A Two-Dimensional Framework Based on 1,3-bis(2-Methyl-Imidazol-1-yl)-Benzene Exhibiting Luminescent and Photocatalytic Properties

A two-dimensional Cd(II) complex [Cd(1,3-BMIB)(OBA)·H2O]n(1) (1,3-BMIB = 1,3-bis(2-methylimidazol-1-yl)benzene, H2OBA = 4,4′-oxybis(benzoic acid)) is synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that complex 1 is a two-dimensional layer parallel to (1 0 −1) crystal planes. Moreover, complex 1 displays an emission band at 345 nm (λex = 300 nm) and a good photocatalytic degradation activity toward RhB.