Design of a Sensitive Fluorescent Zn-Based Metal–Organic Framework Sensor for Cimetidine Monitoring in Biological and Pharmaceutical Samples

[Image: see text] A new highly fluorescent zinc–organic framework [Zn(2)(btca)(DMSO)(2)](n) (Zn-MOF) was prepared via in situ ligand formation by the solvothermal reaction of Zn(NO(3))(2)·6H(2)O and pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) in DMSO solvent. During the solvothermal reaction, PMDA was gradually hydrolyzed to a pyromellitic acid, 1,2,4,5-benzene tetracarboxylic acid (H(4)btca), to provide a tetracarboxylic acid as a linker in the reaction medium. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis exhibits a 3D porous structure with open tetragonal channels running along the crystallographic c-axis. The Zn-MOF was explored as an on-mode fluorescent sensor for tracing cimetidine in biological fluids and pharmaceutical samples in the presence of interfering species. The results show a quick response in a short time range. The characteristics of this sensor were investigated by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared and UV–vis spectroscopy as well as thermogravimetric, and elemental analyses.