Rational synthesis of a series of new heterometallic MOFs was carried out by the judicious choice of the corresponding pivalate complexes [Li2M2(piv)6(py)2] (M = Zn2+, Co2+, piv- = pivalate anion and py = pyridine) as a source of secondary building units, {LiM(O2CR)3} and an organic tricarboxylate linker as a node defining the dimensionality of the framework by the orientation of the carboxylic group in or out of the central aromatic ring plane. Thus the trimesate (btc3-) linker results in 3D srs topology frameworks with intersecting systems or isolated channels, and 1,3,5-benzenetribenzoate (btb3-) results in layered hcb isostructural compounds additionally stabilized with H-π interactions between the layers. The layered compounds demonstrate a permanent porosity with a BET surface area of up to 688 m2·g-1 with the possibility of selective gas adsorption (CO2 over N2 and CH4). Zn-Based coordination polymers show notable color changes and drastic (up to 30 times) quenching of luminescence upon inclusion of different nitroaromatics.