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, {[Ln(2)Zn(abtc)(2)(H2O)(4)]center dot 2H(2)O}infinity {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.