N-arylation of imidazole was accomplished with a two-dimensional (2D) [Cu(ima)2]n metal–organic framework in methanol at room temperature. A variety of N-arylimidazoles were isolated in good yields after a short reaction time. Moreover, the robust MOF may be readily recovered after the reaction and reused for many cycles without loss of catalytic activity.N-Arylation of imidazole was accomplished with a robust two-dimensional metal–organic framework.Highlights► A simple 2D-CuMOF catalyst for N-arylation of imidazole has been developed. ► Unsaturatedly coordinated Cu2 + ions serve as catalytic centers. ► The catalyst may be easily reused for many cycles without loss of catalytic activity.

A new 3d-4f coordination polymer {[Sm2Ni(Pdc)2(SO4)2(H2O)6] · H2O}n (H2Pdc = pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid) has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and structurally determined by X-ray diffraction method. The X-ray diffraction analysis reveals the compound crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group \(P\bar 1\), with a = 10.062(4), b = 10.249(4), c = 12.744(5) Å, α = 93.548(4)°, β = 102.601(4)°, γ = 94.022(3)°, V = 1275.4(8) Å3, F(000) = 972, Mr = 1077.85, Z = 2, ρc = 2.624 g cm−3, μ = 5.55 mm−1, final R = 0.0299, wR = 0.0805 for 4716 independent reflections with Rint = 0.0204. According to the structure determination the complex is a three-dimensional (3D) network structure in which infinite lanthanide-carboxylate chains are linked by [Ni(SO4)2]2− metalloligands to form a mixed-metal coordination network.

One 3d–4f heterometallic polymer, namely, {[Eu2Cu(PDC)2(SO4)2(H2O)6]·2H2O}n (H2PDC = pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylic acid), has been successfully synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and structurally characterized. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the polymer features an unusual three-dimensional network structure in which infinite lanthanide-carboxylate chains are linked by [Cu(SO4)2]2− metalloligands to form a mixed-metal coordination network. Furthermore, luminescent property of the hybrid material has also been investigated at room temperature.One new 3d-4f heterometallic polymer based on organic pyridinedicarboxylic acid and inorganic lanthanide sulfate skeletons has been successfully synthesized and structurally characterized. The polymer features an unusual three-dimensional network structure in which infinite lanthanide-carboxylate chains are linked by [Cu(SO4)2]2− metalloligands to form a mixed-metal coordination network.Research Highlights► One new 3d-4f polymer based on lanthanide sulfate has been synthesized. ► The compound structure was identified by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. ► Luminescent property of the compound was investigated at room temperature.