Two new Cd(II) MOFs as signal magnifiers for fluorescence detection of levofloxacin

• Two new Cd(II)-MOFs, 1 and 2, based on a new ligand were synthesized and characterized. • 1 and 2 are signal magnifiers for fluorescence detection of levofloxacin. • Moreover, 1 and 2 exhibits the merits of great anti-interference ability towards the other analytes. • The sensing mechanisms were discussed. Based on Cd(II) and the new ligand 1,4-bis(5,6-dimethyl-1-(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)-1 H -benzo[ d ]imidazol-2-yl)butane (L), two Cd(II) metal-organic frameworks with molecular formulae [Cd(L)(TPA)·4H 2 O] n ( 1 ) and [Cd(L) 0.5 (DCTP)·4H 2 O] n ( 2 ) (H 2 TPA = terephthalic acid, H 2 DCTP = 2,5-dichloroterephthalic acid) were synthesized by changing the organic carboxylic acid ligands under hydrothermal conditions. 1 displays a 2D hcb layer, whereas 2 exhibits a 3D mog framework. Both 1 and 2 display highly thermal and chemical stability. 1 and 2 are excellent sensors for the detection of levofloxacin via fluorescence enhancement. Two new MOFs [Cd(L)(TPA)·4H 2 O] n ( 1 ) and [Cd(L) 0.5 (DCTP)·4H 2 O] n ( 2 ) were successfully synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. 1 and 2 can be used as signal magnifiers for fluorescence detection of levofloxacin with selectivity and sensitivity.