Methanol Sensing by a Luminescent Zinc(II)‐Based Metal−Organic Framework

A luminescent zinc‐based metal‐organic framework (MOF; 1 ) was synthesized from a highly conjugated tridentate ligand, 1,3,5‐tris[(1 E )‐2′‐(4′′‐benzoic acid)vinyl]benzene. X‐ray single crystal analysis reveals the organization of 1 in a three‐dimensional porous framework. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that 1 has a good thermal stability, and resists decomposition up to 420 °C. The removal of the solvent molecules from the cavities leads to a temporary loss of crystallinity, which can be regained by heating the MOF in diethylformamide, the solvent used for the synthesis, as shown by powder X‐ray diffraction. In addition, 1 shows luminescent features influenced by the chemical environment, making it suitable as optical sensor. Detection of methanol with a turn‐on effect was possible in low concentration in mixtures with water (50 μL/3 mL and 10 μL/3 mL) and as vapor.