A “V”-like bis-pyridyl-bis-amide was used to construct seven ZnII/CdII complexes.
The polycarboxylates and the metals have great effect on the structures of 1–7.
Complexes 1–7 show from 1D to 2D architectures, respectively.
The fluorescent sensing behaviors of 2, 3, 6 toward organic solvents were reported.
The photocatalytic activities of complexes 1–7 have been reported.