Two novel dimethylphenyl imidazole dicarboxylate-based lanthanide(III)-organic frameworks, [Ln(H2DMPhIDC)3(H3DMPhIDC)]n (Ln = Eu (1), Tb (2); H3DMPhIDC = 2-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)-1H-imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid) have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that polymers 1 and 2 crystallize in the tetragonal space group I4₁ and exhibit isostructural three-dimensional (3D) solid-state frameworks. Both complexes indicate characteristic sharp emission bands of Eu(3+) or Tb(3+) ions, which are selectively sensitive to benzaldehyde-based derivatives (benzaldehyde, m-methylbenzaldehydes, m-carboxylbenzaldehyde and m-hydroxybenzaldehyde). These properties make both complexes potential fluorescence sensors for these chemicals.

Preparation of polyethylenes containing hydroxy groups has been already industrialized through radical copolymerization under harsh conditions followed by alcoholysis. By contrast, hydroxy‐functionalized polypropylene has proven a rather challenging goal in polymer science. Propylene can't be polymerized through a radical mechanism, and its coordination copolymerization with polar monomers is frustrated by catalyst poisoning. Herein, we report a new strategy to reach this target. The coordination polymerization of allenes by rare‐earth‐metal precursors affords pure 1,2‐regulated polyallenes, which are facilely transformed into poly(allyl alcohol) analogues by subsequent hydroboration/oxidation. Strikingly, the copolymerization of allenes and propylene gives unprecedented hydroxy‐functionalized polypropylene after post‐polymerization modification. Mechanistic elucidation by DFT simulation suggests kinetic rather than thermodynamic control.