Low-dimensional porous coordination polymers based on 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)hydrazine: from structure diversity to ultrahigh CO2/CH4 selectivity

Solvothermal reactions of metal salts, benzenedicarboxylic acids, and 4,4'-azopyridine (azpy) in different conditions produced four coordination polymers, namely, [Zn(3)(bdc)(3)(bphy)(3)]·2DMF·10H(2)O (3; H(2)bdc = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bphy = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)hydrazine, and DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide), [Ni(bdc)(bphy)]·DMF·3.5H(2)O (4), [Zn(nipa)(bphy)]·EtOH (5; H(2)nipa = 5-nitroisophthalic acid), and [CoBr(bdc)(0.5)(bphy)]·2DMA·H(2)O (6; DMA = N,N-dimethylacetamide), in which the azpy ligand was in situ reduced. Structural determination reveals that 3-5 consist of the same metal/ligand ratio and similar coordination modes, as well as similar two-dimensional square-grid networks, but differ from their packing/interpenetration modes. 3 consists of alternately arranged single layers and interweaved double layers. Single layers in 4 directly stack in an offset fashion, while 5 is constructed of interdigitated double layers. 6 is a one-dimensional ladderlike structure, which could be regarded as that half of the bridging benzenedicarboxylate ligands in 3-5 are replaced by monodentate bromide ions. Interestingly, the crystal structures of these low-dimensional coordination polymers contain considerable solvent-accessible voids. Thermogravimetric curves, powder X-ray diffraction, and gas sorption experiments were used to study the potential porosity of these structures, which indicated that they can all reversibly desorb and adsorb solvent molecules. In particular, 4 showed gated sorption behavior and high CO(2)/CH(4) selectivity because of its flexible structure.     

Rational construction of 3D pillared metal-organic frameworks: synthesis, structures, and hydrogen adsorption properties

In our efforts toward rational design and systematic synthesis of 'pillar-layer' structure MOFs, three porous MOFs have been constructed based on [Zn(4)(bpta)(2)(H(2)O)(2)] (H(4)bpta = 1,1'-biphenyl-2,2',6,6'-tetracarboxylic acid) layers and three different bipyridine pillar ligands. The resulted MOFs show similar structures but different pore volume and window size depending on the length of pillar ligands which resulted in distinct gas adsorption properties. In the three MOFs, [Zn(4)(bpta)(2)(4,4'-bipy)(2)(H(2)O)(2)]·(DMF)(3)·H(2)O (1) (DMF = N,N'-dimethylformamide and 4,4'-bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine) reveals selective adsorption of H(2) over N(2) and O(2) as the result of narrow pore size. [Zn(4)(bpta)(2)(azpy)(2)(H(2)O)(2)]·(DMF)(4)·(H(2)O)(3) (2) and [Zn(4)(bpta)(2)(dipytz)(2)(H(2)O)(2)]·(DMF)(4)·H(2)O (3) (azpy =4,4'-azopyridine, dipytz = di-3,6-(4-pyridyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine) reveal pore structure change upon different activation conditions. In addition, the samples activated under different conditions show distinct adsorption behaviors of N(2) and O(2) gases. Furthermore, hydrogen adsorption properties of activated 1-3 were studied. The results indicated that the activation process could affect the hydrogen enthalpy of adsorption.     

Metal nuclearity modulated four-, six-, and eight-connected entangled frameworks based on mono-, bi-, and trimetallic cores as nodes

To investigate the relationship between network connectivity and metal nuclearity, we designed and synthesized a series of three-dimensional (3D) entangled coordination frameworks based on different metal cores, namely [Zn(2)(bdc)(2)(L)(2)]2H(2)O (1), [Zn(bdc)(L)(0.5)] (2), [Zn(oba)(L)(0.5)] (3) and [Cd(3)(bdc)(3)(L)(2)(H(2)O)(2)] (4) by self-assembly of d(10) metal salts with the flexible long-chain ligand 1,4-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)butane (L), and with the rigid and nonrigid aromatic dicarboxylate ligands 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate (bdc) and 4,4'-oxybis(benzoate) (oba). Compound 1 exhibits a threefold interpenetrated diamondoid array typically based on a tetrahedral second building unit (SBU) at a single Zn center. Compound 2 adopts a threefold interpenetrated alpha-polonium-type network that is built from bimetallic cores as six-connected vertices. The structure of 3 also consists of dinuclear units; it comprises a novel (3,4)-connected threefold interpenetrated net with complex (4610)(46(2)10(3)) topology when single zinc centers act as four-connected nodes (or the alpha-Po topology if dinuclear units are considered as six-connected nodes). Compound 4, derived from a crosslinked fivefold interpenetrated diamond-like substructure, is an unusual example of a self-penetrating coordination framework displaying an unprecedented eight-connected 4(20)6(8) topology with trinuclear cadmium clusters as eight-connected nodes which, to our knowledge, not only defines a new topology for eight-connected coordination networks, but also represents the highest connected topology presently known for self-penetrating systems. Detailed structural comparison of these complexes indicates that the increase in metal nuclearity induces the progressive increase in the connectivities of the ultimate nets: that is, the metal nuclearity plays a significant role in tuning the connectivity of a specific network. The thermal and luminescent properties of these compounds are discussed.     

New coordination polymers with extended arm cyclotriguaiacyclene ligands: 1D chains, and interpenetrating or polycatenating 2D (4(2).6(2))(4.6(2))2 networks

A series of new 1D chain and 2D coordination polymers with cyclotriguaiacylene-type ligands are reported. A zig-zag 1D coordination chain is found in complex [Cd(2)(4ph4py)(NO(3))(3)(H(2)O)(2)(DMA)(2)]·(NO(3))·(DMA)(4), where 4ph4py = tris[4-(4-pyridyl)benzoyl]-cyclotriguaiacylene and DMA = dimethylacetamide, while complex [Zn(4ph4py)(2)(CF(3)COO)(H(2)O)]·(CF(3)COO)(NMP)(7), where NMP = N-methylpyrrolidone, has a doubly bridged coordination chain structure. Complexes [M(3ph3py)(NO(3))(2)]·(NMP)(4) where M = Co or Zn, 3ph3py = tris[3-(3-pyridyl)benzoyl]cyclotriguaiacylene, are isostructural and feature 1D ladder coordination chains. Complexes [Cd(2)(4ph4py)(2)(NO(3))(4)(NMP)]·(NMP)(9)(H(2)O)(4) and [Co(4ph4py)(H(2)O)(2)]·(NO(3))(2)·(DMF)(2), where DMF = dimethylformamide, both have (3,4)-connected 2D coordination polymers with a rare (4(2).6(2))(4.6(2))(2) topology. A 2D coordination polymer with this topology is also found in complex [Co(2)(3ph4py)(2)(NO(3))(H(2)O)(5)]·(NO(3))(3)·(DMF)(9) where 3ph4py = tris[3-(4-pyridyl)benzoyl]cyclotriguaiacylene. All 2D coordination polymer complexes are interpenetrating or polycatenating. [Co(2)(3ph4py)(2)(NO(3))(H(2)O)(5)](3+)polymers form a 2D→3D polycatenation showing self-complementary "hand-shake" interactions between the host-type ligands.     

Enhancing gas adsorption and separation capacity through ligand functionalization of microporous metal-organic framework structures

Hydroxyl- and amino- functionalized [Zn(BDC)(TED)(0.5)]·2DMF·0.2H(2)O leads to two new structures, [Zn(BDC-OH)(TED)(0.5)]·1.5DMF·0.3H(2)O and [Zn(BDC-NH(2))(TED)(0.5)]·xDMF·yH(2)O (BDC=terephthalic acid, TED=triethylenediamine, BDC-OH=2-hydroxylterephthalic acid, BDC-NH(2)=2-aminoterephthalic acid). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction and powder X-ray diffraction studies confirmed that the structures of both functionalized compounds are very similar to that of their parent structure. Compound [Zn(BDC)(TED)(0.5)]·2DMF·0.2H(2)O can be considered a 3D porous structure with three interlacing 1D channels, whereas both [Zn(BDC-OH)(TED)(0.5)]·1.5DMF·0.3H(2)O and [Zn(BDC-NH(2))(TED)(0.5)]·xDMF·yH(2)O contain only 1D open channels as a result of functionalization of the BDC ligand by the OH and NH(2) groups. A notable decrease in surface area and pore size is thus observed in both compounds. Consequently, [Zn(BDC)(TED)(0.5)]·2DMF·0.2H(2)O takes up the highest amount of H(2) at low temperatures. Interestingly, however, both [Zn(BDC-OH)(TED)(0.5)]·1.5DMF·0.3H(2)O and [Zn(BDC-NH(2))(TED)(0.5)]·xDMF·yH(2)O show significant enhancement in CO(2) uptake at room temperature, suggesting that the strong interactions between CO(2) and the functionalized ligands, indicating that surface chemistry, rather than porosity, plays a more important role in CO(2) adsorption. A comparison of single-component CO(2), CH(4), CO, N(2), and O(2) adsorption isotherms demonstrates that the adsorption selectivity of CO(2) over other small gases is considerably enhanced through functionalization of the frameworks. Infrared absorption spectroscopic measurements and theoretical calculations are also carried out to assess the effect of functional groups on CO(2) and H(2) adsorption potentials.     

Synthesis, structures, and properties of two three-dimensional metal-organic frameworks, based on concurrent ligand extension

A tritopic carboxylate ligand, tris(4'-carboxybiphenyl)amine (L-H(3)), has been synthesized and applied in the construction of microporous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Two novel metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), {[Zn(2)(L)(OH)]·2DMF·H(2)O}(∞) (1) and {[Cu(L-H)(DMA)]·DMA·2H(2)O}(∞) (2), have been constructed out of L-H(3), Zn(2+), and Cu(2+), respectively. 1 has a 2-fold interpenetrating three-dimensional framework formed by L connectors and the [Zn(2)(CO(2))(3)] secondary building units (SBUs). As for 1, it is worth pointing out that one μ(2)-OH group links two Zn atoms between two neighboring SBUs to produce interesting Zn-O-Zn zigzag chains in the structure. 2 has a two-dimensional grid sheet formed by L-H connectors and the typical paddle-wheel [Cu(2)(CO(2))(4)] SBUs. Two-dimensional (2D) sheets nest with each other, which finally forms a three-dimensional (3D) nested framework. Two MOFs are characterized by infrared (IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, single-crystal and elemental analyses, and powder X-ray diffraction methods. Framework 1' exhibits high permanent porosity (Langmuir surface area = 848 m(2)/g), high thermal stability (up to 450 °C), highly active properties for Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction, as well as the potential application for the CO(2) gas storage and luminescent material. The catalytic results reveal that 2' is indeed an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for olefin epoxidation reactions.     

High gas sorption and metal-ion exchange of microporous metal-organic frameworks with incorporated imide groups

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), {[Cu(2)(bdcppi)(dmf)(2)]·10DMF·2H(2)O}(n) (SNU-50) and {[Zn(2)(bdcppi)(dmf)(3)]·6DMF·4H(2)O}(n) (SNU-51), have been prepared by the solvothermal reactions of N,N'-bis(3,5-dicarboxyphenyl)pyromellitic diimide (H(4)BDCPPI) with Cu(NO(3))(2) and Zn(NO(3))(2), respectively. Framework SNU-50 has an NbO-type net structure, whereas SNU-51 has a PtS-type net structure. Desolvated solid [Cu(2)(bdcppi)](n) (SNU-50'), which was prepared by guest exchange of SNU-50 with acetone followed by evacuation at 170 °C, adsorbs high amounts of N(2), H(2), O(2), CO(2), and CH(4) gases due to the presence of a vacant coordination site at every metal ion, and to the presence of imide groups in the ligand. The Langmuir surface area is 2450 m(2) g(-1). It adsorbs H(2) gas up to 2.10 wt% at 1 atm and 77 K, with zero coverage isosteric heat of 7.1 kJ mol(-1), up to a total of 7.85 wt% at 77 K and 60 bar. Its CO(2) and CH(4) adsorption capacities at 298 K are 77 wt% at 55 bar and 17 wt% at 60 bar, respectively. Of particular note is the O(2) adsorption capacity of SNU-50' (118 wt% at 77 K and 0.2 atm), which is the highest reported so far for any MOF. By metal-ion exchange of SNU-51 with Cu(II), {[Cu(2)(bdcppi)(dmf)(3)]·7DMF·5H(2)O}(n) (SNU-51-Cu(DMF)) with a PtS-type net was prepared, which could not be synthesized by a direct solvothermal reaction.     

Tuning MOF Stability and Porosity via Adding Rigid Pillars

High stability and permanent porosity are the premise of general applicability for metal-organic framework materials (MOFs). By varying degrees of success on increasing the connectivity of the linear pillar 4,4'-bipyridine (bpy), two isostructural flexible frameworks [M(2)(obb)(2)(DMF)(2)]·2DMF (1, M = Zn or Cu; H(2)obb = 4,4'-oxybis(benzoic acid), DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide) with no gas sorption are structurally modified into two rigid frameworks [Zn(2)(obb)(2)(bpy)]·DMF (2) and [Cu(2)(obb)(2)(bpy)(0.5)(DMF)]·2DMF (3) with notable gas sorption and separation properties. Especially for 3, it exhibits gas selective uptake for the adsorption of CO(2) over N(2) and CH(4) under 273 K and has an interesting physically lock effect in benzene and cyclohexane sorption. The results provide a successful strategy on tuning framework stability of flexible structures via adding rigid pillars.     

Syntheses, structures and properties of cadmium benzenedicarboxylate metal-organic frameworks

The products isolated from the reaction between Cd(NO3)2 x 4H2O and 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid (H2bdc) in DMF are very dependent on the conditions. At 115 degrees C, the reaction gives [Cd(bdc)(DMF)]infinity, which has a three-dimensional network structure, whereas at 95 degrees C, 1 is formed alongside [Cd3(bdc)3(DMF)4]infinity 2, which has a two-dimensional network structure. When the reaction is carried out under pressure, it yields [Cd3(bdc)3(DMF)4]infinity 3, which is a supramolecular isomer of 2. The structure of 3 differs from that of 2 regarding the way the Cd3(O2CR)6 units are interlinked to form layers. When the reaction was carried out in DMF that had undergone partial hydrolysis, the only isolated product was [(NMe2H2)2[Cd(bdc)2] x 2DMF]infinity 4. Compound 4 has a three-dimensional triply-interpenetrated diamondoid structure, with dimethylammonium cations and DMF molecules included within the pores. The reaction between Cd(NO3)2 x 4H2O and H2bdc in DEF gave [Cd(bdc)(DEF)]infinity 5, regardless of the solvent quality. Compound 5 has a three-dimensional network structure. The reaction of Cd(NO3)2 x 4H2O and 1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid (H2mbdc) in DMF gave [Cd(mbdc)(DMF)]infinity 6 which has a bilayer structure. The thermal properties of the new materials have been investigated, and the coordinated DEF molecules from 5 can be removed on heating to 400 degrees C without any change in the powder X-ray diffraction pattern. The H2 sorption isotherm for the desolvated material shows marked hysteresis between adsorption and desorption, and less adsorption than predicted by simulations. Kinetic data indicate that the hysteresis is not due to mass transfer limitations, and the most likely explanation for this behaviour lies in partial collapse of the framework to an amorphous phase under the conditions of activation.     

Host-guest supramolecular interactions in the coordination compounds of 4,4'-azobis(pyridine) with MnX2 (X = NCS–, NCNCN–, and PF6(–)): structural analyses and theoretical study

Three new Mn(II) coordination compounds {[Mn(NCNCN)(2)(azpy)]·0.5azpy}(n) (1), {[Mn(NCS)(2)(azpy)(CH(3)OH)(2)]·azpy}(n) (2), and [Mn(azpy)(2)(H(2)O)(4)][Mn(azpy)(H(2)O)(5)]·4PF(6)·H(2)O·5.5azpy (3) (where azpy = 4,4'-azobis(pyridine)) have been synthesized by self-assembly of the primary ligands, dicyanamide, thiocyanate, and hexafluorophosphate, respectively, together with azpy as the secondary spacer. All three complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, thermal analyses, and single crystal X-ray crystallography. The structural analyses reveal that complex 1 forms a two-dimensional (2D) grid sheet motif. These sheets assemble to form a microporous framework that incorporates coordination-free azpy by host-guest π···π and C-H···N hydrogen bonding interactions. Complex 2 features azpy bridged one-dimensional (1D) chains of centrosymmetric [Mn(NCS)(2)(CH (3)OH)(2)] units which form a 2D porous sheet via a CH(3)···π supramolecular interaction. A guest azpy molecule is incorporated within the pores by strong H-bonding interactions. Complex 3 affords a 0-D motif with two monomeric Mn(II) units in the asymmetric unit. There exist π···π, anion···π, and strong hydrogen bonding interactions between the azpy, water, and the anions. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations, at the M06/6-31+G* level of theory, are used to characterize a great variety of interactions that explicitly show the importance of host-guest supramolecular interactions for the stabilization of coordination compounds and creation of the fascinating three-dimensional (3D) architecture of the title compounds.     

Investigation of porous Ni-based metal-organic frameworks containing paddle-wheel type inorganic building units via high-throughput methods

In the search of Ni based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) containing paddle-wheel type building units, three chemical systems Ni(2+)/H(n)L/base/solvent with H(n)L = H(3)BTC (1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid), H(3)BTB (4,4',4',-benzene-1,3,5-triyl-tris(benzoic acid)), and H(2)BDC (terephthalic acid) were investigated using high-throughput (HT) methods. In addition to the conventional heating, for the first time HT microwave assisted synthesis of MOFs was carried out. Six new compounds were discovered, and their fields of formation were established. In the first system, H(3)BTC was employed and a comprehensive HT-screening of compositional and process parameters was conducted. The synthesis condition for the Ni paddle-wheel unit was determined and two compounds [Ni(3)(BTC)(2)(Me(2)NH)(3)]·(DMF)(4)(H(2)O)(4) (1a) and [Ni(6)(BTC)(2)(DMF)(6)(HCOO)(6)] (1b) were discovered (Me(2)NH = dimethylamine, DMF = dimethylformamide). In the second system, the use of the extended tritopic linker H(3)BTB and the synthesis conditions for the paddle-wheel units led to the porous MOF, [Ni(3)(BTB)(2)(2-MeIm)(1.5)(H(2)O)(1.5)]·(DMF)(9)(H(2)O)(6.5) (2), (2-MeIm = 2-methylimidazole). This compound shows a selective adsorption of H(2)O and H(2) with a strong hysteresis. In the third system, H(2)BDC was used, and the base (DABCO) was incorporated as a bridging ligand into all structures. Thus, two pillared layered porous MOFs [Ni(2)(BDC)(2)(DABCO)]·(DMF)(4)(H(2)O)(1.5) (3a) and [Ni(2)(BDC)(2)(DABCO)]·(DMF)(4)(H(2)O)(4) (3b) as well as a layered compound [Ni(BDC)(DABCO)]·(DMF)(1.5)(H(2)O)(2) (3c) were isolated. The 3a and 3b polymorphs of the [Ni(2)(BDC)(2)(DABCO)] framework can be selectively synthesized. The combination of microwave assisted heating, low overall concentration, stirring of the reaction mixtures, and an excess of DABCO yields a highly crystalline pure phase of 3b. The fields of formation of all compounds were established, and scale-up was successfully performed for 1b, 2, 3a, 3b, and 3c. All compounds were structurally characterized. In addition to IR, elemental and TG analyses, gas and vapor sorption experiments were carried out.     

A metal-organic framework with highly polar pore surfaces: selective CO2 adsorption and guest-dependent on/off emission properties

A 3D porous Zn(II) metal-organic framework {[Zn(2)(H(2)dht)(dht)(0.5)(azpy)(0.5)(H(2)O)]·4H(2)O} (1; H(2)dht=dihydroxyterphthalate, azpy=4,4'-azobipyridine) has been synthesised by employing 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid (H(4)dht), a multidentate ligand and 4,4'-azobipyridine by solvent-diffusion techniques at room temperature. The as-synthesised framework furnishes two different types of channels: one calyx-shaped along the [001] direction and another rectangle-shaped along the [101] direction occupied by guest water molecules. The dehydrated framework, {[Zn(2)(H(2)dht)(dht)(0.5)(azpy)(0.5)]} (1') provides 52.7% void volume to the total unit-cell volume. The pore surfaces of 1' are decorated with unsaturated Zn(II) sites and pendant hydroxyl groups of H(2)dht linker, thereby resulting in a highly polar pore surface. The dehydrated framework 1' shows highly selective adsorption of CO(2) over other gases, such as N(2), H(2), O(2) and Ar, at 195 K. Photoluminescence studies revealed that compound 1 exhibits green emission (λ(max)≈530 nm) on the basis of the excited-state intramolecular proton-transfer (ESIPT) process of the H(2)dht linker; no emission was observed in dehydrated solid 1'. Such guest-induced on/off emission has been correlated to the structural transformation and concomitant breaking and reforming of the OH···OCO hydrogen-bonding interaction in the H(2)dht linker in 1'/1.     

Porous metal-organic framework based on mu4-oxo tetrazinc clusters: sorption and guest-dependent luminescent properties

A three-dimensional, highly porous metal-organic framework [Zn 4O(bdc)(bpz) 2].4DMF.6H 2O ( 1) (bdc = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate, bpz = 3,3',5,5'-tetramethyl-4,4'-bipyrazolate) constructed by Zn 4O clusters with bdc and bpz linkers, has been prepared and structurally characterized. The N 2 sorption measurements reveal that 1 exhibits high porosity with a Langmuir surface area of 1908 m (2)/g and a pore volume of 0.58 cm (3)/g. Compound 1 features hydrophobic channels with a free passage of approximately 8.2 A defined by the methyl groups from bpz, and it exhibits nice sorption capability for benzene and toluene and interesting two-step sorption behavior for methanol. Meanwhile, 1 also exhibits interesting guest-dependent luminescent properties.     

Six new metal-organic frameworks based on polycarboxylate acids and V-shaped imidazole-based synthon: syntheses, crystal structures, and properties

Solvothermal reactions of 4,4'-bis(imidazol-1-yl)diphenyl ether (BIDPE) with deprotonated 5-hydroxy-isophthalic acid (5-OH-H(2)bdc), and benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid (H(3)btc) in the presence of cadmium(II), zinc(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II), and manganese(II) salts in H(2)O or H(2)O/DMF produced six new complexes, namely, [Cd(BIDPE)(5-OH-bdc)·H(2)O](n) (1), [Co(BIDPE)(5-OH-bdc)·H(2)O](n) (2), [Zn(3)(BIDPE)(3)(5-OH-bdc)(3)·4H(2)O](n) (3), [Ni(BIDPE)(2)(5-OH-bdc)(H(2)O)·3H(2)O](n) (4), {[Mn(2)(BIDPE)(2)(5-OH-bdc)(2)](n) (5), and [Ni(BIDPE)(2)(Hbtc)(H(2)O)](n) (6). These complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. Compounds 1 and 2 reveal the same two-dimensional (2D) sheets with a 32-membered [(Cd/Co)(2)(BIDPE)(2)] metallocyclic ring constructed from BIDPE and 5-OH-H(2)bdc with Cd or Co salts. For compound 3, six identical 2D sheets are polycatenated in parallel to form a rare 2D → 2D framework; it displays ferroelectric behavior with a remnant electric polarization (P(r)) of 0.033 μC/cm(2) and an electric coercive field (E(c)) of 11.15 kV/cm. In compounds 4 and 6, only one carboxyl group coordinated to the Ni atom from 5-OH-H(2)bdc or H(3)btc. Compound 5 exists as binuclear Mn clusters, which are linked by BIDPE and 5-OH-H(2)bdc to generate a 2D sheet and displays weak antiferromagnetic character. In addition, the thermal stabilities and photochemical properties of these new complexes have been studied.     

A Zn4O-containing doubly interpenetrated porous metal-organic framework for photocatalytic decomposition of methyl orange

A doubly interpenetrated semiconducting MOF Zn(4)O(2,6-NDC)(3)(DMF)(1.5)(H(2)O)(0.5)·4DMF·7.5H(2)O (UTSA-38) of a cubic net has been constructed, which exhibits photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methyl orange in aqueous solution.     

Three novel organic-inorganic complexes based on decavanadate [V10O28]6- units: special water layers, open 3D frameworks and yellow/blue luminescences

Three unusual polyoxovanadate-based inorganic-organic hybrid complexes, [Zn(Im)(2)(DMF)(2)](2)[H(2)V(10)O(28)]·Im·DMF (1), [Zn(3)(Htrz)(6)(H(2)O)(6)][V(10)O(28)]·10H(2)O·Htrz (2) and {[Zn(3)(trz)(3)(H(2)O)(4)(DMF)](2)[V(10)O(28)]·4H(2)O}(n) (3) (Im = imidazole, Htrz = 1,2,4-triazole, DMF = N,N'-dimethylammonium) have been synthesized at room temperature via evaporative crystallization, and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 shows the structure of a discrete [V(10)O(28)](6-) cluster grafted by two [Zn(Im)(2)(DMF)(2)](2+) fragments through two bridged oxygen atoms, representing a rarely observed coordination mode. Complex 2 consists of a linear trinuclear Zn(II) unit bridging six Htrz ligands and a [V(10)O(28)](6-) cluster as the counter anion, where the extensive hydrogen-bonding interactions lead to {Zn(3)-V(10)}(SMF) and a special water layer involving (H(2)O)(36) rings, and consequently forms a unique 3D metal-organic-water supramolecular network. Complex 3 can be described as a 3,4-connected fsc-type network, and is the first example of open coordination 3D framework based on [V(10)O(28)](6-) and the other two different secondary building units, involving mononuclear and binuclear Zn(II)-Htrz motifs. The optical properties of complexes 1-3 in the solid state are investigated at room temperature. The results show that complexes 1 and 3 emit intense blue luminescences attributed to the ligands, while complex 2 exhibits an infrequent fluorescent property, emitting both blue and yellow luminescences at 472 and 603 nm simultaneously. Furthermore, powder X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analyses of 1-3 are also investigated, which demonstrate their high purities and thermal stabilities.     

Two-step adsorption on jungle-gym-type porous coordination polymers: dependence on hydrogen-bonding capability of adsorbates, ligand-substituent effect, and temperature

A preliminary study of isopropanol (IPA) adsorption/desorption isotherms on a jungle-gym-type porous coordination polymer, [Zn(2)(bdc)(2)(dabco)](n) (1, H(2)bdc = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid, dabco =1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane), showed unambiguous two-step profiles via a highly shrunk intermediate framework. The results of adsorption measurements on 1, using probing gas molecules of alcohol (MeOH and EtOH) for the size effect and Me(2)CO for the influence of hydrogen bonding, show that alcohol adsorption isotherms are gradual two-step profiles, whereas the Me(2)CO isotherm is a typical type-I isotherm, indicating that a two-step adsorption/desorption is involved with hydrogen bonds. To further clarify these characteristic adsorption/desorption behaviors, selecting nitroterephthalate (bdc-NO(2)), bromoterephthalate (bdc-Br), and 2,5-dichloroterephthalate (bdc-Cl(2)) as substituted dicarboxylate ligands, isomorphous jungle-gym-type porous coordination polymers, {[Zn(2)(bdc-NO(2))(2)(dabco)]·solvents}(n) (2 ? solvents), {[Zn(2)(bdc-Br)(2)(dabco)]·solvents}(n) (3 ? solvents), and {[Zn(2)(bdc-Cl(2))(2)(dabco)]·solvents}(n) (4 ? solvents), were synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray analyses. Thermal gravimetry, X-ray powder diffraction, and N(2) adsorption at 77 K measurements reveal that [Zn(2)(bdc-NO(2))(2)(dabco)](n) (2), [Zn(2)(bdc-Br)(2)(dabco)](n) (3), and [Zn(2)(bdc-Cl(2))(2)(dabco)](n) (4) maintain their frameworks without guest molecules with Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface areas of 1568 (2), 1292 (3), and 1216 (4) m(2) g(-1). As found in results of MeOH, EtOH, IPA, and Me(2)CO adsorption/desorption on 2-4, only MeOH adsorption on 2 shows an obvious two-step profile. Considering the substituent effects and adsorbate sizes, the hydrogen bonds, which are triggers for two-step adsorption, are formed between adsorbates and carboxylate groups at the corners in the pores, inducing wide pores to become narrow pores. Interestingly, such a two-step MeOH adsorption on 2 depends on the temperature, attributed to the small free-energy difference (ΔF(host)) between the two guest-free forms, wide and narrow pores.     

Solvent-induced single-crystal to single-crystal transformation of a 2D coordination network to a 3D metal-organic framework greatly enhances porosity and hydrogen uptake

Exposure to CH(2)Cl(2) at room temperature induces single-crystal to single-crystal transformation of the 2D coordination network [Zn(2)L(DMF)(4)]·2DMF·4H(2)O to the 3D metal-organic framework [Zn(2)L(H(2)O)(2)]·xsolv via dimerization of the metal-connecting points, leading to significant enhancement in framework stability, porosity, and H(2) uptake capacity.     

Highly porous 4,8-connected metal-organic frameworks: synthesis, characterization, and hydrogen uptake

A series of highly porous 4,8-connected isoreticular MOFs of the scu topology [Cu(4)(L(1))(H(2)O)(4)]·20DEF, [Cu(4)(L(2))(H(2)O)(4)]·16DMF·5H(2)O, and [Cu(4)(L(3))(H(2)O)(4)]·14DMF (L(1)-L(3) are (R)-1,1'-binaphthyl-derived octacarboxylate bridging ligands) were synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Although the frameworks exhibit some distortion during the solvent removal process, the high-connectivity nature of the building blocks helps in stabilizing the frameworks, leading to high surface areas (S(BET) = 1189-2448 m(2)/g) and significant hydrogen uptake of up to 1.8 wt % (77 K, 1 atm).     

Novel iso-reticular Zn(II) metal-organic frameworks constructed by trinuclear-triangular and paddle-wheel units: synthesis, structure and gas adsorption

Two novel Zn(II) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) constructed by trinuclear-triangular and paddle-wheel units, namely {[Zn(5)(dmtrz)(3)(IPA)(3)(OH)]·DMF·H(2)O}(n) (MAC-4, Hdmtrz = 3,5-dimethyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole, H(2)IPA = isophthalic acid, DMF = dimethyl formamide) and {[Zn(5)(dmtrz)(3)(OH-IPA)(3)(OH)]·DMF·5H(2)O}(n) (MAC-4-OH, OH-H(2)IPA = 5-hydroxyisophthalic acid), were solvothermally synthesized. Single-crystal analyses reveal that MAC-4-OH is an iso-reticular framework of MAC-4 with channels functionalized by hydroxyl groups. Gas adsorption reveals that MAC-4-OH shows a significant enhancement for CO(2) uptake compared with that of MAC-4 due to the existence of electrostatic attractive interactions, though its surface area is lower than that of MAC-4.