A new fluorescent probe constructed by europium(III)-organic framework (Eu-MOF) for detecting Cu2+ selectively and sensitively

• A novel europium-organic framework 1 is prepared and characterized. • 1 can detect Cu 2+ with high selectivity and sensitivity in DMF media. • 1 is a rare Cu 2+ fluorescent probe constructed by europium and aromatic polycaboxylic acids. A novel europium-organic framework (Eu-MOF) formula as [Eu 4 (MTB) 3 (DMF) 6 ].2DMF ( 1 ) (H 4 MTB = 4,4′,4′',4′''-methanetetrayltetrabenzoic acid), was solvothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. In 1 , the neighbour three Eu atoms are bridged by the 4,4′,4′',4′''-methanetetrayltetrabenzoic acid ligands to form the Eu trinuclear unit as a node, then the Eu trinuclear nodes are linked by the MTB 4− ligands along a, b and c axis to give a 3D network structure. Photoluminescence measurement indicates that 1 can sense Cu 2+ selectively and sensitively (detection limit, 1.98 μM) in DMF system. A novel europium-organic framework (Eu-MOF) formula as [Eu 4 (MTB) 3 (DMF) 6 ].2DMF ( 1 ) (H 4 MTB = 4,4′,4′',4′''-methanetetrayltetrabenzoic acid) was prepared and structurally characterized. Luminescence measurements indicate that 1 can detect Cu 2+ selectively and sensitively in DMF media, representing a rare Cu 2+ fluorescent probe formed by europium and aromatic polycaboxylic acids .