Two isostructural 3D metal–organic frameworks constructed from 1D [H2Mo4O14]n2n − chains and the flexible bis-pyridyl-bis-amide ligand

Two new isostructural metal–organic frameworks based on 1D [H2Mo4O14]n2n − chains and the flexible N,N′-bis(3-pyridinecarboxamide)-1,2-ethane (L), [M(L)(H2Mo4O14)(H2O)2] (M = CoII for 1, NiII for 2), have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. In the title complexes, the unusual 1D [H2Mo4O14]n2n − chains are linked by the MII ions to form a 2D inorganic bimetallic layer. The adjacent 2D layers are further connected by the L ligands to construct a 3D framework with CdSO4 topology. The electrochemical behaviors and the photocatalytic activities of the title complexes have been investigated.