Monitoring and Understanding the Paraelectric–Ferroelectric Phase Transition in the Metal–Organic Framework [NH4][M(HCOO)3] by Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy

The paraelectric–ferroelectric phase transition in two isostructural metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) [NH₄][M(HCOO)₃] (M=Mg, Zn) was investigated by in situ variable‐temperature ²⁵Mg, ⁶⁷Zn, ¹⁴N, and ¹³C solid‐state NMR (SSNMR) spectroscopy. With decreasing temperature, a disorder–order transition of NH₄⁺ cations causes a change in dielectric properties. It is thought that [NH₄][Mg(HCOO)₃] exhibits a higher transition temperature than [NH₄][Zn(HCOO)₃] due to stronger hydrogen‐bonding interactions between NH₄⁺ ions and framework oxygen atoms. ²⁵Mg and ⁶⁷Zn NMR parameters are very sensitive to temperature‐induced changes in structure, dynamics, and dielectric behavior; stark spectral differences across the paraelectric–ferroelectric phase transition are intimately related to subtle changes in the local environment of the metal center. Although ²⁵Mg and ⁶⁷Zn are challenging nuclei for SSNMR experiments, the highly spherically symmetric metal‐atom environments in [NH₄][M(HCOO)₃] give rise to relatively narrow spectra that can be acquired in 30–60 min at a low magnetic field of 9.4 T. Complementary ¹⁴N and ¹³C SSNMR experiments were performed to probe the role of NH₄⁺–framework hydrogen bonding in the paraelectric–ferroelectric phase transition. This multinuclear SSNMR approach yields new physical insights into the [NH₄][M(HCOO)₃] system and shows great potential for molecular‐level studies on electric phenomena in a wide variety of MOFs.     

An A‐Site Mixed‐Ammonium Solid Solution Perovskite Series of [(NH2NH3)x(CH3NH3)1−x][Mn(HCOO)3] (x=1.00–0.67)

The A‐site mixed‐ammonium solid solutions of metal–organic perovskites [(NH₂NH₃)_x(CH₃NH₃)_1?x][Mn(HCOO)₃] (x=1.00–0.67) exhibit para‐ to ferroelectric diffuse phase transitions with lowered transition temperatures from x=1.00 to 0.67. These properties are due to the decreased framework distortion and polarization in their low temperature ferroelectric phases caused by the increased CH₃NH₃⁺ concentration.     

Metal–Organic Perovskites: Synthesis,Structures, and Magnetic Properties of [C(NH2)3][MII(HCOO)3] (M=Mn,Fe, Co,Ni, Cu,and Zn; C(NH2)3= Guanidinium)

We report the synthesis, crystal structures, and spectral, thermal, and magnetic properties of a family of metal–organic perovskite ABX₃, [C(NH₂)₃][M^II(HCOO)₃], in which A=C(NH₂)₃ is guanidinium, B=M is a divalent metal ion (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, or Zn), and X is the formate HCOO^?. The compounds could be synthesized by either diffusion or hydrothermal methods from water or water‐rich solutions depending on the metal. The five members (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Zn) are isostructural and crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Pnna, while the Cu member in Pna2₁. In the perovskite structures, the octahedrally coordinated metal ions are connected by the anti–anti formate bridges, thus forming the anionic NaCl‐type [M(HCOO)₃]^? frameworks, with the guanidinium in the nearly cubic cavities of the frameworks. The Jahn–Teller effect of Cu²⁺ results in a distorted anionic Cu–formate framework that can be regarded as Cu–formate chains through short basal Cu? O bonds linked by the long axial Cu? O bonds. These materials show higher thermal stability than other metal–organic perovskite series of [AmineH][M(HCOO)₃] templated by the organic monoammonium cations (AmineH⁺) as a result of the stronger hydrogen bonding between guanidinium and the formate of the framework. A magnetic study revealed that the five magnetic members (except Zn) display spin‐canted antiferromagnetism, with a Néel temperature of 8.8 (Mn), 10.0 (Fe), 14.2 (Co), 34.2 (Ni), and 4.6 K (Cu). In addition to the general spin‐canted antiferromagnetism, the Fe compound shows two isothermal transformations (a spin‐flop and a spin‐flip to the paramagnetic phase) within 50 kOe. The Co member possesses quite a large canting angle. The Cu member is a magnetic system with low dimensional character and shows slow magnetic relaxation that probably results from the domain dynamics.     

Temperature‐Induced Irreversible Phase Transition From Perovskite to Diamond But Pressure‐Driven Back‐Transition in an Ammonium Copper Formate

The compound [CH₃CH₂NH₃][Cu(HCOO)₃] undergoes a phase transition at 357 K, from a perovskite to a diamond structure, by heating. The backward transition can be driven by pressure at room temperature but not cooling under ambient or lower pressure. The rearrangement of one long copper–formate bond, the switch of bridging‐chelating mode of the formate, the alternation of N?H???O H‐bonds, and the flipping of ethylammonium are involved in the transition. The strong N?H???O H‐bonding probably locks the metastable diamond phase. The two phases display magnetic and electric orderings of different characters.     

Crystal Structure,Thermal and Electric Behaviour of [(CH3)2NH2]3[As2Cl9] and [(CH3)2NH2][AsOCl2]

Single crystals of the organic‐inorganic arsenate(III): [(CH₃)₂NH₂]₃[As₂Cl₉] and [(CH₃)₂NH₂][AsOCl₂] have been grown from aqueous hydrochloric acid solution. The crystals [(CH₃)₂NH₂]₃[As₂Cl₉] have been investigated by X‐ray diffraction (at 253 K), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dilatometric and dielectric methods. They undergo two structural phase transitions of first order at 228/235 and 298/307 K (on cooling/heating), respectively, which are classified as an "order‐disorder" type. The trigonal [(CH₃)₂NH₂]₃[As₂Cl₉] structure (at 253 K, intermediate phase (II)) refined in the space group R3c, consists of isolated [As₂Cl₉]^3‐ bioctahedral units and dimethylammonium cations hydrogen bonded to the bridging Cl atoms of the anions. The crystals of [(CH₃)₂NH₂][AsOCl₂] at 100 K are orthorhombic, space group Cmca. The structure contains one‐dimensional chains formed by strong distorted [AsO₂Cl₄] octahedra. The dimethylammonium cations reveal distinct disorder.     

Three New Niccolites: High-Temperature Phase Transitions,Prominent Anisotropic Thermal Expansions,Dielectric Anomalies,and Magnetism

Three new iso-structural ammonium metal formates of [dmpnH₂][M₂(HCOO)₆], in which dmpnH₂²⁺=N,N′-dimethyl-1,3-propylenediammoium and M=divalent Co, Zn and Mg ions, are reported. They possess niccolite metal formate frameworks with long-shaped cavities for the accommodation of dmpnH₂²⁺ cations. The three materials display reversible phase transitions of similar mechanism from ordered, antipolar or antiferroelectric, low-temperature phases in space group C2/c, to disordered, paraelectric, high-temperature phases in space group P 1c, with quite high critical temperatures of 366, 370, and 334 K for Co, Zn, and Mg members, respectively. On warming, the dmpnH₂²⁺ cation experiences an ordered state with gradual increase of the local vibration motions of the central CH₂ and terminal CH₃ groups, a partially disordered state with gradually enhanced flipping motion between the major and minor orientations, and finally a twisting or rotating motion after the phase transition, accompanied by prominent anisotropic thermal expansions and dielectric anomalies/relaxations. The phase transition characters and relevant properties also exhibit a subtle metal-dependence. The Co member shows spin-canted antiferromagnetism below the Néel temperature of 16.1 K, with unusual large spontaneous magnetization and coercive field.     

Zinc‐Diluted Magnetic Metal Formate Perovskites: Synthesis,Structures, and Magnetism of [CH3NH3][MnxZn1−x(HCOO)3] (x=0–1)

The preparation, structures, and magnetic properties of a series of metal formate perovskites [CH₃NH₃][Mn_xZn_1?x(HCOO)₃] were investigated. The isostructural solid solution can be prepared in the complete range of x=0–1. The metal–organic perovskite structures consist of an anionic NaCl type [Mn_xZn_1?x(HCOO)₃^?] framework with CH₃NH₃⁺ templates located in the nearly cubic cavities and forming hydrogen bonds to the framework. When the proportion of Mn increased (i.e., x changed from 0 to 1), the lattice dimensions and metal–oxygen and metal–metal distances show a slight, nonlinear increase because of the increased averaged metal ionic radius and the local structure distortion. Through the series, the magnetism changes from the long‐range ordering of spin‐canted antiferromagnetism for x≥0.40 to paramagnetism when x≤0.30, and the percolation limit was estimated to be x_P=0.31(2) for this simple cubic lattice. In the low‐temperature region, enhancement of magnetization and the gradual decrease and final disappearance of coercive field, remnant magnetization, and spin‐flop field upon dilution were observed through this isotropic Heisenberg magnetic series. IR spectroscopic and thermal properties were also investigated.     

Switchable Guest Molecular Dynamics in a Perovskite‐Like Coordination Polymer toward Sensitive Thermoresponsive Dielectric Materials

A new perovskite‐like coordination polymer [(CH₃)₂NH₂][Cd(N₃)₃] is reported which undergoes a reversible ferroelastic phase transition. This transition is due to varied modes of motion of the [(CH₃)₂NH₂]⁺ guest accompanied by a synergistic deformation of the [Cd(N₃)₃]^? framework. The unusual two‐staged switchable dielectric relaxation reveals the molecular dynamics of the polar cation guest, which are well controlled by the variable confined space of the host framework. As the material switches from the ferroelastic phase to the paraelastic phase, a remarkable increase of the rotational energy barrier is detected. As a result, upon heating at low temperature, this compound shows a notable change from a low to a high dielectric state in the ferroelastic phase. This thermoresponsive host–guest system may serve as a model compound for the development of sensitive thermoresponsive dielectric materials and may be key to understanding and modulating molecular/ionic dynamics of guest molecules in confined space.     

A Variety of Phase‐Transition Behaviors in a Niccolite Series of [NH3(CH2)4NH3][M(HCOO)3]2

A niccolite series of [bnH₂²⁺][M(HCOO)₃]₂ (bnH₂²⁺=1,4‐butyldiammonium) shows four kinds of metal‐dependent phase transitions, from high temperature para‐electric phases to low‐temperature ferro‐, antiferro‐, glass‐like, and para‐electric phases. The conformational flexibility of bnH₂²⁺ and the different size, mass, and bonding character of the metal ion lead to various disorder‐order transitions of bnH₂²⁺ in the lattice and relevant framework modulations, thus different phase transitions and dielectric responses. The magnetic members display a coexistence or combination of electric and magnetic orderings in the low‐temperature region.     

Infrared and Raman studies of phase transitions in metal–organic frameworks of [(CH3)2NH2][M(HCOO)3] with M=Zn,Fe

We report on temperature-dependent infrared (IR) and Raman studies of [(CH₃)₂NH₂][M(HCOO)₃] metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with M=Zn, Fe. Based on Raman and IR data, an assignment of the observed modes to respective vibrations of atoms is proposed. Temperature-dependent studies revealed abrupt changes below 160 K that are attributed to the onset of first-order structural phase transition. The most pronounced changes are observed for the modes corresponding to the dimethylammonium cation, especially those involving motion of hydrogen atoms. This behavior proves that the phase transition has an order–disorder character and is associated with the ordering of protons. The abrupt splitting of some modes related to the formate ion indicates that this transition is also associated with significant distortion of the metal-formate framework.     

A 36‐Fold Multiple Unit Cell and Switchable Anisotropic Dielectric Responses in an Ammonium Magnesium Formate Framework

An ammonium Mg formate framework, prepared by using di‐protonated 1,3‐propanediamine (pnH₂²⁺), has a rare three‐dimensional binodal (4¹²?6³)(4⁹?6⁶)₃ Mg‐formate framework with elongated cavities accommodating pnH₂²⁺???H₂O???pnH₂²⁺ assemblies. It displays a para‐electric to antiferroelectric phase transition at 275 K, with a 36‐fold multiple unit cell from the high‐temperature cell of 1703 ų to the low‐temperature one of 60 980 ų. The change results from the disorder–order transition of the pnH₂²⁺ cations and H₂O molecules. The motions of these components freeze in a stepwise fashion on going from the high‐temperature disorder state to the low‐temperature ordered state, triggering the switch from high to low dielectric constants, and the spatial limitation of such motions contributes the strong dielectric anisotropy.     

A Copper–Formate Framework Showing a Simple to Helical Antiferroelectric Transition with Prominent Dielectric Anomalies and Anisotropic Thermal Expansion,and Antiferromagnetism

We present here the compound [NH₄][Cu(HCOO)₃], a new member of the [NH₄][M(HCOO)₃] family. The Jahn–Teller Cu²⁺ ion leads to a distorted 4⁹?6⁶ chiral Cu–formate framework. In the low‐temperature (LT) orthorhombic phase, the Cu²⁺ is in an elongated octahedron, and the ${{\rm NH}{{+\hfill \atop 4\hfill}}}$ ions in the framework channel are off the channel axis. From 94 to 350 K the ${{\rm NH}{{+\hfill \atop 4\hfill}}}$ ion gradually approaches the channel axis and the related modulation of the framework and the hydrogen‐bond system occurs. The LT phase is simple antiferroelectric (AFE). The material becomes hexagonal above 355 K. In the high‐temperature (HT) phase, the Cu²⁺ octahedron is compressed, and the ${{\rm NH}{{+\hfill \atop 4\hfill}}}$ ions are arranged helically along the channel axis. Therefore, the phase transition is one from LT simple AFE to HT helical AFE. The temperature‐dependent structure evolution is accompanied by significant thermal and dielectric anomalies and anisotropic thermal expansion, due to the different status of the ${{\rm NH}{{+\hfill \atop 4\hfill}}}$ ions and the framework modulations, and the structure–property relationship was established based on the extensive variable‐temperature single‐crystal structures. The material showed long range ordering of antiferromagnetism (AFM), with low dimensional character and a Néel temperature of 2.9 K. Therefore, within the material AFE and AFM orderings coexist in the low‐temperature region.     

Crystal structure,phase transitions and dielectric properties of the mixed compound [Cs0.92(NH4)0.08]2HgBr4

The crystal structure of [Cs_0.92 (NH₄)_0.08]₂HgBr₄ was determined by three-dimensional X-ray diffraction analysis. The space group is Pnma with a = 10.210(2), b = 7.928(1), c = 13.883(1)Å and Z = 4 at 293K. The structure was refined to R = 0.067. The distribution of atoms can be described as isolated HgBr₄²⁻tetrahedra , Cs⁺ and NH₄⁺ cations. The main feature of this structure is the coexistence of two types of bonds: Cs⁺  Br⁻ ionic bonds and NH…Br hydrogen bonds ensuring the cohesion of the crystal. Dicaesium-ammonium tetrabromomercurate exhibits three phase transitions at T₁ = 237K, T₂ = 244K and T₃ = 513K. These transitions were detected by differential scanning calorimetry and analysed by dielectric measurements using the impedance and modulus spectroscopy techniques. The phase change at high temperature is related with the orientational disorder of NH₄⁺ cations. Transport properties in this material appear to be due to a H⁺ ion hopping mechanism.     

Metal‐Organic Niccolite: Synthesis,Structures, Phase Transition,and Magnetic Properties of [CH3NH2(CH2)2NH2CH3][M2(HCOO)6] (M=divalent Mn,Fe, Co,Ni, Cu and Zn)

We report the synthesis, crystal structures, thermal and magnetic characterizations of a family of metal‐organic frameworks adopting the niccolite (NiAs) structure, [dmenH₂²⁺][M₂(HCOO)₆²⁻] (dmen=N,N′‐dimethylethylenediamine; M=divalent Mn, 1Mn ; Fe, 2Fe ; Co, 3Co ; Ni, 4Ni ; Cu, 5Cu ; and Zn, 6Zn ). The compounds could be synthesized by either a diffusion method or directly mixing reactants in methanol or methanol–water mixed solvents. The five members, 1Mn , 2Fe , 3Co , 4Ni , and 6Zn are isostructural and crystallize in the trigonal space group P 1c, while 5Cu crystallizes in C2/c. In the structures, the octahedrally coordinated metal ions are connected by anti–anti formate bridges, thus forming the anionic NiAs‐type frameworks of [M₂(HCOO)₆²⁻], with dmenH₂²⁺ located in the cavities of the frameworks. Owing to the Jahn–Teller effect of the Cu²⁺ ion, the 3D framework of 5Cu consists of zigzag Cu‐formate chains with Cu OCHO Cu connections through short basal Cu O bonds, further linked by the long axial Cu O bonds. 6Zn exhibits a phase transition probably as a result of the order–disorder transition of the dmenH₂²⁺ cation around 300 K, confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry and single crystal X‐ray diffraction patterns under different temperatures. Magnetic investigation reveals that the four magnetic members, 1Mn , 2Fe , 3Co , and 4Ni , display spin‐canted antiferromagnetism, with a Néel temperature of 8.6 K, 19.8 K, 16.4 K, and 33.7 K, respectively. The Mn, Fe, and Ni members show spin‐flop transitions below 50 kOe. 2Fe possesses a large hysteresis loop with a large coercive field of 10.8 kOe. The Cu member, 5Cu , shows overall antiferromagnetism (both inter‐ and intra‐chains) with low‐dimensional characteristics.     

Two-Step Structure Phase Transition,Dielectric Anomalies,and Thermochromic Luminescence Behavior in a Direct Band Gap 2D Corrugated Layer Lead Chloride Hybrid of [(CH3)4N]4Pb3Cl10

A direct band gap 2D corrugated layer lead chloride hybrid, [(CH₃)₄N]₄Pb₃Cl₁₀ ( 1 ), shows analogous topology to the {Mg₃F₁₀⁴⁻}_∞ layer in Cs₄Mg₃F₁₀, and with the (CH₃)₄N⁺ cations locating in the inorganic layer voids and between the interlayers. Two reversible structural phase transitions occur in 1 at 225/210 K and 328/325 K upon heating/cooling, respectively. On going from the low- to intermediate-temperature phase, the space group changes from P2₁/c to Cmca, and the crystallographic axis perpendicular to the layers is doubled with the order–disorder transformation of (CH₃)₄N ⁺ cations between the interlayers. The intermediate- and high-temperature phases are isomorphic with similar cell parameters and packing structure; their main difference concerns the disorder degree of the (CH₃)₄N ⁺ cations between the interlayers. The two-step structural phase transitions lead to dielectric anomalies around the corresponding T_c. Interestingly, 1 shows multiband emission, originating from the recombination of exciton and emission of defects. Moreover, 1 exhibits divergent thermochromic luminescent features around the T_c on the intermediate to low temperature transition.     

Structural phase transition,thermal analysis,and spectroscopic studies in an organic–inorganic hybrid crystal: [(CH3)2NH2]2ZnBr4

An organic–inorganic hybrid compound [(CH₃)₂NH₂]₂ZnBr₄ has been prepared at room temperature under the slow evaporation method. Its structure was solved at 150 K using the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. [(CH₃)₂NH₂]₂ZnBr₄ crystallizes in the monoclinic system – a = 8.5512 (12) Å, b = 11.825 (2) Å, c = 13.499 (2) Å, β = 90.358 (6)°, V = 1365 (4) ų, and Z = 4, space group P2₁/n. In the structure of [(CH₃)₂NH₂]₂ZnBr₄, tetrabromozincate anions are connected to organic cations through N–H⋯ Br hydrogen bonds. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements indicate that [(CH₃)₂NH₂]₂ZnBr₄ undergoes four phase transitions at T₁ = 281 K, T₂ = 340 K, T₃ = 377 K, and T₄ = 408 K. Meanwhile, several studies including DSC measurements and variable-temperature structural analyses were performed to reveal the structural phase transition at T = 281 K in [(CH₃)₂NH₂]₂ZnBr₄. Conductivity and dielectric study as a function of temperature (378 < T [K] < 423) and frequency (10⁻¹ < f [Hz] < 10⁶) were investigated. Analysis of equivalent circuit, alternating current conductivity, and dielectric studies confirmed the phase transition at T₄. Conduction takes place by correlated barrier hopping in each phase.     

Structure and Phase Transitions in Ethylenediammonium Dichloride and its Salts with Antimony Trichloride

During the mixing of ethylenediammonium dichloride and antimony trichloride except of reported earlier [NH₃(CH₂)₂NH₃]₅(Sb₂Cl₁₁)₂ · 4 H₂O a new salt [NH₃(CH₂)₂NH₃](SbCl₄)₂ was obtained. The crystals are monoclinic at 295 K, space group C2/m, a = 13.829(3), b = 7.408(1), c = 7.588(2) Å; β = 103.18(3)°; V = 756.9(3) ų; Z = 2; d_c = 2.585, d_m = 2.56(2) g · cm^–3. The structure consists of anionic sublattice built of Sb₂Cl₈^2– units composed of two SbCl₅^2– square pyramids connected by edge. The ethylenediammonium cations are located in anionic cavities. The cations are disordered. Each methylene carbon atom is split between two positions. The X‐ray diffraction, DSC, TGA and dilatometric methods were used to investigate properties of ethylenediammonium dichloride and its two salts with antimony trichloride. In [NH₃(CH₂)₂NH₃]Cl₂ one phase transition of first order and of the order‐disorder type was found at 402 K. The [NH₃(CH₂)₂NH₃]₅(Sb₂Cl₁₁)₂ · 4 H₂O undergoes one transition at 355 K which is accompanied by the dehydration of the sample. In [NH₃(CH₂)₂NH₃](SbCl₄)₂ two phase transitions of the order‐disorder type: of first order at 238 K and of second order at 267 K were found. All those transitions in ethylenediammonium salts share common features. They were related to the changes in the molecular dynamics of ethylenediammonium cations. In the low temperature phases cations are ordered, while above T_c they are characterised by overall reorientations along the axis passing through opposite nitrogen atoms.     

Influence of Orientational Disorder on the Optical Absorption Properties of the Hybrid Metal-Halide Perovskite CH3NH3PbI3

An experimental and theoretical investigation is reported to analyze the relation between the structural and absorption properties of CH₃NH₃PbI₃ in the tetragonal phase. More than 3000 geometry optimizations were performed to reveal the structural disorder and identify structures with the lowest energies. The electronic structure calculations provide an averaged band gap of 1.674 eV, which is in excellent agreement with the experimental value of about 1.6 eV. The simulations of the absorption spectrum for three representative structures with lowest energy reproduced the absorption shoulders observed in the experimental spectra. These shoulders are assigned to excitations having similar orbital characters and involving transitions between hybridized 6s(Pb)/5p(I) orbitals and 6p(Pb) orbitals. The geometries of the three structures were analyzed and the effects of the inorganic frame and the CH₃NH₃⁺ cations on the absorption properties were estimated. It was found that both changes in the inorganic frame and the CH₃NH₃⁺ cations orientations impact the absorption spectra, by modifying the transitions energies and intensities. This highlights the role of CH₃NH₃⁺ cation in influencing the absorption properties of CH₃NH₃PbI₃ and demonstrates that CH₃NH₃⁺ cation is one of the key elements explaining the broad and nearly constant absorption spectrum in the visible range.     

Vibrational properties and DFT calculations of formamidine-templated Co and Fe formates

Experimental Raman and IR spectra of [NH₂-CH-NH₂][M(HCOO)₃] (M = Co, Fe), containing formamidinium cations [NH₂-CH-NH₂]⁺ (FMD⁺) were recorded at room temperature. In order to assign the vibrational modes corresponding to the FMD⁺ cation, the three-parameter hybrid B3LYP density functional method has been used with the 6-311G(2d,2p) basis to derive the vibrational wavenumbers (harmonic and anharmonic), infrared intensities and Raman scattering activities of formamidine molecule and FMD⁺ cation. The performed calculations revealed that protonation should affect most significantly the ν(CH), ρ(NH₂), ω(NH₂) and τ(NH₂) modes, which are expected to shift towards higher wavenumbers after protonation.     

Reversible high‐temperature phase transition of a manganese(II) formate framework with imidazolium cations

A new metal–formate framework, poly[1H‐imidazol‐3‐ium [tri‐μ₂‐formato‐manganese(II)]], {(C₃H₅N₂)[Mn(HCOO)₃]}_n, was synthesized and its structural phase transition was studied by thermal analysis and variable‐temperature X‐ray diffraction analysis. The transition temperature is around 435 K. The high‐temperature phase is tetragonal and the low‐temperature phase is monoclinic, with a β angle close to 90°. The relationship of the unit cells between the two phases can be described as: a_HT = 0.5a_LT + 0.5b_LT; b_HT = −0.5a_LT + 0.5b_LT; c_HT = 0.5c_LT. In the high‐temperature phase, both the framework and the guest 1H‐imidazol‐3‐ium (HIm) cations are disordered; the HIm cations are located about 2mm sites and were modelled as fourfold disordered. The Mn and a formate C atom are located on fourfold rotary inversion axes, while another formate C atom is on a mirror plane. The low‐temperature structure is ordered and consists of two crystallographically independent HIm cations and two crystallographically independent Mn²⁺ ions. The phase transition is attributable to the order–disorder transition of the HIm cations.