A dendritic
aromatic 12-carboxyl ligand (H12TDDPB) is assembled with
Zn(II) ion. The TDDPB dimer coordinated with 12 Zn(II) ions, regarded
as a dodecapus, is stabilized by metal coordination and π–π
stacking. The dodecapus-based framework presents a new type of topology
(hhm) with the point symbol of (6·8·10)3(63·8·10·12)3(63)7. The resulting material emits strong blue luminescence in DMF, while
the maximum emission of free ligand H12TDDPB is in the
ultraviolet region.