Fluorescent Cadmium Bipillared-Layer Open Frameworks: Synthesis,Structures, Sensing of Nitro Compounds,and Capture of Volatile Iodine

Fluorescent Cd metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), [Cd₂(dicarboxylate)₂(NI-bpy-44)₂] (dicarboxylate=benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate (1,4-bdc, 1 ), 2-bromobenzene-1,4-dicarboxylate (Br-1,4-bdc, 2 ), 2-nitrobenzene-1,4-dicarboxylate (NO₂-1,4-bdc, 3 ), biphenyl-4,4′-dicarboxylate (bpdc, 4 ); NI-bpy-44=N-(pyridin-4-yl)-4-(pyridin-4-yl)-1,8-naphthalimide)), featuring non- and twofold interpenetrating pcu -type bipillared-layer open structures with sufficient free voids of 58.4, 51.4, 51.5, and 41.4 %, respectively, have been hydro(solvo)thermally synthesized. MOFs 1 – 4 emitted solid-state blue or cyan fluorescence emissions at 447±7 nm, which mainly arose from NI-bpy-44 and are dependent on the incorporated solvents. After immersing the crystalline samples in different solvents, that is, H₂O and DMSO ( 1 and 2 ) as well as nitrobenzene and phenol ( 1 – 4 ), they exhibited a remarkable fluorescence quenching effect, whereas o-xylene and p-xylene ( 4 ) caused significant fluorescence enhancement. The sensing ability of MOFs 1 – 4 toward nitro compounds carried out in the vapor phase showed that nitrobenzene and 2-nitrophenol displayed detectable fluorescence quenching with 1 , 2 , and 4 whereas 4-nitrotoluene was an effective fluorescence quencher for 1 and 2 ; this is most likely attributed to their electron-deficient properties and higher vapor pressures. Moreover, MOFs 1 – 4 are highly reusable for quick capture of volatile iodine, as supported by clear crystal color change and also by immense fluorescence quenching responses owing to the donor–acceptor interaction. Low-pressure CO₂ adsorption isotherms indicate that activated materials 1′ – 4′ are inefficient at taking up CO₂.     

Cd(II) and Cu(II) coordination polymers based on a multidentate N-donor ligand: syntheses,crystal structures,optical band gaps,and photoluminescence

Four Cd(II)- and Cu(II)-containing coordination polymers (CPs) based on a multidentate N-donor ligand and varied dicarboxylate anions, [Cd(3,3′-tmbpt)(p-bdc)]·2.5H₂O (1), [Cd(3,3′-tmbpt)(m-bdc)]·2H₂O (2), [Cu(3,3′-tmbpt)(m-bdc)]·H₂O (3), and [Cu(3,3′-tmbpt)(p-bdc)]·2H₂O (4), where 3,3′-tmbpt = 1 ? ((1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)-3,5-bis(3-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole, p-H₂bdc = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid, and m-H₂bdc = 1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid, have been prepared hydrothermally. The structures of the compounds were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and further characterized by infrared spectra and elemental analyses. Compound 1 exhibits a 3-D twofold interpenetrating framework with a 6⁵·8 CdSO₄ topology. Compound 2 is a 2-D layer containing meso-helical chains with a 4⁴·6² sql topology. Compound 3 shows a 1-D → 3-D interdigitated architecture while 4 displays a 2-D → 3-D interdigitated architecture. The structural differences of the compounds indicate that the dicarboxylate anions and the central metal ions play important roles in the resulting structures of CPs. Optical band gaps and solid-state photoluminescent properties have also been studied.     

Two Highly Stable Proton Conductive Cobalt(II)–Organic Frameworks as Impedance Sensors for Formic Acid

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been extensively explored as advanced chemical sensors in recent years. However, there are few studies on MOFs as acidic gas sensors, especially proton conductive MOFs. In this work, two new proton-conducting 3D MOFs, {[Co₃(p-CPhHIDC)₂(4,4′-bipy)(H₂O)] ⋅ 2 H₂O}_n ( 1 ) (p-CPhH₄IDC=2-(4-carboxylphenyl)-1 H-imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid; 4,4′-bipy=4,4′-bipyridine) and {[Co₃(p-CPhHIDC)₂(bpe)(H₂O)] ⋅ 3 H₂O}_n ( 2 ) (bpe=trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene) have been solvothermally prepared and investigated their formic acid sensing properties. Both MOFs 1 and 2 show temperature- and humidity-dependent proton conductive properties and exhibit optimized proton conductivities of 1.04×10⁻³ and 7.02×10⁻⁴ S cm at 98 % relative humidity (RH) and 100 °C, respectively. The large number of uncoordinated carboxylic acid sites, free and coordination water molecules, and hydrogen-bonding networks inside the frameworks are favorable to the proton transfer. By measuring the impedance values after exposure to formic acid vapor at 98 % or 68 % RH and 25 °C, both MOFs indicate reproducibly high sensitivity to the analyte. The detection limit of formic acid vapor is as low as 35 ppm for 1 and 70 ppm for 2 . Meanwhile, both MOFs also show commendable selectivity towards formic acid among interfering solutions. The proton conducting and formic acid sensing mechanisms have been suggested according to the structural analysis, E_a calculations, N₂ and water vapor absorptions, PXRD and SEM measurements. This work will open a new avenue for proton-conductive MOF-based impedance sensors and promote the potential application of these MOFs for indirectly monitoring the concentrations of formic acid vapors.     

Generation and Stabilization of a Dinickel Catalyst in a Metal-Organic Framework for Selective Hydrogenation Reactions

Although many monometallic active sites have been installed in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for catalytic reactions, there are no effective strategies to generate bimetallic catalysts in MOFs. Here we report the synthesis of a robust, efficient, and reusable MOF catalyst, MOF-NiH, by adaptively generating and stabilizing dinickel active sites using the bipyridine groups in MOF-253 with the formula of Al(OH)(2,2′-bipyridine-5,5′-dicarboxylate) for Z-selective semihydrogenation of alkynes and selective hydrogenation of C=C bonds in α,β-unsaturated aldehydes and ketones. Spectroscopic studies established the dinickel complex (bpy⋅⁻)Ni^II(μ₂-H)₂Ni^II(bpy⋅⁻) as the active catalyst. MOF-NiH efficiently catalyzed selective hydrogenation reactions with turnover numbers of up to 192 and could be used in five cycles of hydrogenation reactions without catalyst leaching or significant decrease of catalytic activities. The present work uncovers a synthetic strategy toward solution-inaccessible Earth-abundant bimetallic MOF catalysts for sustainable catalysis.     

pH‐Dependent Proton Conducting Behavior in a Metal–Organic Framework Material

A porous metal–organic framework (MOF), [Ni₂(dobdc)(H₂O)₂]?6 H₂O (Ni₂(dobdc) or Ni‐MOF‐74; dobdc^4?=2,5‐dioxido‐1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate) with hexagonal channels was synthesized using a microwave‐assisted solvothermal reaction. Soaking Ni₂(dobdc) in sulfuric acid solutions at different pH values afforded new proton‐conducting frameworks, H⁺@Ni₂(dobdc). At pH 1.8, the acidified MOF shows proton conductivity of 2.2×10^?2 S cm^?1 at 80 °C and 95 % relative humidity (RH), approaching the highest values reported for MOFs. Proton conduction occurs via the Grotthuss mechanism with a significantly low activation energy as compared to other proton‐conducting MOFs. Protonated water clusters within the pores of H⁺@Ni₂(dobdc) play an important role in the conduction process.     

Four Zn(II)/Cd(II) coordination polymers derived from isomeric benzenedicarboxylates and 1,6-bis(triazol)hexane ligand: synthesis,crystal structure,and luminescent properties

Four coordination polymers, [Zn(o-bdc)(bth)_0.5(H₂O)] _n (1), [Cd(o-bdc)(bth)_0.5(H₂O)] _n (2), [Zn(m-bdc)(bth)] _n (3), and [Cd(p-bdc)(bth)?·?(H₂O)₂] _n (4) (where o-bdc?=?1,2-benzenedicarboxylate, m-bdc?=?1,3-benzenedicarboxylate, p-bdc?=?1,4-benzenedicarboxylate, and bth?=?1,6-bis(triazol)hexane), have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. Both 1 and 2 are isostructural, featuring two binodal architectures: (6³)(6⁵·8) topology in terms of o-bdc and Zn^II/Cd^II as three- and four-connected nodes. Complex 3 shows a 2-D (4,4) network with the Zn?···?Zn?···?Zn angle of 57.84°, whereas 4 exhibits planar 2-D (4,4) network. These 2-D networks of 3 and 4 are extended by supramolecular interactions, such as CH?···?π/π–π stacking and hydrogen-bonding into 3-D architecture. A structural comparison of these complexes demonstrates that the dicarboxylate building blocks with different dispositions of the carboxyl site play a key role in governing the coordination motifs as well as 3-D supramolecular lattices. Solid-state properties such as photoluminescence and thermal stabilities of 1–4 have also been studied.     

A “Thermodynamically Stable” 2D Nickel Metal–Organic Framework over a Wide pH Range with Scalable Preparation for Efficient C2s over C1 Hydrocarbon Separations

The design and construction of “thermodynamically stable” metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) that can survive in liquid water, boiling water, and acidic/basic solutions over a wide pH range is highly desirable for many practical applications, especially adsorption-based gas separations with obvious scalable preparations. Herein, a new thermodynamically stable Ni MOF, {[Ni(L)(1,4-NDC)(H₂O)₂]}_n (IITKGP-20; L=4,4′-azobispyridine; 1,4-NDC=1,4-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid; IITKGP stands for the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur), has been designed that displays moderate porosity with a BET surface area of 218 m² g⁻¹ and micropores along the [10−1] direction. As an alternative to a cost-intensive, cryogenic, high-pressure distillation process for the separation of hydrocarbons, MOFs have recently shown promise for such separations. Thus, towards an application standpoint, this MOF exhibits a higher uptake of C₂ hydrocarbons over that of C₁ hydrocarbon under ambient conditions, with one of the highest selectivities based on the ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) method. A combination of two strategies (the presence of stronger metal–N coordination of the spacer and the hydrophobicity of the aromatic moiety of the organic ligand) possibly makes the framework highly robust, even stable in boiling water and over a wide range of pH 2–10, and represents the first example of a thermodynamically stable MOF displaying a 2D structural network. Moreover, this material is easily scalable by heating the reaction mixture at reflux overnight. Because such separations are performed in the presence of water vapor and acidic gases, there is a great need to explore thermodynamically stable MOFs that retain not only structural integrity, but also the porosity of the frameworks.     

Porphyrinylphosphonate-Based Metal–Organic Framework: Tuning Proton Conductivity by Ligand Design

A novel metal–organic framework [Zn₃(Ni-H₂TPPP)(Ni-H₄TPPP)(Ni-H₅TPPP) ⋅ 7(CH₃)₂NH₂ ⋅ DMF ⋅ 7 H₂O] (where Ni-H_xTPPP (x=2,4,5) are partially deprotonated [5,10,15,20-tetrakis(3-(phosphonatophenyl)-porphyrinato(2-))]nickel(II) species), IPCE-2Ni , with outstanding proton conductivity (1.0×10⁻² S cm⁻¹ at 75 °C and 95 % relative humidity) has been obtained. The high concentration of free phosphonate groups and compensating dimethylammonium cations bound by hydrogen bonds in the unique crystal structure of IPCE-2Ni is a key factor responsible for the observed high proton conductivity, which is one order of magnitude higher than for the corresponding MOF based on 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-(phosphonatophenyl)porphyrinato(2-))]nickel(II) IPCE-1Ni and comparable with that of leaders among MOFs.     

Control of Interpenetration and Gas‐Sorption Properties of Metal–Organic Frameworks by a Simple Change in Ligand Design

In metal–organic framework (MOF) chemistry, interpenetration greatly affects the gas‐sorption properties. However, there is a lack of a systematic study on how to control the interpenetration and whether the interpenetration enhances gas uptake capacities or not. Herein, we report an example of interpenetration that is simply controlled by the presence of a carbon–carbon double or single bond in identical organic building blocks, and provide a comparison of gas‐sorption properties for these similar frameworks, which differ only in their degree of interpenetration. Noninterpenetrated ( SNU‐70 ) and doubly interpenetrated ( SNU‐71 ) cubic nets were prepared by a solvothermal reaction of [Zn(NO₃)₂] ? 6 H₂O in N,N‐diethylformamide (DEF) with 4‐(2‐carboxyvinyl)benzoic acid and 4‐(2‐carboxyethyl)benzoic acid, respectively. They have almost‐identical structures, but the noninterpenetrated framework has a much bigger pore size (ca. 9.0×9.0 Å) than the interpenetrated framework (ca. 2.5×2.5 Å). Activation of the MOFs by using supercritical CO₂ gave SNU‐70′ and SNU‐71′ . The simulation of the PXRD pattern of SNU‐71′ indicates the rearrangement of the interpenetrated networks on guest removal, which increases pore size. SNU‐70′ has a Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of 5290 m² g^?1, which is the highest value reported to date for a MOF with a cubic‐net structure, whereas SNU‐71′ has a BET surface area of 1770 m² g^?1. In general, noninterpenetrated SNU‐70′ exhibits much higher gas‐adsorption capacities than interpenetrated SNU‐71′ at high pressures, regardless of the temperature. However, at P<1 atm, the gas‐adsorption capacities for N₂ at 77 K and CO₂ at 195 K are higher for noninterpenetrated SNU‐70′ than for interpenetrated SNU‐71′ , but the capacities for H₂ and CH₄ are the opposite; SNU‐71′ has higher uptake capacities than SNU‐70′ due to the higher isosteric heat of gas adsorption that results from the smaller pores. In particular, SNU‐70′ has exceptionally high H₂ and CO₂ uptake capacities. By using a post‐synthetic method, the C?C double bond in SNU‐70 was quantitatively brominated at room temperature, and the MOF still showed very high porosity (BET surface area of 2285 m² g^?1).     

Thermally reversible covalently bonded linear polymers prepared from a dihalide monomer and a salt of dicyclopentadiene dicarboxylic acid

Alkali and earth‐alkali salts of dicyclopentadiene dicarboxylic acid (DCPDCA) were prepared and employed as monomers in the polyesterification with an α,ω‐dihalide monomer, such as 1,4‐dichlorobutane (DCB), 1,4‐dibromobutane (DBB), α,α′‐dichloro‐p‐xylene (DCX), and α,α′‐dibromo‐p‐xylene (DBX). Novel linear polymers that possessed repeating moieties of dicyclopentadiene ( DCPD ) in the backbone were thus prepared. The IR and NMR spectra indicated that poly(tetramethylene dicyclopentadiene dicarboxylate) (PTMDD) with a number‐average molecular weight (M_n ) of about 1× 10⁴ and poly(p‐xylene dicyclopentadiene dicarboxylate) (PXDD) with a M_n of 4–6 × 10³ were obtained with an yield of about 80% via the polyesterification of the alkali salts with DBB and DCX, respectively. The reaction was carried out in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst, such as BzMe₃NBr or poly(ethylene glycol), in DMF at 100 °C for 4 h. Oligomers with a lower M_n (1–2 × 10³) were obtained when the earth‐alkali salts were employed as salt monomers. Compared to the irreversible linear polymers, poly(p‐xylene terephthalate) (PXTP) and poly(p‐xylene maleate) (PXM), prepared through the reaction between DCX and the potassium salts of terephthalic and maleic acid, respectively, the specific viscosities (η_sp) of the new linear polymers increased abnormally with the decrease of the temperature from 200 °C to 100 °C. This occurred due to the thermally reversible dedimerization/redimerization of  DCPD moieties of the backbone of the polymers via the catalyst‐free Diels–Alder/retro Diels–Alder cycloadditive reactions. The ratio of the η_sp at 100 °C and 200 °C of the reversible polymers was found to be much higher than that of PXTP and PXM, even when the heating/cooling cycle was carried out several times under a N₂ atmosphere. The obtained results indicated that thermally reversible covalently bonded linear polymer can be obtained by introducing the  DCPD structure into the backbone of the polymer through the polymerization of a monomer containing the  DCPD moiety. The reversible natures of the polymers and oligomers might be useful in preparing easily processable and recyclable polymers and thermosensor materials. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 1662–1672, 2000     

MOF‐on‐MOF: Oriented Growth of Multiple Layered Thin Films of Metal–Organic Frameworks

The precise alignment of multiple layers of metal–organic framework (MOF) thin films, or MOF‐on‐MOF films, over macroscopic length scales is presented. The MOF‐on‐MOF films are fabricated by epitaxially matching the interface. The first MOF layer (Cu₂(BPDC)₂, BPDC=biphenyl‐4,4′‐dicarboxylate) is grown on an oriented Cu(OH)₂ film by a “one‐pot” approach. Aligned second (Cu₂(BDC)₂, BDC=benzene 1,4‐dicarboxylate, or Cu₂(BPYDC)₂, BPYDC=2,2′‐bipyridine‐5,5′‐dicarboxylate) MOF layers can be deposited using liquid‐phase epitaxy. The co‐orientation of the MOF films is confirmed by X‐ray diffraction. Importantly, our strategy allows for the synthesis of aligned MOF films, for example, Cu₂(BPYDC)₂, that cannot be grown on a Cu(OH)₂ surface. We show that aligned MOF films furnished with Ag nanoparticles show a unique anisotropic plasmon resonance. Our MOF‐on‐MOF approach expands the chemistry of heteroepitaxially oriented MOF films and provides a new toolbox for multifunctional porous coatings.     

Structural analysis of interpenetrated methyl‐modified MOF‐5 and its gas‐adsorption properties

The first example of an interpenetrated methyl‐modified MOF‐5 with the formula Zn₄O(DMBDC)₃(DMF)₂, where DMBDC^2? is 2,5‐dimethylbenzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylate and DMF is N,N‐dimethylformamide (henceforth denoted as Me₂MOF‐5‐int ), namely, poly[tris(μ₄‐2,5‐dimethylbenzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylato)bis(N,N‐dimethylformamide)‐μ₄‐oxido‐tetrazinc(II)], [Zn₄(C₁₀H₈O₄)₃O(C₃H₇NO)₂]_n, has been obtained from a solvothermal synthesis of 2,5‐dimethylbenzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylic acid and Zn(NO₃)₂·6H₂O in DMF. A systematic study revealed that the choice of solvent is of critical importance for the synthesis of phase‐pure Me₂MOF‐5‐int , which was thoroughly characterized by single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), as well as by gas‐adsorption analyses. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of Me₂MOF‐5‐int (660 m² g^?1), determined by N₂ adsorption, is much lower than that of nonpenetrated Me₂MOF‐5 (2420 m² g^?1). However, Me₂MOF‐5‐int displays an H₂ uptake capacity of 1.26 wt% at 77 K and 1.0 bar, which is comparable to that of non‐interpenetrated Me₂MOF‐5 (1.51 wt%).     

A Dual‐Ligand Porous Coordination Polymer Chemiresistor with Modulated Conductivity and Porosity

Single‐ligand‐based electronically conductive porous coordination polymers/metal–organic frameworks (EC‐PCPs/MOFs) fail to meet the requirements of numerous electronic applications owing to their limited tunability in terms of both conductivity and topology. In this study, a new 2D π‐conjugated EC‐MOF containing copper units with mixed trigonal ligands was developed: Cu₃(HHTP)(THQ) (HHTP=2,3,6,7,10,11‐hexahydrotriphenylene, THQ=tetrahydroxy‐1,4‐quinone). The modulated conductivity (σ≈2.53×10^?5 S cm^?1 with an activation energy of 0.30 eV) and high porosity (ca. 441.2 m² g^?1) of the Cu₃(HHTP)(THQ) semiconductive nanowires provided an appropriate resistance baseline and highly accessible areas for the development of an excellent chemiresistive gas sensor.     

Cd(II) MOFs based on cadmium/carboxylate units and 4,4′-bis(benzoimidazol-1-yl)bibenzene: syntheses,structures, and luminescence

Solvothermal reactions of CdCl₂·2.5H₂O with 4,4′-bis(benzoimidazol-1-yl)bibenzene (bimbb) and 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid (1,4-H₂bdc), 4,4′-biphenyldicarboxylic acid (4,4′-H₂bpdb), 5-methyl-1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid (5-Me-1,3-H₂bdc), or 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid (H₃btc) afforded four 3-D metal–organic frameworks, {[Cd₂(1,4-bdc)₂(bimbb)₂]·H₂O}_n (1), {[Cd₂(4,4′-bpdb)₂(bimbb)(H₂O)₂]} _n (2), [Cd₂(5-Me-1,3-bdc)₂(bimbb)] _n (3), and {[Cd₃(btc)₂(bimbb)(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O} _n (4). Complexes 1–4 were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, powder X-ray powder diffraction, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. 1 possesses a 3-D framework with 2-D undulated (8,4) layers which are further connected by bimbb pillars. 2 forms a 3-D pillared-layer framework constructed through 2-D undulated (4,4) layers and bimbb pillars. 3 has 1-D ribbons of [Cd₄(5-Me-1,3-bdc)₄] _n which are linked by bimbb to form a 3-D structure. 4 exhibits a 3-D pillared-bilayer framework consisting of (6,3) double-decker [Cd₉(btc)₆(μ-OH₂)₆] _n layers and bimbb pillars. The Schläfli symbols for the four frameworks are (4²·6³·8)(4²·6⁵·8³) (1), (4⁴·6⁶) (2), (4⁴·6²)(4⁶·6⁴) (3), and (6³)(6¹⁰) (4). The photoluminescent properties of 1–4 were also investigated.     

Construction Of Two New 6‐connected Manganese(II) Metal Organic Frameworks via Isomeric Biphenyldicarboxylates Based on the Dinuclear Secondary Building Unit

Two coordination polymers, namely {[Mn(2,4′‐bpdc)(bimb)(H₂O)_0.5] · 0.5H₂O}_n ( 1 ) and [Mn(4,4′‐bpdc)(bimb)]_n · 2.5H₂O ( 2 ) [2,4′‐bpdc = biphenyl‐2,4′‐dicarboxylate, 4,4′‐bpdc = biphenyl‐4,4′‐dicarboxylate, and bimb = 1,4‐bis(1‐imidazol‐yl)‐2,5‐dimethyl benzene], were hydrothermally synthesized by reactions of manganese(II) salt with the rigid ligand 1,4‐bis(1‐imidazol‐yl)‐2,5‐dimethyl benzene and isomeric biphenyl dicarboxylate ligands. Complex 1 has an unusual 6‐connected three‐dimensional (3D) architecture with point symbol (4⁴.6¹¹). Complex 2 has also a 3D structure with two‐interpenetrated pcu topology with point symbol (4¹².6³). Structural comparisons show that the positions of the carboxylate groups in the ligand backbone play an important role in governing the structural topologies of these complexes.     

Microporous La–Metal–Organic Framework (MOF) with Large Surface Area

A microporous La–metal‐organic framework (MOF) has been synthesized by the reaction of La(NO₃)₃ ? 6 H₂O with a ligand 4,4′,4′′‐s‐triazine‐1,3,5‐triyltri‐p‐aminobenzoate (TATAB) featuring three carboxylate groups. Crystal structure analysis confirms the formation of 3D MOF with hexagonal micropores, a Brunauer–Emmett—Teller (BET) surface area of 1074 m² g^?1 and high thermal and chemical stability. The CO₂ adsorption capacities are 76.8 cm³ g^?1 at 273 K and 34.6 cm³ g^?1 at 293 K, a highest measured CO₂ uptake for a Ln–MOFs.     

Metal–Organic Frameworks Containing Missing‐Linker Defects Leading to High Hydroxide‐Ion Conductivity

The ionic conductivity properties of the face‐centered cubic [Ni₈(OH)₄(H₂O)₂(BDP_X)₆] (H₂BDP_X=1,4‐bis(pyrazol‐4‐yl)benzene‐4‐X with X=H ( 1 ), OH ( 2 ), NH₂ ( 3 )) metal–organic framework (MOF) systems as well as their post‐synthetically modified materials K[Ni₈(OH)₅(EtO)(BDP_X)_5.5] ( 1@KOH , 3@KOH ) and K₃[Ni₈(OH)₃(EtO)(BDP_O)₅] ( 2@KOH ), which contain missing‐linker defects, have been studied by variable temperature AC impedance spectroscopy. It should be noted that these modified materials exhibit up to four orders of magnitude increase in conductivity ^‐values in comparison to pristine 1 – 3 systems. As an example, the conductivity value of 5.86×10^?9 S cm^?1 (activation energy E_a of 0.60 eV) for 2 at 313 K and 22 % relative humidity (RH) increases up to 2.75×10^?5 S cm^?1 (E_a of 0.40 eV) for 2@KOH . Moreover, a further increase of conductivity values up to 1.16×10^?2 S cm^?1 and diminution of E_a down to 0.20 eV is achieved at 100 % RH for 2@KOH . The increased porosity, basicity and hydrophilicity of the 1@KOH – 3@KOH materials compared to the pristine 1 – 3 systems should explain the better performance of the KOH‐modified materials.     

NHC-Adducts of Cyclopentadienyl-Substituted Alanes

The mono- and bis-iodo-substituted NHC-stabilized alanes (NHC) ⋅ AlH₂I and (NHC) ⋅ AlHI₂ offer a convenient entry for further substitution reactions at aluminum. Reactions of (NHC) ⋅ AlH₂I 1 – 4 with one equivalent of NaCp afforded the adducts (NHC) ⋅ AlH₂Cp 9 – 12 (NHC=Me₂Im^Me ( 9 ), iPr₂Im^Me ( 10 ), iPr₂Im ( 11 ), Dipp₂Im ( 12 )). Alane adducts with two Cp substituents (NHC) ⋅ AlHCp₂ 13 – 16 (NHC=Me₂Im^Me ( 13 ), iPr₂Im^Me ( 14 ), iPr₂Im ( 15 ), Dipp₂Im ( 16 )) were prepared by the analogous reaction of (NHC) ⋅ AlHI₂ 5 – 8 using two equivalents of NaCp. The unusual dimeric adducts ((NHC) ⋅ AlH₂Cp ⋅ CpMgI)₂ 17 – 19 (NHC=Me₂Im^Me ( 17 ), iPr₂Im^Me ( 18 ), iPr₂Im ( 19 )) were obtained from the reaction of 1 – 3 with MgCp₂.     

Postsynthetically Modified Alkoxide-Exchanged Ni2(OR)2BTDD: Synergistic Interactions of CO2 with Open Metal Sites and Functional Groups

Postsynthetic modifications (PSMs) of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) play a crucial role in enhancing material performance through open metal site (OMS) functionalization or ligand exchange. However, a significant challenge persists in preserving open metal sites during ligand exchange, as these sites are inherently bound by incoming ligands. In this study, for the first time, we introduced alkoxides by exchanging bridging chloride in Ni₂Cl₂BTDD (BTDD=bis (1H-1,2,3,–triazolo [4,5-b],–[4′,5′-i]) dibenzo[1,4]dioxin) through PSM. Rietveld refinement of synchrotron X-ray diffraction data indicated that the alkoxide oxygen atom bridges Ni(II) centers while the OMSs of the MOF are preserved. Due to the synergy of the existing OMS and introduced functional group, the alkoxide-exchanged MOFs showed CO₂ uptakes superior to the pristine MOF. Remarkably, the tert-butoxide-substituted Ni_T exhibited a nearly threefold and twofold increase in CO₂ uptake compared to Ni₂Cl₂BTDD at 0.15 and 1 bar, respectively, as well as high water stability relative to the other exchanged frameworks. Furthermore, the Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulations for Ni_T suggested that CO₂ interacts with the OMS and the surrounding methyl groups of tert-butoxide groups, which is responsible for the enhanced CO₂ capacity. This work provides a facile and unique synthetic strategy for realizing a desirable OMS-incorporating MOF platform through bridging ligand exchange.     

Effect of Axial Ligands on Easy-Axis Anisotropy and Field-Induced Slow Magnetic Relaxation in Heptacoordinated FeII Complexes

A rational approach to modulating easy-axis magnetic anisotropy by varying the axial donor ligand in heptacoordinated Fe^II complexes has been explored. In this series of complexes with formulae of [Fe(H₄L)(NCS)₂] ⋅ 3 DMF ⋅ 0.5 H₂O ( 1 ), [Fe(H₄L)(NCSe)₂] ⋅ 3 DMF ⋅ 0.5 H₂O ( 2 ), and [Fe(H₄L)(NCNCN)₂] ⋅ DMF ⋅ H₂O ( 3 ) [H₄L=2,2′-{pyridine-2,6-diylbis(ethan-1-yl-1-ylidene)}bis(N-phenylhydrazinecarboxamide)], the axial positions are successively occupied by different nitrogen-based π-donor ligands. Detailed dc and ac magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal the existence of easy-axis magnetic anisotropy for all of the complexes, with 1 [U_eff=21 K, τ₀=1.72×10⁻⁶ s] and 2 [U_eff=25 K, τ₀=2.25×10⁻⁶ s] showing field-induced slow magnetic relaxation behavior. However, both experimental studies and theoretical calculations indicate the magnitude of the D value of complex 3 to be larger than those of complexes 1 and 2 due to the axial bond angle being smaller than that for an ideal geometry. Detailed analysis of the field and temperature dependences of relaxation time for 1 and 2 has revealed that multiple relaxation processes (quantum tunneling of magnetization, direct, and Raman) are involved in slow magnetic relaxation for both of these complexes. Magnetic dilution experiments support the role of intermolecular short contacts.