Highly selective luminescence sensing of nitrite and benzaldehyde based on 3d-4f heterometallic metal-organic frameworks.

Framework-isomeric three-dimensional (3D) Zn-Ln heterometallic metal-organic frameworks, {[Ln2Zn(abtc)2(H2O)4]·2H2O}∞ {Ln = Sm(1), Tb(2)}, were synthesized using a convenient solvothermal reaction. They can serve as excellent sensors for the specific identification of benzaldehyde and NO2(-) through a fluorescence quenching process.