A family of 2D and 3D coordination polymers involving a trigonal tritopic linker

Five new coordination polymers, namely, [Zn(2)(H(2)O)(2)(BBC)](NO(3))(DEF)(6) (DUT-40), [Zn(3)(H(2)O)(3)(BBC)(2)] (DUT-41), [(C(2)H(5))(2)NH(2)][Zn(2)(BBC)(TDC)](DEF)(6)(H(2)O)(7) (DUT-42), [Zn(10)(BBC)(5)(BPDC)(2)(H(2)O)(10)](NO(3))(DEF)(28)(H(2)O)(8) (DUT-43), and [Co(2)(BBC)(NO(3))(DEF)(2)(H(2)O)](DEF)(6)(H(2)O) (DUT-44), where BBC--4,4',4'-(benzene-1,3,5-triyl-tris(benzene-4,1-diyl))tribenzoate, TDC--2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate, BPDC--4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylate, DEF--,N-diethylformamide, were obtained under solvothermal conditions and structurally characterized. It has been shown that compounds DUT-40, DUT-41 and DUT-44 exhibit 2D layered structures with large hexagonal channels. Utilization of additional angular dicarboxylic TDC linker led to the formation of the DUT-42 compound with the structure consisting of three interpenetrated 3D networks. Using the linear co-linker dicarboxylic BPDC, DUT-43 was obtained which forms a complicated 3D architecture arising from the polycatenation of triple-layered 2D building units and 2D single layer units. The pore accessibility of the synthesized compounds in the liquid phase was proved by the adsorption of dye molecules.     

Functional mesoporous metal-organic frameworks for the capture of heavy metal ions and size-selective catalysis

By using Zn(4)O(CO(2))(6) as secondary building units (SBUs) and two extended ligands containing amino functional groups, TATAB and BTATB (TATAB = 4,4',4'-s-triazine-1,3,5-triyltri-p-aminobenzoate and BTATB = 4,4',4'-(benzene-1,3,5-triyltris(azanediyl))tribenzoate), two isostructural mesoporous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with cavities up to 2.73 nm, designated as PCN-100 and PCN-101 (PCN represents porous coordination network), have been synthesized. N(2) sorption isotherms of both PCN-100 and -101 showed typical type IV behavior, indicating their mesoporous nature. The TATAB ligand that comprises PCN-100 was employed to capture heavy metal ions (Cd(II) and Hg(II)) by constructing complexes within the pores with a possible coordination mode similar to that found in aminopyridinato complexes. This reveals that mesoporous materials such as PCN-100 can be applied in the elimination of heavy metal ions from waste liquid. In addition, both PCNs-100 and -101 exhibit size-selective catalytic activity toward the Knoevenagel condensation reaction.     

Syntheses, structures and physical properties of transition metal-organic frameworks assembled from trigonal heterofunctional ligands

Six novel metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), {Mn(bpydb)(bpyHdbH)}(n) (1) {[Co(2)(bpydb)(2)](H(2)O)(0.5)}(n) (2), {[Ni(0.5)(bpydbH)(H(2)O)](DMF)(2)}(n) (3), {[Cu(2)(bpydb)(2)](H(2)O)(0.5)}(n) (4), {Zn(bpyHdb)(2)}(n) (5) and {[Cd(0.5)(bpydb)(0.5)(DMF)](H(2)O)}(n) (6), were successfully synthesized by assembling transition metal salts with trigonal heterofunctional ligand 4,4'-(4,4'-bipyridine-2,6-diyl) dibenzoic acid (bpydbH(2)) under hydrothermal and/or solvothermal conditions. Compound 1 features a rare 4-fold interpenetrating (3,5)-connected framework with hms-type topology. Isostructural compounds 2 and 4, constructed by M(2)(COO)(4) secondary building units, exhibit a robust 3D framework with alb topological type in 2-fold interpenetrating mode. Compound 3 consists of 2D (4,4) networks, which are further assembled into the new topological framework with the symbol (5(3)·6(2)·8)(5(3)·6(3))(2) through O-HO interactions. Compound 5 manifests a novel 4-connected interpenetrating framework, constructed by 2D (4,4) layers and interbedded N-HO interactions. Non-interpenetrating honeycomb networks are observed in compound 6, and further packed into a 3D framework featuring 1D channels. The magnetic susceptibility of compound 2 indicates antiferromagnetic interactions between cobalt ions. The photoluminescent properties of 5 and 6 were investigated in the solid state at room temperature.     

Six new metal-organic frameworks with multi-carboxylic acids and imidazole-based spacers: syntheses, structures and properties

Six new metal-organic frameworks [Cu(obba)(bimb)·(obbaH(2))](n) (1), [Cu(obba)(bimb)](n) (2), [Zn(2)(obba)(2)(bimb)(2)(DMF)(2)(H(2)O)(3.5)](n) (3), [Ni(3)(2,2',4,4'-bptcH)(2)(bimb)(2)(H(2)O)(2)·(H(2)O)(2)](n) (4), [Ni(2)(bimb)(3)(H(2)O)(6)·(aobtc)·(DMF)(2)·(H(2)O)(2)](n) (5) and [Cd(3,3',4,4'-bptcH(2))(H(2)O)·(bimb)](n) (6), were obtained by reactions of 4,4'-bis(1-imidazolyl)biphenyl (bimb) and multi-carboxylic acids of 4,4'-oxybis(benzoic acid) (obbaH(2)), 2,2',4,4'-biphenyltetracarboxylate acid (2,2',4,4'-bptcH(4)), azoxybenzene-3,3',5,5'-tetracarboxylic acid (aobtcH(4)), and 3,3',4,4'-biphenyltetracarboxylate acid (3,3',4,4'-bptcH(4)) with corresponding metal salts under hydro/solvothermal conditions, respectively. Complexes 1-3 have entangled structures with different topologies: 1 is a 3-fold interpenetrating NbO three-dimensional (3D) network; 2 is a 3-fold interpenetrating dmp 3D net; 3 is a 6-fold interpenetrating dia 3D chiral net containing rare 1D helical chains with the same handedness. Complex 4 is an uninodal 6-connected network with a Sch?fli symbol of (4(8)6(4)8(3)) based on the trinuclear Ni(II) subunits, while complexes 5 and 6 are 1D chains. Interestingly, compound 6 represents the rare example of MOFs that exhibit high photocatalytic activity for dye degradation under visible light and shows good stability towards photocatalysis. Complexes 3 and 6 exhibit intense blue emissions in the solid state at room temperature whereas 3 appears to be a good candidate of novel hybrid inorganic-organic NLO material.     

A superfluorescent fluorenyl probe with efficient two-photon absorption

The linear photophysical, excited state absorption (ESA), superfluorescence, and two-photon absorption (2PA) properties of 4,4'-(1E,1'E)-2,2'-(7,7'(1E,1'E)2,2'(4,4'-sulfonylbis(4,1-phenylene))bis(ethane-2,1-diyl)bis(9,9-didecy-9H-fluorene7,2-diyl))bis(ethane-2,1-diyl)bis(N,N-diphenylaniline) (1) were investigated in organic and aqueous media with respect to its potential application in biological imaging. The analysis of linear photophysical properties revealed a rather complex nature of the main one-photon absorption band, strong solvatochromic effects in the steady-state fluorescence spectra, single-exponential fluorescence decay, and high fluorescence quantum yields in organic solvents (≈1.0). The ESA spectra of 1 suggested potential for light amplification in nonpolar media while efficient superfluorescence in cyclohexane was demonstrated. The degenerate 2PA spectra of 1 were obtained over a broad spectral range (640-900 nm), using a standard two-photon induced fluorescence method under 1 kHz femtosecond excitation. Two well defined 2PA bands with maximum 2PA cross sections up to 1700 GM in the higher energy, short wavelength band and ≈1200 GM in the lower energy, long wavelength band of 1 were shown. The potential use of 1 in bioimaging was demonstrated via one- and two-photon in vitro fluorescence imaging of HCT 116 cells.     

Hydrothermal Syntheses,Crystal Structures and Luminescence Properties of Zn(Ⅱ) and Cu(Ⅱ) Complexes Based on 2,2'-((Sulfonylbis(4,1-phenylene))bis(oxy))diacetic Acid

The 2,2'-((sulfonylbis(4,1-phenylene))bis(oxy))diacetic acid(H2L) and 4,4'-bipyridine(4,4'-bipy) are employed as organic ligands to react with metal salts to obtain two new metal-organic frameworks(MOFs), namely [M2L2(4,4'-bipy)](M = Zn(1), Cu(2)). They have been successfully synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that two complexes are isostructural and crystallize in orthorhombic system with space group Pbcn. All L^2- ligands bridge metal ions to form an infinite 1D Z-shaped chain along the a axis. Then through 4,4'-bipy, contiguous Z-shaped chains are linked to form a 2D layer structure. The luminescent studies of the H2L ligand and complex 1 in the solid state and thermogravimetric analyses(TGA) of two complexes are investigated.     

A porous metal-organic framework (MOF) with unusual 2D→3D polycatenation based on honeycomb layers

A novel mixed-ligand 3D metal-organic framework (MOF), {Zn(2)(TMTA)(bipy)(0.5)(H(2)O)(2)·NO(3)·2DMF·H(2)O}(n) (1) (H(3)TMTA = 4,4',4'-(2,4,6-trimethylbenzene-1,3,5-triyl)tribenzoic acid, bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine, DMF = dimethylformamide), was constructed based on bipy-pillared honeycomb bilayers and showed the unusual 2D→3D polycatenation of bilayers.     

A pillared metal-organic framework incorporated with 1,2,3-triazole moieties exhibiting remarkable enhancement of CO(2) uptake

The replacement of the pillar ligand, 4,4'-bipyridine, in the prototypal pillared MOF, MOF-508, with the custom-designed ligand, 4,4'-(2H-1,2,3-triazole-2,4-diyl)dipyridine, affords a porous metal-triazolate framework, MTAF-3, which demonstrates remarkable enhancement of CO(2) uptake capacity by a factor of ～3 compared to the parent MOF-508.     

Synthesis, structure and magnetism of homodinuclear complexes of Co, Ni and Cu supported by a novel bitriazine scaffold

Btzn (1), an amine-functionalized bi(1,3,5-triazine) 4,4'-(NH(2))(2)-6,6'-(NHC(6)H(5))(2)-2,2'-(1,3,5-C(3)N(3))(2), is reported, and its coordination with Co, Ni and Cu is explored. Reactions of metal salts (2 equiv) with Btzn (1 equiv) result in dimeric species [(Btzn)Co(2)(NCS)(4)(EtOH)(2)(DMF)(2)], (2), [(Btzn)Ni(2)(η(1)-ONO(2))(2)(MeOH)(4)(DMF)(2)]·2[NO(3)], (3), [(Btzn)Cu(2)Cl(4)(DMF)(2)], (4), and [(Btzn)Cu(2)(η(2)-O(2)NO)(2)(OH(2))(2)(DMF)(2)]·2[NO(3)], (5). These complexes are the first examples of the coordination of transition metals with bi(1,3,5-triazine) ligands. Their structures display a bridging bis-bidentate coordination mode for Btzn. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility of the complexes reveals antiferromagnetic exchange between the spin carriers, with calculated exchange coupling values (J) of -4.7 cm(-1) for 3, -18.2 cm(-1) for 4, and -5.5 cm(-1) for 5. An in-depth evaluation of the metal geometry highlights the inefficient overlap of the magnetic d-orbitals through the bridging ligand, most likely leading to reduced delocalization and coupling.     

Solvent effects on the three-photon absorption cross-section of a highly conjugated fluorene derivative

Herein, we report the study of the three-photon absorption cross-section dependence on solvents parameters for a highly conjugated organic dye, 2,2'-(4,4'-(1E,1'E)-2,2'-(9,9-didecyl-9H-fluorene-2,7-diyl) bis(ethene-2,1-diyl)bis(4,1-phenylene))dibenzo[d]thiazole (A-pi-pi-pi-A). The three-photon absorption cross-section was measured for this organic dye in solution in four different solvents with polarity function, Deltaf between 0.162 and 0.247. The experiments show how the solvent's reorientation of the electrons and polarity contribute to the 3PA cross-section. Multiphoton-absorption experiments of A-pi-pi-pi-A in all four different solvents were performed with a tunable OPG pumped by a 25 picosecond Nd-YAG laser.     

Synthesis, spectral investigation and thermal aspects of coordination polymeric chain assemblies of some transition metal ions with bis-pyrazolones

A few coordination chain polymeric assemblies of the type [M(SB)(H(2)O)(2)](n).xH(2)O or [VO(SB)(H(2)O)](n).H(2)O [where M=Mn(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II), x=1; Co(II) and Ni(II) x=2, H(2)SB=(4Z,4'Z)-4,4'-(2,2'-(4,4'-methylenebis(4,1-phenylene)bis(azanediyl))bis(1-hydroxy ethan-2-yl-1-ylidene))bis(3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-5(4H)-one)] have been investigated. Structural and spectroscopic properties have been studied on the basis of elemental analyses, infrared spectra, (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra, electronic spectra, magnetic measurements and thermo gravimetric analyses. FT-IR, (1)H and (13)C NMR studies reveal that the ligand (H(2)SB) exists in the tautomeric enol form in both the states with intramolecular hydrogen bonding. Magnetic moment and reflectance spectral studies reveal that an octahedral geometry has been assigned to all the prepared coordination polymers. The kinetic parameters such as order of reaction (n) and the energy of activation (E(a)) have been reported using Freeman-Carroll method. The pre-exponential factor (A), the activation entropy (DeltaS(#)), the activation enthalpy (DeltaH(#)) and the free energy of activation (DeltaG(#)) have been calculated.     

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.     

Room temperature synthesis of metal-organic frameworks: MOF-5, MOF-74, MOF-177, MOF-199, and IRMOF-0

Room temperature synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has been developed for four well-known MOFs: MOF-5, MOF-74, MOF-177, and MOF-199. A new isoreticular metal framework (IRMOF), IRMOF-0, having the same cubic topology as MOF-5, has been synthesized from acetylenedicarboxylic acid using this method to accommodate the thermal sensitivity of the linker. Despite acetylenedicarboxylate being the shortest straight linker that can be made into an IRMOF, IRMOF-0 forms as a doubly interpenetrating structure, owing to the rod-like nature of the linker.     

Transformation of a metal-organic framework from the NbO to PtS net

Two metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), MOF-501 and MOF-502, respectively, formulated as Co(2)(BPTC)(H(2)O)(5).G(x) and Co(2)(BPTC)(H(2)O)(DMF)(2).G(x) (BPTC = 3,3',5,5'-biphenyltetracarboxylate; G = guest molecules), have been synthesized and structurally characterized, and their topologies were found to be based on the NbO (MOF-501) and PtS (MOF-502) nets. Heating MOF-501 in solution results in the more thermodynamically favored MOF-502.     

Transient excited-state absorption and gain spectroscopy of a two-photon absorbing probe with efficient superfluorescent properties

The synthesis, linear photophysical properties, two-photon absorption (2PA), excited-state transient absorption, and gain spectroscopy of a new fluorene derivative tert-butyl 4,4'-(4,4' (1E,1'E)-2,2'-(9,9-bis(2- (2-ethoxyethoxy)ethyl)-9H-fluorene-2,7-diyl)bis(ethene-2,1-diyl)bis(4,1 phenylene)]dipiperazine-1-carboxylate (1) are reported. The steady-state linear absorption and fluorescence spectra, along with excitation anisotropy, fluorescence lifetimes, and photochemical stability of 1 were investigated in a number of organic solvents at room temperature. The 2PA spectra of 1 with a maximum cross-section of ~ 300 GM were obtained with a 1 kHz femtosecond laser system using open-aperture Z-scan and two-photon-induced fluorescence methods. The transient excited-state absorption (ESA) and gain kinetics of 1 were investigated by a femtosecond pump-probe methodology. Fast relaxation processes (~1-2 ps) in the gain and ESA spectra of 1 were revealed in ACN solution, attributable to symmetry-breaking effects in the first excited state. Efficient superfluorescence properties of 1 were observed in a nonpolar solvent under femtosecond excitation. One- and two-photon fluorescence microscopy imaging of HCT 116 cells incubated with probe 1 was accomplished, suggesting the potential of this new probe in two-photon fluorescence microscopy bioimaging.     

N-heterocyclic amine-directed structures and properties of two Cu(II) diphosphonates

By introducing the second organic N-heterocyclic ligands 4'-(4-pyridyl)-4,2':6',4'-terpyridine (pyterpy) and 4,4'-bipyridyl (4,4'-bipy), two examples of Cu(II)-diphosphonates, [Cu(3)(HL)(2)(Hpyterpy)(2)]·2H(2)O 1 and [Cu(4)(HL)(2)(4,4'-bipy)(H(2)O)(5)] 2 based on 1-hydroxyethylidenediphosphonic acid (H(5)L = CH(3)C(OH)(PO(3)H(2))(2)), have been hydrothermally obtained and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR, TG-DSC. The single-crystal X-ray diffractions reveal that compound 1 has a one-dimensional fishbone-like chain constructed by anions [Cu(3)(HL)(2)(2-)](n) while simultaneously organic cations [Hpyterpy(+)](n) suspending both sides, and compound 2 exhibits two-dimensional inorganic-organic alternate arrangement layer built from 1-D ladder-like inorganic chain with tetranuclear cluster [Cu(4)O(10)] via 4,4'-bipy linkage. The results of electrochemical measurements indicate half-wave potential of 1 (E(1/2)(1) = 1.01 V) is less than that of 2 (E(1/2)(2) = 1.20 V), indicating a good D-A system in ICT for 1. Moreover fluorescent measurements reveal that emission intensity of 1 centered at 422 nm is larger than that of 2 emitted at 420 nm, caused by intraligand π*-π emission state of organic N-heterocyclic amine (λ(ex) = 233 nm). Magnetism data indicate that compound 1 exhibits ferrimagnetic interactions between metal centers, while compound 2 has antiferromagnetic property.     

Synthesis, structure, and metalation of two new highly porous zirconium metal-organic frameworks

Three new metal-organic frameworks [MOF-525, Zr(6)O(4)(OH)(4)(TCPP-H(2))(3); MOF-535, Zr(6)O(4)(OH)(4)(XF)(3); MOF-545, Zr(6)O(8)(H(2)O)(8)(TCPP-H(2))(2), where porphyrin H(4)-TCPP-H(2) = (C(48)H(24)O(8)N(4)) and cruciform H(4)-XF = (C(42)O(8)H(22))] based on two new topologies, ftw and csq, have been synthesized and structurally characterized. MOF-525 and -535 are composed of Zr(6)O(4)(OH)(4) cuboctahedral units linked by either porphyrin (MOF-525) or cruciform (MOF-535). Another zirconium-containing unit, Zr(6)O(8)(H(2)O)(8), is linked by porphyrin to give the MOF-545 structure. The structure of MOF-525 was obtained by analysis of powder X-ray diffraction data. The structures of MOF-535 and -545 were resolved from synchrotron single-crystal data. MOF-525, -535, and -545 have Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface areas of 2620, 1120, and 2260 m(2)/g, respectively. In addition to their large surface areas, both porphyrin-containing MOFs are exceptionally chemically stable, maintaining their structures under aqueous and organic conditions. MOF-525 and -545 were metalated with iron(III) and copper(II) to yield the metalated analogues without losing their high surface area and chemical stability.     

Catenation control in the two-dimensional coordination polymers based on tritopic carboxylate linkers and azamacrocyclic nickel(II) complexes

Four new coordination polymer frameworks, namely [(NiL(1))(3)(BTB)(2)]·6H(2)O, [(NiL(2))(3)(BTB)(2)]·6H(2)O, [(NiL(3))(3)(BTB)(2)]·6H(2)O and [(NiL(2))(3)(BTC)(2)]·10.25H(2)O (L(1) = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane, L(2) = 3-methyl-1,3,5,8,12-pentaazacyclotetradecane, L(3) = 3,10-dimethyl-1,3,5,8,10,12-hexaazacyclotetradecane, BTC(3-) = benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate, BTB(3-) = 4,4',4'-benzene-1,3,5-triyl-tribenzoate) were prepared in water-N,N-dimethylformamide solutions. The molecular and crystal structures of these compounds are compared to the related coordination polymers formed by nickel(II) macrocyclic cations to examine the effect of carboxylate linker size on the framework architecture. Luminescent properties of the complexes based on the BTB(3-) bridging ligand are also discussed.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of a New Mononuclear Copper(Ⅱ)Complex with 4,4',6,6'-Tetrabromo-2,2'-[ethylenedioxybis(nitrilomethylidyne)]diphenol

A new mononuclear Cu(Ⅱ)complex,[Cu(L)](H2L=4,4',6,6'tetrabromo-2,2'-[ethylenedioxybis(nitrilomethylidyne)]diphenol),has been synthesized and structurally characteri-zed.X-ray crystal stucture of the complex reveals that the Cu(Ⅱ)ion is four-coordinated by two oxygen atoms and two nitrogen atoms from L2-unit.Crystallographic data:monoclinic,space group P21/n with a=14.076(2),b=6.9801(14),c=19.858(2)(A),β=107.613(2)°,C16H10Br4CuN2O4,Mr =677.44,V=1859.6(5)(A)3,Dc=2.420 g/cm3,μ=9.796 mm-1,F(000)=1284,Z=4,the final R=0.0516 and wR=0.0938 for 1879 observed reflections with I＞20(I).The dihedral angel between the two coordination planes of Cu(1)-N(2)-O(4)and Cu(1)-N(1)-O(3))is 30.08(6)°.     

Trinuclear copper(II) complex showing high selectivity for the hydrolysis of 2'-5' over 3'-5' for UpU and 3'-5' over 2'-5' for ApA ribonucleotides

The cooperative action of multiple Cu(II) nuclear centers is shown to be effective and selective in the hydrolysis of 2'-5' and 3'-5' ribonucleotides. Reported herein is the specific catalysis by two trinuclear Cu(II) complexes of L3A and L3B. Pseudo first-order kinetic studies reveal that the L3A trinuclear Cu(II) complex effects hydrolysis of Up(2'-5')U with a rate constant of 28 x 10(-)(4) min(-)(1) and Up(3'-5')U with a rate constant of 0.5 x 10(-)(4) min(-)(1). The hydrolyses of Ap(3'-5')A and Ap(2'-5')A proceed with rate constants of 24 x 10(-)(4) min(-)(1) and 0.5 x 10(-)(4) min(-)(1) respectively. The L3A trinuclear Cu(II) complex demonstrates high specificity for Up(2'-5')U and Ap(3'-5')A. Similar studies with the more rigid L3B trinuclear Cu(II) complex shows no selectivity and yields lower rate constants for hydrolysis. The selectivity observed with the L3A ligand is attributed to the geometry of the ligand-bound diribonucleotide which ultimately dictates the proximity of the attacking hydroxyl and the phosphoester to a Cu(II) center for activation and subsequent hydrolysis.