A pcu-type metal-organic framework with spindle [Zn7(OH)8]6+ cluster as secondary building units.

The in situ solvothermal reaction of 9,10-dicyanoanthracene and ZnCl(2)/NaN(3) gave the complex, {[Zn(7)(OH)(8)(DTA)(3)].H(2)O}(n) () (DTA(2-) = 9,10-ditetrazolateanthracene), which presents a pcu-type topological framework formed by DTA(2-) bridging unprecedented heptanuclear spindle [Zn(7)(OH)(8)](6+) clusters as SBUs, and exhibits strong luminescent emission with long lifetime.