A Dual Functional 2D MOF Exhibiting Rare Photosalient Effect as well as Selective Pd(II) Sensing in Aqueous Medium

A Zn­(II) based two-dimensional metal–organic framework (2D MOF) [Zn₂(suc)₂(4-nvp)₂] (1) [H₂suc = succinic acid and 4-nvp = 4-(1-naphthylvinyl)­pyridine] exhibits a “photosalient effect” under UV light as well as sunlight along with the release of a stereoselective cyclobutane ligand, 1,3-bis­(4′-pyridyl)-2,4-bis­(naphthyl)­cyclobutane (rctt-4-pncb). Photolysis of in situ generated MOF in solution also leads to the formation of rctt-4-pncb crystals. Interestingly, compound 1 shows a high selectivity for Pd­(II) sensing in aqueous medium.