2D self-catenated coordination polymer constructed by triple- and double-helical chains

The hydrothermal reaction of the prochiral amine-containing ligand 4-(4-carboxyphenylamino)-3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid, 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane, zinc nitrate and NaOH results in an unprecedented 2D self-catenated network consisting of triple and double helical chains. The chirality of the stereo-chemically labile amine core can be locked via coordination interactions and transferred to the coordination polymer, facilitating the integration of the N-chirality and helicity in the 2D sheet. An unusual trefoil-type molecular knot is firstly observed in this coordination polymer.