One‐Dimensional Channels Encapsulated in Supramolecular Networks Constructed of Zinc(II), Manganese(II), or Nickel(II) Atoms with 3‐(Carboxymethyl)‐2, 7‐dimethyl‐3H‐benzo[d]imidazole‐5‐carboxylic Acid

Four complexes with supramolecular architectures, namely, MZCA · 3H 2 O ( 1 ), [Zn(H 2 O) 6 ] 2+ · [MZCA] 2 · [H 2 O] 6 ( 2 ), [Mn(MZCA) 2 (H 2 O) 4 ] · 2H 2 O ( 3 ), and [Ni(MZCA) 2 (H 2 O) 4 ] · 2H 2 O ( 4 ) [MZCA = 3‐(carboxymethyl)‐2, 7‐dimethyl‐3H‐benzo[d]imidazole‐5‐carboxylic acid], were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Complexes 1 and 2 display a remarkable 3D network with 1D hydrophilic channels. Complexes 3 and 4 are isostructural and exhibit a 3D structure encapsulating 1D 24‐membered ring microporous channels. The UV/Vis and fluorescent spectra were measured to characterize complexes 1 – 4 . The thermal stability of complexes 2 – 4 were also examined.