Reversible transformation of ZnII coordination geometry in a single crystal of porous metal-organic framework [Zn3(ntb)2(EtOH)2].4 EtOH

A 3D porous metal-organic framework [Zn3(ntb)2(EtOH)2]n.4nEtOH (1) that generates 1D channels of honeycomb aperture has been prepared by the solvothermal reaction of Zn(NO3)(2).6 H2O and 4,4',4'-nitrilotrisbenzoic acid (H3NTB) in EtOH at 110 degrees C. Framework 1 exhibits reversible single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations upon removal and rebinding of the coordinating EtOH as well as the EtOH guest molecules, which give rise to desolvated crystal [Zn3(ntb)2]n (1') and resolvated crystal [Zn3(ntb)2-(EtOH)2]n.4nEtOH (1'). The X-ray structures indicate that 3D host framework is retained during the transformations from 1 to 1' and from 1' to 1', but the coordination geometry of ZnII ions changes from/to trigonal bipyramid to/from tetrahedron, concomitant with the rotational rearrangement of a carboxylate plane of the NTB3- relative to its associated phenyl ring. To retain the single crystal integrity, extensive cooperative motions must exist between the molecular components throughout the crystal. Framework 1' exhibits permanent porosity, thermal stability up to 400 degrees C, and blue luminescence, and high storage capabilities for N2, H2, CO2, and CH4.     

The first 3-D ferrimagnetic nickel fumarate with an open framework: [Ni3(OH)2(O2C-C2H2-CO2)(H2O)4].2H2O

A three-dimensional nickel fumarate has been isolated by hydrothermal reaction and its structure solved from powder X-ray diffraction; its organisation reveals an unusual topology not previously seen in nickel chemistry and provided a scarce ferrimagnetic behaviour below 20 K.     

Dehydration of the nanoporous coordination framework ErIII[CoIII(CN)6].4(H2O): single crystal to single crystal transformation and negative thermal expansion in ErIII[CoIII(CN)6

Desorption of bound and unbound water molecules from the nanoporous coordination framework ErIII[CoIII(CN)6].4(H2O) to form the apohost, ErIII[CoIII(CN)6], proceeds via a single crystal to single crystal transformation in which the Er(III) cations change from 8- to 6-coordinate; dehydration results in a striking change in the thermal expansion properties.     

Syntheses and structures of two low-dimensional beryllium phosphate compounds: [C5H14N2]2[Be3(HPO4)5].H2O and [C6H18N2]0.5[Be2(PO4)(HPO4)OH].0.5H2O

The first two low-dimensional beryllium phosphates, [C5H14N2]2[Be3(HPO4)5].H2O (BePO-CJ29) and [C6H18N2]0.5[Be2(PO4)(HPO4)OH].0.5 H2O (BePO-CJ30), have been successfully synthesized under mild hydrothermal/solvothermal conditions. BePO-CJ29 is built up from strict alternation of BeO4 and HPO4 tetrahedra forming a unique one-dimensional double chains with 12-ring apertures. There are pseudo-10-ring apertures enclosed by two double chains through H-bonds. BePO-CJ29 can also be viewed as a pseudo 2-D layered structure stabilized by strong H-bonds. The diprotonated 2-methylpiperazium cations are located at three positions (i.e., inside the 12-ring aperture, inside the pseudo-10-ring aperture, and in the interlayer of the inorganic pseudo-layers. BePO-CJ30 is constructed by the alternation of Be-centered tetrahedra (including BeO4 and HBeO4) and P-centered tetrahedra (including PO4 and HPO4) resulting in a two-dimensional layered structure parallel to the (0 1 1) direction. The complex layer is composed of coupled 4.8 net sheets. The diprotonated 1,6-hexandiamine cations and water molecules reside in the interlayer regions and interact with the inorganic layers through H-bonds. Crystal data are as follows: [C5H14N2]2[Be3(HPO4)5].H2O (BePO-CJ29), triclinic, P1 (No. 2), a = 8.1000(9) A, b = 8.4841(14) A, c = 19.665(2) A, alpha = 89.683(10) degrees, beta = 78.182(8) degrees, gamma = 87.932(9) degrees, V = 1321.9(3) A3, Z = 2, R1 = 0.0523 (I > 2sigma(I)), and wR2 = 0.1643 (all data); [C6H18N2]0.5[Be2(PO4)(HPO4)OH].0.5 H2O (BePO-CJ30), orthorhombic, Pccn (No. 56), a = 26.01(4) A, b = 8.431(12) A, c = 9.598(13) A, V = 2105(5) A3, Z = 8, R1 = 0.0833 (I > 2sigma(I)), and wR2 = 0.2278 (all data).