A new adenine-containing metal–organic framework (MOF), [Zn₄O(adenine)₄(benzene-1,3-dicarboxylate)₄Zn₂] (named as ZnBDCA), was synthesized solvothermally. ZnBDCA possesses high quantum yield (>50%) and nano-channels that can encapsulate acriflavine molecules to build a host–guest chemopalette for approaching white-light emission.