroscopically identified. The kinetics of the decomposition of complex 1 was first-order process for both the complex and CysA, respectively. Under open atmosphere, the CO-releasing mechanism altered due to the involvement of oxygen in the decomposition of complex 1. The system showed minimal cytotoxicity in two selected arbitrarily cell lines, QSG-7701 and HepG2, with IC50 at the scale of 100 μmol L(-1).

The anion fac-[Fe(CO)3I3]− undergoes rapid decomposition to release CO and involve iodine radical. The CO-release can be tuned by its cations. The radical causes severe cytotoxicity which may endow the anion a great potential as an anticancer drug.

A water-soluble rhodamine-based derivative (L) has been rationally designed for selective recognition of Al(3+) in aqueous medium with good sensitivity. The addition of Al(3+) to the aqueous solution of L induces a remarkable fluorescence enhancement along with obvious color change detected by the naked eye, due to the ring-opening mechanism of the rhodamine spirolactam, which has been proved by single crystal diffraction analyses directly. The recognizing behavior has been investigated both experimentally and computationally. Furthermore, the fluorescent probe can also be used as a bioimaging reagent for detection of Al(3+) in living cells.

A series of starch/PVA (SP) films with the thickness of 0.05-0.1 mm were cast by solvent method. The swelling and degradation behaviors in simulated blood fluid (SBF) and simulated saliva fluid (SSF) within 30 days were investigated. In vitro biocompatibility was also evaluated. Research purpose of this work was to supply basic data for SP films' potential application in guide tissue regeneration (GTR) technology. It took 10-20 min for different samples to reach to their maximum water absorption and 30 min to lever off. The weight loss of all samples decreased rapidly in the first day in both of SBF or SSF, and then it changed slightly in SSF but decreased step by step in SBF. The mechanical properties of the wet SP films were satisfied with the requirement of GTR membrane. No matter in SBF or SSF, although the mechanical properties decreased rapidly in the first day, they changed slightly after that. Cytotoxicity and L929 fibroblasts attachment test proved that the SP film possesses excellent cell affinity. Hemolysis ratios of all samples were less than 5%. All results demonstrated that SP film is a promising candidate in GTR treatment.

The reaction of Cu(II) or Cd(II) acetate with mixed ligands terephthalic (tp) and 3,5-bis(4-pyridyl)-4-amino-1,2,4-triazole (bpt) under the same conditions affords two unusual metal-organic frameworks, in which represents a new type of polythreaded supramolecular architecture consisting of distinct 1-D and 2-D coordination polymers within one crystal, however, has an interpenetrating porous network with two similar laterally interlocking 2-D (4,4) layers.