J-dimer emission in interwoven metal–organic frameworks

J-dimer emission is an emergent property that occurs when pairs of ground state fluorophores associate, typically in a dilute solution medium. The resulting fluorescence is shifted with respect to the monomer. J-dimer emission, however, has never been observed in concentrated dispersions or in the solid state. We posited that multivariate (MTV) MOFs with double interwoven structures would help to isolate these dimers within their crystalline matrix. Using this strategy, J-aggregate density was controlled during crystallization by following a substitutional solid solution approach. Here, we identified the presence of J-dimers over the entire composition range for interwoven PIZOF-2/NNU-28 structures with variable amounts of a diethynyl-anthracene aggregate-forming link. We produced bulk crystals that systematically shifted their fluorescence from green to red with lifetimes (up to 13 ns) and quantum yields (up to 76%) characteristic of π–π stacked aggregates. Photophysical studies also revealed an equilibrium constant of dimerization, K_D = 1.5 ± 0.3 M⁻¹, enabling the first thermodynamic quantification of link–link interactions that occur during MOF assembly. Our findings elucidate the role that supramolecular effects play during crystallization of MTV MOFs, opening pathways for the preparation of solid-state materials with solution-like properties by design.

J-dimer emission is an emergent property that occurs when pairs of ground-state fluorophores associate within multivariate MOFs producing tunable red shifted emission.     

Solid-state NMR spectroscopy: an advancing tool to analyse the structure and properties of metal–organic frameworks

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) gain increasing interest due to their outstanding properties like extremely high porosity, structural variability, and various possibilities for functionalization. Their overall structure is usually determined by diffraction techniques. However, diffraction is often not sensitive for subtle local structural changes and ordering effects as well as dynamics and flexibility effects. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) spectroscopy is sensitive for short range interactions and thus complementary to diffraction techniques. Novel methodical advances make ssNMR experiments increasingly suitable to tackle the above mentioned problems and challenges. NMR spectroscopy also allows study of host–guest interactions between the MOF lattice and adsorbed guest species. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and interactions is particularly important with respect to applications such as gas and liquid separation processes, gas storage, and others. Special in situ NMR experiments allow investigation of properties and functions of MOFs under controlled and application-relevant conditions. The present minireview explains the potential of various solid-state and in situ NMR techniques and illustrates their application to MOFs by highlighting selected examples from recent literature.

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) gain increasing interest due to their outstanding properties like extremely high porosity, structural variability, and various possibilities for functionalization.     

Twist and sliding dynamics between interpenetrated frames in Ti-MOF revealing high proton conductivity

We report the design and synthesis of a titanium catecholate framework, MOF-217, comprised of 2,4,6-tri(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine (TDHT) and isolated TiO₆ clusters, with 2-fold interpenetrated srs topology. The dynamics of the organic linker, breaking the C_3h symmetry, allowed for reversible twist and sliding between interpenetrated frames upon temperature change and the inclusion of small molecules. Introduction of 28 wt% imidazole into the pores of MOF-217, 28% Im-in-MOF-217, resulted in four orders of magnitude increase in proton conductivity, due to the appropriate accommodation of imidazole molecules and their proton transfer facilitated by the H-bond to the MOF structure across the pores. This MOF-based proton conductor can be operated at 100 °C with a proton conductivity of 1.1 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹, standing among the best performing anhydrous MOF proton conductors at elevated temperature. The interframe dynamics represents a unique feature of MOFs that can be accessed in the future design of proton conductors.

Twist and sliding dynamics observed in a titanium catecholate MOF induced by imidazole for efficient proton conduction.     

Proton-conductive coordination polymer glass for solid-state anhydrous proton batteries

Designing solid-state electrolytes for proton batteries at moderate temperatures is challenging as most solid-state proton conductors suffer from poor moldability and thermal stability. Crystal–glass transformation of coordination polymers (CPs) and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) via melt-quenching offers diverse accessibility to unique properties as well as processing abilities. Here, we synthesized a glassy-state CP, [Zn₃(H₂PO₄)₆(H₂O)₃](1,2,3-benzotriazole), that exhibited a low melting temperature (114 °C) and a high anhydrous single-ion proton conductivity (8.0 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at 120 °C). Converting crystalline CPs to their glassy-state counterparts via melt-quenching not only initiated an isotropic disordered domain that enhanced H⁺ dynamics, but also generated an immersive interface that was beneficial for solid electrolyte applications. Finally, we demonstrated the first example of a rechargeable all-solid-state H⁺ battery utilizing the new glassy-state CP, which exhibited a wide operating-temperature range of 25 to 110 °C.

Melt-quenched coordination polymer glass shows exclusive H⁺ conductivity (8.0 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at 120 °C, anhydrous) and optimal mechanical properties (42.8 Pa s at 120 °C), enables the operation of an all-solid-state proton battery from RT to 110 °C.     

Multiple rotational rates in a guest-loaded,amphidynamic zirconia metal–organic framework

Amphidynamic motion in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is an intriguing emergent property, characterized by high rotational motion of the phenylene rings that are embedded within an open, rigid framework. Here, we show how the phenylene rings in the organic linkers of the water stable MOF PEPEP-PIZOF-2 exhibit multiple rotational rates as a result of the electronic structure of the linker, with and without the presence of highly interacting molecular guests. By selective ²H enrichment, we prepared isotopologues PIZOF-2d4 and PIZOF-2d8 and utilized solid-state ¹³C and ²H NMR to differentiate the dynamic behavior of specific phenylenes in the linker at room temperature. A difference of at least one order of magnitude was observed between the rates of rotation of the central and outer rings at room temperature, with the central phenylene ring, surrounded by ethynyl groups, undergoing ultrafast 180° jumps with frequencies higher than 10 MHz. Moreover, loading tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) within the pores produced significant changes in the MOF''s electronic structure, but very small changes were observed in the rotational rates, providing an unprecedented insight into the effects that internal dynamics have on guest diffusion. These findings would help elucidate the in-pore guest dynamics that affect transport phenomena in these highly used MOFs.

Zirconia based metal–organic framework PEPEP-PIZOF-2 exhibits the emergent property of amphidynamic motion with organic links that show multiple rotational rates related to their molecular structure and independently from presence of molecular guests.

Amphidynamic crystals are an emerging class of materials made of molecular components that exhibit fast internal motion within a rigid lattice.^1,2 Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) can be considered as intrinsically amphidynamic materials, because they are formed by the assembly of organic molecules that carry high degrees of freedom linked to inorganic clusters that form an extended solid matrix.³ This assembly allows for the organic components to behave like rotators, while the solid matrix/framework acts as a stator, with gyroscope-type motion enabled by the open architecture of the MOF with motion modulated by the molecular structure of the linker.^4–6 In order to create materials with targeted dynamic properties for real-life applications, like molecular machines, it is important to determine whether the chemical environment of the linkers can produce dynamics at multiple rates and how the presence of molecular guests affect such dynamics. To do so, it is important to use MOFs that are chemically stable to water and humidity, because this robustness increases the reproducibility of the results and the applicability of the MOF. The interplay between guest diffusion, linker dynamics and the overall framework flexibility has been actively investigated in recent years.⁷Here, we prepared a water-stable MOF, PEPEP-PIZOF-2 (Fig. 1a), strategically labelled with deuterium atoms to probe the multiple segmental motion in the pristine and guest-loaded materials. Utilizing solid-state NMR techniques, we elucidated that this MOF exhibits bimodal rotational rates, with the central ring of the linker having free rotation above the 10 MHz limit of quantitation, and with the outer rings having slower rotation. This double-rate internal dynamics is preserved even in the presence of a very “sticky,” electron-deficient guest such as tetracyanoquinodimethane, TCNQ. Studying the molecular dynamics of this class of MOFs helps in accelerating their use as applied materials and for the fundamental studies of transfer phenomena that occur in MOFs such as mass, heat, and momentum transfer.Open in a separate windowFig. 1(a) Crystal structure of the double interweaved MOF PIZOF-2, showing each framework in separate colors. (b) Molecular structure of the PEPEP link. (c) Deuterium enriched linkers used in this study emphasizing the deuterium location in the link and the different chemical environments.Zirconia MOFs have been shown to exhibit unprecedented chemical stability, of which the family of Porous Interpenetrated Zirconia Organic Frameworks (PIZOFs) features superior stability combined with a unique molecular composition of their linkers.^8,9 The linkers in PIZOF MOFs are linear and made by a combination of phenylene rings and ethynylene groups, where multiple chemical environments can be created around the phenylenes, thus altering their rotational behavior. Of the series, PEPEP-PIZOF-2 (hereafter PIZOF-2) is a high symmetry interweaved MOF (interweaved = interpenetrated with minimally displaced frameworks^10,11) made with linkers that contain three phenylenes (P) and two ethynylenes (E) in an alternating form (hence PEPEP, Fig. 1b), creating two different types of chemical and crystallographic environments around the rotor moieties: the central phenylene ring is surrounded by two alkyne groups that provide a negligible electronic barrier for rotation and two outer phenylene rings surrounded by an alkyne and a carboxylate. So, we expect to observe significant differences in dynamics for each component of the linker.¹² To properly observe the gyroscope-like rotation, protons were replaced with deuterons either in the inner ring (PIZOF-2d4, Fig. 1c) or in the outer rings (PIZOF-2d8, Fig. 1c). These two modes of isotopic labeling allowed the isolation of each ring to study of their dynamics by ²H NMR.Samples of the PIZOF-2 MOF containing natural and isotopically enriched PEPEP links were prepared from adapted published procedures (ESI^†).¹³ The MOFs were prepared via solvothermal crystallization of the respective linkers in DMF in the presence of ZrCl₄ and proline-HCl at 120 °C for 24 h, resulting in crystalline powder samples of formula Zr₆O₄(OH)₄[PEPEP]₆, Zr₆O₄(OH)₄[PEPEP-d4]₆, and Zr₆O₄(OH)₄[PEPEP-d8]₆. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) patterns of all three isotopologues exhibited sharp diffraction lines starting at 3.84° 2θ (CuKα radiation) characteristic of the cubic PIZOF-2 MOF phase (Fd$\bar{3}$m space group symmetry) (Fig. 2a).¹⁴ Phase purity was assessed using Rietveld refinement of the experimental patterns using the single crystal unit cell data resulting in phase pure samples with low residuals (Fig. S1–S4^†).Open in a separate windowFig. 2(a) Powder X-ray diffraction of the natural and isotopically enriched PIZOF-2 MOFs demonstrating their isoreticular nature. Miller indices of the most intense peaks are indicated. (b) ¹³C CPMAS NMR spectra of natural and isotopically enriched PIZOF-2 MOFs.The internal structure of the MOFs was analyzed using ¹³C Cross-Polarization with Magic Angle Spinning (CP MAS) NMR spectroscopy, where the intensities of ¹³C signals varied according to the level of deuteration of the linker in each MOF (Fig. 2b). PIZOF-2 exhibits a ¹³C spectrum with signals at around 92 ppm, corresponding to the internal ethynyl, signals between 120 and 140 ppm corresponding to the phenylene carbons, and signals at 173 ppm that correspond to carboxylates, consistent with the expected structure. In PIZOF-2d4 the signals that correspond to the central phenylene ring are attenuated (Fig. 2b, signal 8) compared to the natural material, whereas in PIZOF-2d8, the only visible signals are those of the central ring, due to the absence of vicinal protons required for CP. Peaks associated with solvents and other reagents were not observed indicating a successfully evacuated framework, which in addition to high crystallinity and the magnetic field produces changes in the spectral line shape that can be associated with different types of motion.¹⁵ In the case of the PIZOF MOFs, the differences in the molecular substructure and porosity ensured having optimal samples for dynamic studies. Despite being double interweaved, the distances between centroids of the aromatic rings of the interpenetrating frameworks have values in the range of 6.23 Å to 8.04 Å (Fig. S7^†). Considering that the volume of revolution of the phenylene is ca. 6 Å, significant changes in the internal rotational dynamics caused by interpenetration were ruled out. Besides, it is expected that the phenylene rings have sufficient space to undergo fast rotational displacement, as it has been observed in other MOFs.¹⁶ To determine this, the deuterated samples were studied using solid-state quadrupolar echo ²H NMR spectroscopy. The reorientation of the C–²H bond vectors with respect to the external between outer and inner rings is expected to afford different rotational rates.The ²H NMR line shape at room temperature of PIZOF-2d8 displays signals characteristic of motions in the intermediate exchange regime. A successful fitting of the spectrum using NMRweblab¹⁷ was obtained using a model that assumed two-fold flip jumps, indicating a rotational rate at room temperature of the outer rings of k_rot = 2.10 MHz (Fig. 3 top). The rate of rotation of the deuterated outer rings is similar to that reported in UiO-66(Zr)¹⁸ (k_rot = 2.3 MHz at rt) and much larger than that of other simple MOFs like MOF-5(Zn),¹²MIL-47(V),¹⁹ and MIL-53(Cr)¹⁹ (k_rot < 0.001 MHz at rt). The rotation of the outer rings could be then regulated by the electronic conjugation of the phenylene with the carboxylates and/or affected by the interactions with the metal oxide clusters.Open in a separate windowFig. 3Experimental (blue) and calculated (orange) deuterium line shapes of PIZOF-2 at 295 K: (top) PIZOF-2d8 and (bottom) PIZOF-2d4.Conversely, in the case of PIZOF-2d4 (Fig. 3 bottom) the narrow ²H NMR spectrum is characteristic of ultrafast reorientations about the –C C– axis. A fitting of the spectrum was carried out assuming fast 180° jumps and large amplitude vibrations, indicating a rate of rotation of k_rot > 10 MHz, the upper limit of the ²H NMR sensitivity, so at 295 K the inner rings are rotating freely. This rate correlates with the minimal electronic barrier given by the flanking alkynes as has also been observed in a Zn-pyrazolate MOF that contains the same diethynyl-phenylene-diethynyl moiety.¹⁶ To date, this is the first time a MOF exhibits multiple rotational rates of their phenylene rings, which has implications for understanding and improving guest-diffusion related phenomena such as guest storage, catalysis, and separations.As the transport of guests throughout the MOF would be affected by the interactions between the guest and the static and dynamic components of the framework, we impregnated deuterated PIZOF-2 samples with tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ). Given the electron-rich nature of the linker, electron deficient TCNQ was selected because it fits into the pores and has a high propensity to form strong π–π stacking bonds, often in the form of charge transfer complexes.²⁰ In other words, TCNQ is a very sticky molecule known to affect the electronic structure of MOFs and has been used as an additive to enhance their charge conduction properties for device applications.^21,22The incorporation of TCNQ into the MOF was performed by immersing MOF powder samples in CH₂Cl₂ solutions for a minimum of 6 h at 295 K followed by rinsing, resulting in a loading capacity of 28.6 ± 0.2 TCNQ molecules per unit cell. At this saturated state, the white crystals changed to a green color and showed a strong EPR signal with g = 2.0025 (Fig. S8c^†), compared to the pristine MOF. This could be attributed to a charge transfer event that produces organic radicals which overshadows the intrinsic paramagnetism of the zirconia oxoclusters.²³ We also observed a quench of the emission, with a significant change in the quantum yield from Φ_F = 8.5% to Φ_F < 0.1% (Fig. S8d^†). Fluorescence quenching was expected due to the interaction of electron deficient molecules with the conjugated oligo-phenylene-ethynylene linkers that make the MOF emissive.²⁴The ¹³C CPMAS spectrum of TCNQ loaded PIZOF-2d4 not only confirmed the guest within the pores (Fig. S12^†), but it also revealed the changes in the chemical environment around the linkers: the appearance of a second carboxylate signal around δ = 174 ppm and a second quaternary carbon signal around δ = 128 ppm, with higher intensities with an increased loading time (Fig. 4a), attributable to the interaction of TCNQ with the outer rings of the PEPEP links, closer to the Zr cluster. Surprisingly, despite the evidence of the diffusion of TCNQ into the MOF, the solid-state ²H NMR spectrum of PIZOF-2d4 loaded with TCNQ for 6 h remained unaltered (Fig. 4b). Increasing the impregnation time to 72 h or increasing the temperature to 60 °C resulted in similar line shapes. These results suggest that the guest may have adsorbed near the outer phenylene rings of the linker. To demonstrate this, PIZOF-2d8 loaded with TCNQ for 6 h (Fig. 4c) was studied by ²H NMR. Interestingly, the fitting of the ²H line shape indicated slightly faster rotational rates compared to pristine PIZOF-2d8, changing from k_rot = 2.1 MHz to k_rot = 3.3 MHz. Only rising the impregnation temperature to 60 °C for 24 h allowed faster adsorption equilibration, decreasing the rotational rate to k_rot = 1.2 MHz. This indicates that the diffusion of TCNQ is slow and may require longer equilibration times at higher temperature to reach an equilibrium. Furthermore, considering the changes in the chemical shift of the carboxylate peak observed by ¹³C NMR CP MAS upon the diffusion of the guest (Fig. 4a, pink mark), as well as the minor changes in the rotational dynamics of the aromatic rings, we postulate that the TCNQ is located closer to the metal cluster, which agrees well with previously observed guest-loaded Zr-based MOFs.^25,26Open in a separate windowFig. 4(a) ¹³C CPMAS of PIZOF-2d4 at different TCNQ loading times. (b) Experimental and simulated ²H NMR spectra of PIZOF-2d4 revealing that the signal from the central phenylene remains unaffected. (c) Experimental and simulated ²H NMR of PIZOF-2d8 under different TCNQ loading conditions.This work highlights that our approach can tackle one of the challenges in guest-loaded MOFs, which is the understanding of the interactions between the guest and the framework, a problem often exacerbated by the difficulty of acquiring high-quality single crystals. Furthermore, even after obtaining suitable crystals, X-ray diffraction studies provide only averaged space and time information. Conversely, solid-state NMR, as it is time-resolved, is ideal to analyze guest loaded MOFs in bulk samples, providing kinetic information such as transient π-interaction sites,²⁷ gas-absorption diffusional rates,²⁸ internal rotational dynamics,⁶ and other kinetic details.^29,30     

Quantification of the mixed-valence and intervalence charge transfer properties of a cofacial metal–organic framework via single crystal electronic absorption spectroscopy

Gaining a fundamental understanding of charge transfer mechanisms in three-dimensional Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) is crucial to the development of electroactive and conductive porous materials. These materials have potential in applications in porous conductors, electrocatalysts and energy storage devices; however the structure–property relationships pertaining to charge transfer and its quantification are relatively poorly understood. Here, the cofacial Cd(ii)-based MOF [Cd(BPPTzTz)(tdc)]·2DMF (where BPPTzTz = 2,5-bis(4-(pyridin-4-yl)phenyl)thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole, tdc²⁻ = 2,5-thiophene dicarboxylate) exhibits Intervalence Charge Transfer (IVCT) within its three-dimensional structure by virtue of the close, cofacial stacking of its redox-active BPPTzTz ligands. The mixed-valence and IVCT properties are characterised using a combined electrochemical, spectroelectrochemical and computational approach. Single crystal electronic absorption spectroscopy was employed to obtain the solid-state extinction coefficient, enabling the application of Marcus–Hush theory. The electronic coupling constant, H_ab, of 145 cm⁻¹ was consistent with the localised mixed-valence properties of both this framework and analogous systems that use alternative methods to obtain the H_ab parameter. This work demonstrates the first report of the successful characterisation of IVCT in a MOF material using single crystal electronic absorption spectroscopy and serves as an attractive alternative to more complex methods due to its simplicity and applicability.

Gaining a fundamental understanding of charge transfer mechanisms in three-dimensional Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) is crucial to the development of electroactive and conductive porous materials.     

A window-space-directed assembly strategy for the construction of supertetrahedron-based zeolitic mesoporous metal–organic frameworks with ultramicroporous apertures for selective gas adsorption

Despite their scarcity due to synthetic challenges, supertetrahedron-based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) possess intriguing architectures, diverse functionalities, and superb properties that make them in-demand materials. Employing a new window-space-directed assembly strategy, a family of mesoporous zeolitic MOFs have been constructed herein from corner-shared supertetrahedra based on homometallic or heterometallic trimers [M₃(OH/O)(COO)₆] (M₃ = Co₃, Ni₃ or Co₂Ti). These MOFs consisted of close-packed truncated octahedral cages possessing a sodalite topology and large β-cavity mesoporous cages (∼22 Å diameter) connected by ultramicroporous apertures (∼5.6 Å diameter). Notably, the supertetrahedron-based sodalite topology MOF combined with the Co₂Ti trimer exhibited high thermal and chemical stability as well as the ability to efficiently separate acetylene (C₂H₂) from carbon dioxide (CO₂).

A series of supertetrahedron (ST)-based sodalite (sod)-topology zeolitic MOFs specimens ST-sod-MOFs featuring ultramicroporous square windows and a mesoporous sodcage have been synthesized via a window-space-directed assembly approach.     

In situ SAXS studies of a prototypical RAFT aqueous dispersion polymerization formulation: monitoring the evolution in copolymer morphology during polymerization-induced self-assembly

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is used to characterize the in situ formation of diblock copolymer spheres, worms and vesicles during reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) aqueous dispersion polymerization of 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate at 70 °C using a poly(glycerol monomethacrylate) steric stabilizer. ¹H NMR spectroscopy indicates more than 99% HPMA conversion within 80 min, while transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering studies are consistent with the final morphology being pure vesicles. Analysis of time-resolved SAXS patterns for this prototypical polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) formulation enables the evolution in copolymer morphology, particle diameter, mean aggregation number, solvent volume fraction, surface density of copolymer chains and their mean inter-chain separation distance at the nanoparticle surface to be monitored. Furthermore, the change in vesicle diameter and membrane thickness during the final stages of polymerization supports an ‘inward growth’ mechanism.

In situ small-angle X-ray scattering is used to monitor the formation of diblock copolymer spheres, worms and vesicles during reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) aqueous dispersion polymerization of 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate.     

Preparation of α-amino acids via Ni-catalyzed reductive vinylation and arylation of α-pivaloyloxy glycine

This work emphasizes easy access to α-vinyl and aryl amino acids via Ni-catalyzed cross-electrophile coupling of bench-stable N-carbonyl-protected α-pivaloyloxy glycine with vinyl/aryl halides and triflates. The protocol permits the synthesis of α-amino acids bearing hindered branched vinyl groups, which remains a challenge using the current methods. On the basis of experimental and DFT studies, simultaneous addition of glycine α-carbon (Gly) radicals to Ni(0) and Ar–Ni(ii) may occur, with the former being more favored where oxidative addition of a C(sp²) electrophile to the resultant Gly–Ni(i) intermediate gives a key Gly–Ni(iii)–Ar intermediate. The auxiliary chelation of the N-carbonyl oxygen to the Ni center appears to be crucial to stabilize the Gly–Ni(i) intermediate.

We have developed Ni-catalyzed reductive coupling of N-carbonyl protected α-pivaloyloxy glycine with Csp²-electrophiles that enabled facile preparation of α-amino acids, including those bearing hindered branched vinyl groups.     

Rational incorporation of defects within metal–organic frameworks generates highly active electrocatalytic sites

The allure of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) in heterogeneous electrocatalysis is that catalytically active sites may be designed a priori with an unparalleled degree of control. An emerging strategy to generate coordinatively-unsaturated active sites is through the use of organic linkers that lack a functional group that would usually bind with the metal nodes. To execute this strategy, we synthesize a model MOF, Ni-MOF-74 and incorporate a fraction of 2-hydroxyterephthalic acid in place of 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid. The defective MOF, Ni-MOF-74D, is evaluated vs. the nominally defect-free Ni-MOF-74 with a host of ex situ and in situ spectroscopic and electroanalytical techniques, using the oxidation of hydroxymethylfurtural (HMF) as a model reaction. The data indicates that Ni-MOF-74D features a set of 4-coordinate Ni–O₄ sites that exhibit unique vibrational signatures, redox potentials, binding motifs to HMF, and consequently superior electrocatalytic activity relative to the original Ni-MOF-74 MOF, being able to convert HMF to the desired 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid at 95% yield and 80% faradaic efficiency. Furthermore, having such rationally well-defined catalytic sites coupled with in situ Raman and infrared spectroelectrochemical measurements enabled the deduction of the reaction mechanism in which co-adsorbed *OH functions as a proton acceptor in the alcohol oxidation step and carries implications for catalyst design for heterogeneous electrosynthetic reactions en route to the electrification of the chemical industry.

The allure of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) in heterogeneous electrocatalysis is that catalytically active sites may be designed a priori with an unparalleled degree of control.     

Free-standing metal–organic framework (MOF) monolayers by self-assembly of polymer-grafted nanoparticles

We report a general method for the synthesis of free-standing, self-assembled MOF monolayers (SAMMs) at an air–water interface using polymer-brush coated MOF nanoparticles. UiO-66, UiO-66-NH₂, and MIL-88B-NH₂ were functionalized with a catechol-bound chain-transfer agent (CTA) to graft poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) from the surface of the MOF using reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT). The polymer-coated MOFs were self-assembled at the air–water interface into monolayer films ∼250 nm thick and capable of self-supporting at a total area of 40 mm². Mixed-particle films were prepared through the assembly of MOF mixtures, while multilayer films were achieved through sequential transfer of the monolayers to a glass slide substrate. This method offers a modular and generalizable route to fabricate thin-films with inherent porosity and sub-micron thickness composed of a variety of MOF particles and functionalities.

We report a general method for the synthesis of free-standing, self-assembled MOF monolayers (SAMMs) at an air–water interface using polymer-brush coated MOF nanoparticles.     

Solvothermal Preparation of a Lanthanide Metal-Organic Framework for Highly Sensitive Discrimination of Nitrofurantoin and l-Tyrosine

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been rapidly developed for their broad applications in many different chemistry and materials fields. In this work, a multi-dentate building block 5-(4-(tetrazol-5-yl)phenyl)-isophthalic acid (H₃L) containing tetrazole and carbolxylate moieties was employed for the synthesis of a two-dimensional (2D) lanthanide MOF [La(HL)(DMF)₂(NO₃)] (DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide) (1) under solvothermal condition. The fluorescent sensing application of 1 was investigated. 1 exhibits high sensitivity recognition for antibiotic nitrofurantoin (K_sv: 3.0 × 10³ M⁻¹ and detection limit: 17.0 μM) and amino acid l-tyrosine (K_sv: 1.4 × 10⁴ M⁻¹ and detection limit: 3.6 μM). This work provides a feasible detection platform of 2D MOFs for highly sensitive discrimination of antibiotics and amino acids.     

Metal–metal bonded alkaline-earth distannyls

The first families of alkaline-earth stannylides [Ae(SnPh₃)₂·(thf)_x] (Ae = Ca, x = 3, 1; Sr, x = 3, 2; Ba, x = 4, 3) and [Ae{Sn(SiMe₃)₃}₂·(thf)_x] (Ae = Ca, x = 4, 4; Sr, x = 4, 5; Ba, x = 4, 6), where Ae is a large alkaline earth with direct Ae–Sn bonds, are presented. All complexes have been characterised by high-resolution solution NMR spectroscopy, including ¹¹⁹Sn NMR, and by X-ray diffraction crystallography. The molecular structures of [Ca(SnPh₃)₂·(thf)₄] (1′), [Sr(SnPh₃)₂·(thf)₄] (2′), [Ba(SnPh₃)₂·(thf)₅] (3′), 4, 5 and [Ba{Sn(SiMe₃)₃}₂·(thf)₅] (6′), most of which crystallised as higher thf solvates than their parents 1–6, were established by XRD analysis; the experimentally determined Sn–Ae–Sn′ angles lie in the range 158.10(3)–179.33(4)°. In a given series, the ¹¹⁹Sn NMR chemical shifts are slightly deshielded upon descending group 2 from Ca to Ba, while the silyl-substituted stannyls are much more shielded than the phenyl ones (δ¹¹⁹Sn/ppm: 1′, −133.4; 2′, −123.6; 3′, −95.5; 4, −856.8; 5, −848.2; 6′, −792.7). The bonding and electronic properties of these complexes were also analysed by DFT calculations. The combined spectroscopic, crystallographic and computational analysis of these complexes provide some insight into the main features of these unique families of homoleptic complexes. A comprehensive DFT study (Wiberg bond index, QTAIM and energy decomposition analysis) points at a primarily ionic Ae–Sn bonding, with a small covalent contribution, in these series of complexes; the Sn–Ae–Sn′ angle is associated with a flat energy potential surface around its minimum, consistent with the broad range of values determined by experimental and computational methods.

The complete series of heterobimetallic alkaline-earth distannyls [Ae{SnR₃}₂·(thf)_x] (Ae = Ca, Sr, Ba) have been prepared for R = Ph and SiMe₃, and their bonding and electronic properties have been comprehensively investigated.     

Temperature-modulated selective C(sp3)–H or C(sp2)–H arylation through palladium catalysis

Transition metal-catalysed C–H bond functionalisations have been extensively developed in organic and medicinal chemistry. Among these catalytic approaches, the selective activation of C(sp³)–H and C(sp²)–H bonds is particularly appealing for its remarkable synthetic versatility, yet it remains highly challenging. Herein, we demonstrate the first example of temperature-dependent selective C–H functionalisation of unactivated C(sp³)–H or C(sp²)–H bonds at remote positions through palladium catalysis using 7-pyridyl-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine as a new directing group. At 120 °C, C(sp³)–H arylation was triggered by the chelation of a rare [6,5]-fused palladacycle, whereas at 140 °C, C(sp²)–H arylation proceeded instead through the formation of a 16-membered tetramer containing four 7-pyridyl-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine–palladium chelation units. The subsequent mechanistic study revealed that both C–H activations shared a common 6-membered palladacycle intermediate, which was then directly transformed to either the [6,5]-fused palladacycle for C(sp³)–H activation at 120 °C or the tetramer for C(sp²)–H arylation at 140 °C with catalytic amounts of Pd(OAc)₂ and AcOH. Raising the temperature from 120 °C to 140 °C can also convert the [6,5]-fused palladacycle to the tetramer with the above-mentioned catalysts, hence completing the C(sp²)–H arylation ultimately.

Unprecedented 16-membered tetramer or [6,5]-fused palladacycle, mutually shadowboxing-like transformed from the shared common intermediate, accomplishes the Pd-catalysed temperature-dependent selective arylation of C(sp²)–H or C(sp³)–H.     

Boosting homogeneous chemoselective hydrogenation of olefins mediated by a bis(silylenyl)terphenyl-nickel(0) pre-catalyst

The isolable chelating bis(N-heterocyclic silylenyl)-substituted terphenyl ligand [Si^II(Terp)Si^II] as well as its bis(phosphine) analogue [P^III(Terp)P^III] have been synthesised and fully characterised. Their reaction with Ni(cod)₂ (cod = cycloocta-1,5-diene) affords the corresponding 16 VE nickel(0) complexes with an intramolecular η²-arene coordination of Ni, [E(Terp)E]Ni(η²-arene) (E = P^III, Si^II; arene = phenylene spacer). Due to a strong cooperativity of the Si and Ni sites in H₂ activation and H atom transfer, [Si^II(Terp)Si^II]Ni(η²-arene) mediates very effectively and chemoselectively the homogeneously catalysed hydrogenation of olefins bearing functional groups at 1 bar H₂ pressure and room temperature; in contrast, the bis(phosphine) analogous complex shows only poor activity. Catalytic and stoichiometric experiments revealed the important role of the η²-coordination of the Ni(0) site by the intramolecular phenylene with respect to the hydrogenation activity of [Si^II(Terp)Si^II]Ni(η²-arene). The mechanism has been established by kinetic measurements, including kinetic isotope effect (KIE) and Hammet-plot correlation. With this system, the currently highest performance of a homogeneous nickel-based hydrogenation catalyst of olefins (TON = 9800, TOF = 6800 h⁻¹) could be realised.

The isolable chelating bis(N-heterocyclic silylenyl)-substituted terphenyl ligand [Si^II(Terp)Si^II] as well as its bis(phosphine) analogue [P^III(Terp)P^III] have been synthesised and fully characterised.     

Magnesium–halobenzene bonding: mapping the halogen sigma-hole with a Lewis-acidic complex

Complexes of the Lewis base-free cations (^MeBDI)Mg⁺ and (^tBuBDI)Mg⁺ with Ph–X ligands (X = F, Cl, Br, I) have been studied (^MeBDI = HC[C(Me)N-DIPP]₂ and ^tBuBDI = HC[C(tBu)N-DIPP]₂; DIPP = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl). For the smaller β-diketiminate ligand (^MeBDI) only complexes with PhF could be isolated. Heavier Ph–X ligands could not compete with bonding of Mg to the weakly coordinating anion B(C₆F₅)₄⁻. For the cations with the bulkier ^tBuBDI ligand, the full series of halobenzene complexes was structurally characterized. Crystal structures show that the Mg⋯X–Ph angle strongly decreases with the size of X: F 139.1°, Cl 101.4°, Br 97.7°, I 95.1°. This trend, which is supported by DFT calculations, can be explained with the σ-hole which increases from F to I. Charge calculation and Atoms-In-Molecules analyses show that Mg⋯F–Ph bonding originates from electrostatic attraction between Mg²⁺ and the very polar C^δ+–F^δ− bond. For the heavier halobenzenes, polarization of the halogen atom becomes increasingly important (Cl < Br < I). Complexation with Mg leads in all cases to significant Ph–X bond activation and elongation. This unusual coordination of halogenated species to early main group metals is therefore relevant to C–X bond breaking.

Complexes of a highly Lewis acidic Mg cation and the full series of Ph–X (X = F, Cl, Br, I) have been structurally characterized. The Mg⋯X–Ph angle decreases with halogen size on account of the growing halogen σ-hole.     

Dehydrogenation of iron amido-borane and resaturation of the imino-borane complex

We report on the first isolation and structural characterization of an iron phosphinoimino-borane complex Cp*Fe(η²-H₂B NC₆H₄PPh₂) by dehydrogenation of iron amido-borane precursor Cp*Fe(η¹-H₃B–NHC₆H₄PPh₂). Significantly, regeneration of the amido-borane complex has been realized by protonation of the iron(ii) imino-borane to the amino-borane intermediate [Cp*Fe(η²-H₂B–NHC₆H₄PPh₂)]⁺ followed by hydride transfer. These new iron species are efficient catalysts for 1,2-selective transfer hydrogenation of quinolines with ammonia borane.

Dehydrogenation of an amido-borane iron complex provides an imino-borane complex. Regeneration of the amido-borane precursor was achieved by protonation of the imino-borane followed by hydride transfer to the amino-borane intermediate.

Because of relevance to H₂ storage^1–10 and hydrogenation catalysis,^11–15 metal amine-borane complexes^16–18 and their dehydrogenated forms, such as amino-boranes^20–22 and imino-boranes⁴ are arising as a significant family in organometallic chemistry. In transition metal-catalyzed dehydrocoupling of amine-boranes and related transfer hydrogenations, the interactions between the metal and the borane fragment are essential to dehydrogenation and the consequent transformations.^16–20 Specifically, amino-borane complexes containing a M–H₂B NR₂ moiety are the primary dehydrogenated species and are often identified as a resting point in the catalysis (Scheme 1a).^20–22 Management of reversible dehydrogenation–regeneration reactions on a M–BH₂ NR₂ platform could provide a strategy with which to design efficient catalysts capable of operating sustainable syntheses.Open in a separate windowScheme 1Schematic representation of metal-based amine-borane dehydrogenation.Wider exploration of metal amino-borane chemistry is challenging since M–H₂B NH₂ species are very reactive toward H₂ release. In 2010, Aldridge et al. reported the isolation of [(IMes)₂Rh(H)₂(η²-H₂B NR₂)] and [(IMes)₂Ir(H)₂(η²-H₂B NR₂)] from the metal-catalyzed dehydrogenation of R₂HN·BH₃.^21a At the same time, Alcaraz and Sabo-Etienne reported the preparation of (PCy₃)₂Ru(H)₂(η²-H₂B NH_nMe_2−n) (n = 0–2) complexes^22a by the dehydrogenation of amine-boranes with the corresponding ruthenium precursors. Subsequently, a straightforward synthesis of Ru, Rh, and Ir amino-borane complexes by reaction of H₂B NR₂ (R = iPr or Cy) with the bis(hydrogen) complexes of M(H)₂(η²-H₂)₂(PCy₃)₂ or [CpRu(PR₃)₂]⁺ fragments was developed.^21b,22b Turculet et al. have shown that the ruthenium-alkoxide complex is able to activate H₃B·NHR₂ producing hydrido ruthenium complex.²³ Notably, Weller and Macgregor found that dehydrocoupling of ammonia-borane by [Ph₂P(CH₂)₃PPh₂Rh(η⁶-C₆H₅F)] affords a μ-amino-borane bimetallic Rh complex, in which the simplest H₂B NH₂ moiety is trapped on a rhodium dimer.^20aAlthough iron-catalyzed dehydrocoupling of amine-boranes has attracted great interest,^24–29 iron amine-borane complexes, their dehydrogenated derivatives, and especially the catalysis relevant to organic synthesis are largely unexplored. Recently, Kirchner et al. reported a pincer-type iron complex generated by protonation of the borohydride iron complex (PNP)Fe(H)(η²-BH₄) with ammonium salts.³⁰ Inspired by earlier research on M–H₂B NR₂ chemistry, we intended to establish the reversible conversions of amino-borane complexes and their dehydrogenated forms in a synthetic piano-stool iron system. Herein, we report dehydrogenation of iron amido-borane complex Cp*Fe(η¹-H₃B–NHC₆H₄PPh₂) (2) (Cp* = Me₅C₅⁻) to the imino-borane complex Cp*Fe(η²-H₂B NC₆H₄PPh₂) (3), and resaturation of the imino-borane by stepwise protonation and hydride transfer (Scheme 1b). This new class of iron species is capable of catalyzing 1,2-selective transfer hydrogenation of quinolines with H₃N·BH₃.To synthesize the iron amido-borane complex, a new monomer, the iron tetrahydridoborate precursor Cp*Fe(η²-BH₄)(NCMe) (1), was prepared in situ by the reaction of [Cp*Fe(NCMe)₃]PF₆ with Bu₄NBH₄ in acetonitrile at room temperature for 5 min. Such ferrous borohydrides have been documented only rarely,³¹ since they are prone to form polynuclear iron borate clusters.^32,33 The ¹¹B NMR spectrum of the reaction solution shows a quintet at δ 15.4 (J_BH = 88 Hz) for the BH₄⁻ ligand of 1, and this stands in contrast to the signal at δ −32.0 observed for Bu₄NBH₄. Upon storing the reaction mixture at −30 °C overnight, single crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction were obtained. Crystallographic analysis confirmed the structure of 1 as a piano-stool iron tetrahydridoborate compound (ESI, Fig. S1^†).Addition of phosphinoamine ligand 1,2-Ph₂PC₆H₄NH₂ to a solution of 1 in acetonitrile caused an instantaneous color change from deep blue to dark brown (Scheme 2). ESI-MS studies indicated the production of the iron amido-borane compound (2) with m/z = 481.1793 (calcd m/z = 481.1770), which was isolated in 87% yield. NMR spectra showed a boron resonance at δ −17.5, and a phosphorus resonance at δ 85.9. The ¹H NMR spectrum exhibits a characteristic hydride signal at δ −13.98, which is assigned to the bridging hydride Fe–H–B. Owing to exchange between the hydrogen atoms at the boron,³⁴ the terminal B–H resonances in the ¹H NMR spectrum are very broad and are obscured by the distinct Cp* signals. To assign the B–H hydride signals, the deuterated compound Cp*Fe(D₃B–NHC₆H₄PPh₂) (d-2) was synthesized from Cp*Fe(BD₄)(NCMe). In addition to the Fe–D–B signal at δ −13.98, the ²H NMR spectrum of d-2 displayed discrete peaks at δ 2.23 and 0.19 for the terminal B–D hydrides (Fig. 1).Open in a separate windowFig. 1 ²H NMR spectra for dehydrogenation of d-2 to d-3.Open in a separate windowScheme 2Synthetic route to imino-borane complex.When a C₆H₆ solution of 2 was held at 50 °C for 6 h the dehydrogenated imino-borane compound (3) was produced in 92% yield. The ESI-MS spectrum of 3 has a strong peak at m/z 479.1626 (calcd m/z = 479.1637) which can be compared to the peak at m/z = 481.1793 for 2. The isotopic distributions match well with the calculated values (see Fig. S3^†). GC analysis shows that the reaction produced H₂ nearly quantitatively (see Fig. S4^†). In solution, the ³¹P NMR spectrum of 3 displays a sharp signal at δ 71.9, in contrast to the peak at δ 85.9 for 2. The ¹¹B resonance shifts significantly, from δ −17.5 for 2 to δ 42.7 for 3 (Fig. S16^†), and is particularly diagnostic of a three-coordinate boron atom.^21,35 This result indicates the B N double bond character in the dehydrogenated form of the amido-borane complex. In the ¹H NMR spectrum, the Fe–H–B signal was observed at δ −17.91 with the integral of 2H, and no characteristic signal for a terminal B–H hydride was found. To confirm the formation of an imino-borane compound, the hydrogen decoupling was also carried out with compound d-2 and monitored by ²H NMR spectra. Only a deuterium signal was observed at δ −17.91 for Fe–D–B, indicating the formation of d-3 (Fig. 1). When the dehydrogenation was conducted in a J-Young tube in C₆D₆, a characteristic triplet corresponding to HD appeared at δ 4.43 (J_HD = 45 Hz) in the ¹H NMR spectrum (Fig. S18^†).³⁶The structures of 2 and 3 were verified by X-ray crystallographic analysis (Fig. 2). Consistent with NMR spectroscopic analysis, the BH₃ moiety in 2 is stabilized by one of the B–H bonds binding at the Fe–NH unit to form an Fe–H–B–N four-membered metallacycle. This metal–ligand cooperative binding mode increased the B–H bond length in the bridging B–H(1) bond to 1.362 Å vs. 1.129 Å and 1.121 Å for the two terminal B–H bonds. The B–N bond length of 1.545(3) Å in 2 is slightly shorter than that in H₃B·NH₃ (d_B–N = 1.58(2) Å).³⁷ Crystallographic analysis of 3 confirmed an imino-borane complex with a Cp*Fe(η²-H₂B NC₆H₄PPh₂) framework. After dehydrogenation of 2, striking structural changes were observed. The N atom has been become detached from Fe, while the BH₂ fragment acts as a bis(σ-borane) ligand coordinated to the metal center.^21–23 The B–N bond distance of 1.455(5) Å in 3 is shorter by 0.09 Å than that in 2, and is close to that reported for the cyclic trimer borazine (1.4355(21) Å).³⁸ Combined with the NMR results, the B–N bond length in 3 suggests some double bond character.^21,22 As the imino-borane fragment is tethered in the coordination sphere, the boron center adopts a quasi-tetrahedral geometry, and the B–N bond appears to be partially sp³ hybridized. Dehydrogenation of the amido-borane complex also caused the decrease of the Fe⋯B distances from 2.223(3) Å to 2.026(4) Å which is shorter than the sum of the covalent radii of Fe and B atom (2.16 Å), indicating that the borane and the metal are bonded.Open in a separate windowFig. 2Solid-sate structure (50% probability thermal ellipsoids) of (a) complex 2 and (b) 3. For clarity, hydrogen atoms of Cp* and phenyl rings are omitted.Notably, the amido-borane compound 2 can be regenerated by stepwise protonation of 3 and transfer of a hydride (Scheme 3). Complex 3 reacts readily with H(Et₂O)₂BAr^F₄ in C₆H₅F. The reaction solution was analyzed by ESI-MS spectroscopy, which showed an ionic peak at m/z = 480.1726 (calcd m/z = 480.1715), suggesting the formation of [3H]⁺. Alternatively, the reaction of complex 2 with H(Et₂O)₂BAr^F₄ unambiguously provides [3H]⁺ and produces H₂. X-ray crystallographic analysis reveals that the resulting cationic complex [3H]⁺ exhibits a similar framework to its imino-borane precursor (3). The BH₂ moiety retains a binding mode of the bis(σ-BH₂) fashion (Fig. 3). In contrast, the B–N distance in [3H]⁺ (1.586(6) Å) is extended by 0.13 Å and the [3H]⁺ framework becomes much less compact than that of 3. Probably due to the fluxional structure of the seven-membered Fe–P–C–C–N–B(H) ring, the solution of [3H][BAr^F₄] gives broad ¹H NMR resonances even at −60 °C. The phosphorus resonance arose at δ 72.0 as a singlet when the solution sample was cooled to −40 °C (Fig. S20 and S21^†).Open in a separate windowFig. 3Solid-state structures of (a) complex [3H]⁺ and (b) [3H(PPh₃)]⁺. For clarity, counterion [BAr^F₄]⁻, hydrogen atoms of Cp* and phenyl rings have been omitted.Open in a separate windowScheme 3Conversions of iron imino-borane, amino-borane and amido-borane complexes.In [3H]⁺, the boron is coordinatively unsaturated, as manifested by its interaction with a σ-donor. For instance, treatment of 2 with [HPPh₃][BAr^F₄] (pK^MeCN_a = 7.6)³⁹ provides a Ph₃P-stabilized borane complex, [3H(PPh₃)]⁺ (m/z = 742.2620, calcd m/z = 742.2626). The ¹H NMR spectrum of [3H(PPh₃)]⁺ exhibits an NH resonance at δ 4.68, suggesting that protonation occurred at the N site. The distinctive upfield hydride signal for Fe–H–B is observed at δ −15.58. In the ³¹P NMR spectrum, two phosphorus signals at δ 78.90 and −1.26 correspond to the Fe–P and the B–P resonances, respectively. The ¹¹B signal at δ −13.72 indicates a tetracoordinated boron, which is further confirmed by crystallographic analysis of [3H(PPh₃)]⁺ (Fig. 3). In the solid-sate structure, a Ph₃P molecule is bound to the B center (d_B–P = 1.982(4) Å), leading to the formation of a new Fe–H–B–N four-membered metallacycle. As a amido-borane complex, [3H(PPh₃)]⁺ has a B–N bond length of 1.527(5) Å, somewhat shorter than 1.545(3) Å in 2.After attaching a proton at the N atom, we subsequently explored restoration of the original borane moiety. Treatment of freshly prepared [3H][BAr^F₄] in fluorobenzene with catecholborane-NEt₃ adduct (δ_B = 10.56, J_HB = 142.4 Hz)⁴⁰ results in the regeneration of 2, as evidenced by the NMR spectra (Fig. S29 and S30^†). The ¹H NMR spectrum of the reaction mixture displays a characteristic hydride signal at −13.97 ppm, indicating the recovery of the iron amido-borane complex. On the other side, concomitant formation of the borenium ion (δ_B = 13.86) was also observed in the ¹¹B NMR spectrum, which agrees with the hydride transfer from the organohydride reagent to [3H]⁺. It was interesting that the ion [3H]⁺ is stable towards 5,6-dihydrophenanthridine and Hantszch ester. These results indicate that the hydride-donating ability (ΔG_H⁻) of 2 is in the range of 55–59 kcal mol⁻¹.⁴¹ The reactive nature of the hydride in 2 was demonstrated by the reaction with [HPPh₃][BAr^F₄], which produces [3H(PPh₃)]⁺ and releases H₂ (Scheme 3).1The metal amine-borane complexes and their dehydrogenated derivatives are implicated throughout the catalytic cycle of amine-borane dehydrogenation. We found both the iron complexes 2 and 3 are efficient catalysts for H₃N·BH₃ dehydrogenation at room temperature. In the presence of 1 mol% catalyst, a THF solution of H₃N·BH₃ (1.0 mmol) generates about 2.2 equivalent of H₂ within 6 h based on GC quantification (Fig. S33^†). More importantly, such catalytic dehydrocoupling systems allow for selective transfer hydrogenation of quinolines to dihydroquinolines, which are valuable synthons leading to many bio-active compounds.⁴² For instance, addition of methyl-6-quinolineacetate (4) to the catalytic system containing one equiv. of H₃N·BH₃ and 1 mol% of 3 gave 1,2-dihydro-methyl-6-quinolineacetate (5) in excellent yield within 6 h (eqn (1)). The outcome of this reaction was unaffected by switching the catalyst from 3 to 2, or by use of excess reducing agent or by an increase in the reaction temperature (Table S1^†).     

Acyclic diaminocarbene-based Thiele,Chichibabin, and Müller hydrocarbons

Thiele, Chichibabin and Müller hydrocarbons are considered as classical Kekulé diradicaloids. Herein we report the synthesis and characterization of acyclic diaminocarbene (ADC)-based Thiele, Chichibabin, and Müller hydrocarbons. The calculated singlet–triplet energy gaps are ΔE_S–T = −27.96, −3.70, −0.37 kcal mol⁻¹, respectively, and gradually decrease with the increasing length of the π-conjugated spacer (p-phenylene vs. p,p′-biphenylene vs. p,p′′-terphenylene) between the two ADC-scaffolds. In agreement with the calculations, we also experimentally observed the enhancement of paramagnetic diradical character as a function of the length of the π-conjugated spacer. ADC-based Thiele''s hydrocarbon is EPR silent and exhibits very well resolved NMR spectra, whereas ADC-based Müller''s hydrocarbon displays EPR signals and featureless NMR spectra at room temperature. The spacer also has a strong influence on the UV-Vis-NIR spectra of these compounds. Considering that our methodology is modular, these results provide a convenient platform for the synthesis of an electronically modified new class of carbon-centered Kekulé diradicaloids.

We report the synthesis of acyclic diaminocarbene (ADC)-scaffold based Thiele, Chichibabin, and Müller hydrocarbons. Studies support that the singlet-triplet energy gap depends on the π-conjugated spacer between the ADC scaffolds.     

Identifying key mononuclear Fe species for low-temperature methane oxidation

The direct functionalization of methane into platform chemicals is arguably one of the holy grails in chemistry. The actual active sites for methane activation are intensively debated. By correlating a wide variety of characterization results with catalytic performance data we have been able to identify mononuclear Fe species as the active site in the Fe/ZSM-5 zeolites for the mild oxidation of methane with H₂O₂ at 50 °C. The 0.1% Fe/ZSM-5 catalyst with dominant mononuclear Fe species possess an excellent turnover rate (TOR) of 66 mol_MeOH mol_Fe⁻¹ h⁻¹, approximately 4 times higher compared to the state-of-the-art dimer-containing Fe/ZSM-5 catalysts. Based on a series of advanced in situ spectroscopic studies and ¹H- and ¹³C- nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), we found that methane activation initially proceeds on the Fe site of mononuclear Fe species. With the aid of adjacent Brønsted acid sites (BAS), methane can be first oxidized to CH₃OOH and CH₃OH, and then subsequently converted into HOCH₂OOH and consecutively into HCOOH. These findings will facilitate the search towards new metal-zeolite combinations for the activation of C–H bonds in various hydrocarbons, for light alkanes and beyond.

The monomeric Fe species in Fe/ZSM-5 have been identified as the intrinsic active sites for the low-temperature methane oxidation.     

17O NMR spectroscopy of crystalline microporous materials

Microporous materials, containing pores and channels of similar dimensions to small molecules have a range of applications in catalysis, gas storage and separation and in drug delivery. Their complex structure, often containing different types and levels of positional, compositional and temporal disorder, makes structural characterisation challenging, with information on both long-range order and the local environment required to understand the structure–property relationships and improve the future design of functional materials. In principle, ¹⁷O NMR spectroscopy should offer an ideal tool, with oxygen atoms lining the pores of many zeolites and phosphate frameworks, playing a vital role in host–guest chemistry and reactivity, and linking the organic and inorganic components of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). However, routine study is challenging, primarily as a result of the low natural abundance of this isotope (0.037%), exacerbated by the presence of the quadrupolar interaction that broadens the spectral lines and hinders the extraction of information. In this Perspective, we will highlight the current state-of-the-art for ¹⁷O NMR of microporous materials, focusing in particular on cost-effective and atom-efficient approaches to enrichment, the use of enrichment to explore chemical reactivity, the challenge of spectral interpretation and the approaches used to help this and the information that can be obtained from NMR spectra. Finally, we will turn to the remaining challenges, including further improving sensitivity, the high-throughput generation of multiple structural models for computational study and the possibility of in situ and in operando measurements, and give a personal perspective on how these required improvements can be used to help solve important problems in microporous materials chemistry.

Cost-effective and atom-efficient isotopic enrichment enables ¹⁷O NMR spectroscopy of microporous materials to be used to probe local structure and disorder and to explore chemical reactivity.