A fluorescent responsive tetraphenylethene based metal–organic framework

A fluorescent three dimensional (3D) porous metal-organic framework {[Cd2(TPPE)(IPA)2]·2DMF}n (1) was synthesized by using a tetraphenylethene (TPE)-based ligand, 1,1,2,2‑tetrakis(4‑(pyridin‑4‑yl)phenyl)ethene (TPPE). The crystal structure, fluorescent emission in different solvents and fluorescent emission at different temperatures of complex 1 were studied, along with the aggregation induced emission (AIE) property of the organic ligand TPPE. This complex possesses intense blue luminescence and is sensitive to solvents. The luminescent emission intensity and peak wavelength both varied in different solvents. In addition, temperature-dependent emission spectrum of 1 exhibits regular variation. These properties of 1 possesses its potential applications in the fields of solvent sensing and luminescent thermometer.