Construction of Co/Ni-based coordination polymers with three-dimensional isostructural frameworks and multiple catalytic applications

In this paper, two isostructural Co/Ni-based coordination polymers [Co(Htzbt)(bpy)] n ( 1 ) and [Ni(Htzbt)(bpy)] n ( 2 ) have been synthesized by solvothermal method using 2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid (H 3 tzbt) and 4,4′-Bipyridine (bpy) as mixed ligands. The two compounds exhibited three dimensional (3D) pillared-layer structure and relative high water-stability. Interestingly, through rationally selection of functional ligand and metal ions, isolated N sites and carboxylic acid sites as well as unsaturated metal sites were combined in the structure of the final compounds. Benefit from these multiple active centers in the framework, the as-synthesized compounds exhibit enhanced catalytic activity in both cycloaddition of CO 2 with epoxides and hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol. In particular, compound 1 showed superior catalytic performance under mild conditions. Additionally, 1 could maintain relative high efficiency for at least four cycles, exhibiting potential application in practical catalysis. In this paper, two isostructural 3D pillared-layer Co/Ni-based coordination polymers, namely [M(Htzbt)(bpy)] n (M ​= ​Co 2+ , 1 ; M ​= ​Ni 2+ , 2 ) have been synthesized, which show good catalytic activity in both cycloaddition of CO 2 with epoxides and hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol, due to the multiple active sites inside their structures. • Two Co/Ni-based coordination polymers have been successfully synthesized based on H 3 tzbt and bpy ligands. • The two compounds ​present similar 3D pillared-layer frameworks, which are stable against hot and humid conditions. • Multiple active centers have been designed within the frameworks as potential catalytic sites. • The two compounds ​also exhibit good catalytic properties. • The unique structures endow ​the compounds ​with multifunctional applications.