Graphical abstract Four complexes based on two tetracarboxylate-functionalized resorcin[4]arenes have been synthesized. The luminescence sensing abilities of 1 – 3 for detecting nitrobenzene and Cr 2 O 7 2− were also investigated. Highlights • Four complexes base on two novel resorcin[4]arenes have been synthesized. • 1 – 3 could be applied as fluorescence sensors for nitrobenzene and Cr 2 O 7 2− anion. • 2 and 3 exhibit similar high sensitivity on detecting Cr 2 O 7 2− anion. Abstract Four new coordination complexes, namely, [NH 2 (CH 3) 2 ] 2 [Cd(L1)(DMF) 2 ] (1), [Zn(L1) 0.5 (phen)]·H 2 O (2), [Zn 2 (L2)(Phen) 2 (H 2 O) 2 ] (3) and [NH 2 (CH 3) 2 ][Zn 2 (L1)(Cl)(DMF)(H 2 O)]·2H 2 O (4) have been synthesized (H 4 L1 = 2,8,14,20-tetra-phenyl-4,12,16,24-tetra-oxyallylene-6,10,18,22-tetra-carboxymethoxy-resorcin[4]arene, H 4 L2 = 2,8,14,20-tetra-ethyl-6,12,18,24-tetra-oxyallylene-4,10,16, 22-carboxymethoxy-resorcin[4]arene and phen = 1,10-phenathroline). Complex 1 shows an infinite chain. Complexes 2 and 3 exhibit similar ribbon structures. The ribbons in 2 are extended by C-H⋯ π interactions to create a supramolecular layer. While in 3 , the ribbons are further connected via H-bonds and π - π interactions to yield a supramolecular double-layer. Complex 4 reveals a 3D framework with 4-connected (4284) 2 (427282) 2 topology. Solid state luminescent properties for all complexes were investigated. The temperature dependence fluorescence of 2 and 3 were studied. Luminescence sensing abilities of 1 – 3 for detected nitrobenzene and Cr 2 O 7 2− in aqueous were also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]