Synthesis, structure and fluorescent sensing for nitrobenzene of a Zn-based MOF

•Zn-MOF material named [Zn(L)]n was successfully synthesized by solvothermal method.•Zn-MOF exhibits a utp uninodal 3-connected 3D 2-interpenetrating framework with the point symbol (103).•Zn-MOF is a potential fluorescent material that can selectively and sensitively fluorescent sensing NB. Nitrobenzene (NB) can cause serious harm to ecosystems and human health. In order to identify and detect NB effectively, a micro-porous Zn-based metal-organic framework (Zn-MOF) material was prepared. Zn-MOF material named [Zn(L)]n was successfully synthesized by solvothermal method, using 1,3,5-tris (3-carboxy-triazole-methylene)-2,4,6-tritoluene (H3L) as organic ligand. Its stucture was characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction, elemental analysis, IR spectra and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis exhibits that Zn-MOF belongs to the orthorhombic crystal system, space group Pbcn. The central Zn(II) ion exhibits a octahedron {ZnN3O3} coordination geometry. Topological analysis shows that Zn-MOF exhibits a utp uninodal 3-connected 3D 2-interpenetrating framework with the point symbol (103). Furthermore, the fluorescence quenching experimental results show that Zn-MOF is a potential fluorescent material that can selectively and sensitively fluorescent sensing NB. A Zn-MOF was successfully synthesized. The fluorescence quenching experimental results show that Zn-MOF is a potential fluorescent material that can selectively and sensitively fluorescent sensing NB. [Display omitted]