Temperature-controlled two new Co(II) compounds with distinct topological networks: Syntheses, crystal structures and catalytic properties

Two new Co(II) coordination compounds, namely [Co₂(bptc)(bpp)₂]_n (1) and [Co(bptc)_0.5(bpp)]_n (2) (H₄bptc = biphenyl-3,3‧,5,5‧-tetracarboxylic acid, bpp = 1,3-di(4-pyridyl)propane), have been hydrothermally synthesized from the same reactants via tuning the reaction temperature. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that both 1 and 2 feature 2D sheet motifs. Topological analyses revealed that compounds 1 and 2 show distinct topological networks. Under the weak Van der Waals interactions, the 2D sheet motifs of compounds 1 and 2 are further packed into 2D→3D interdigitated supramolecular frameworks. Moreover, the two Co(II) compounds show high catalytic activities for degradation of methyl orange (MO) in a Fenten-like process.