New Mechanistic Insight into Stepwise Metal‐Center Exchange in a Metal–Organic Framework Based on Asymmetric Zn4 Clusters

Herein, a mechanism of stepwise metal‐center exchange for a specific metal–organic framework, namely, [Zn₄(dcpp)₂(DMF)₃(H₂O)₂]_n (H₄dcpp=4,5‐bis(4′‐carboxylphenyl)phthalic acid), is disclosed for the first time. The coordination stabilities between the central metal atoms and the ligands as well as the coordination geometry are considered to be dominant factors in this stepwise exchange mechanism. A new magnetic analytical method and a theoretical model confirmed that the exchange mechanism is reasonable. When the metathesis reaction occurs between Cu^II ions and framework Zn^II ions, the magnetic exchange interaction of each pair of Cu^II centers gradually strengthens with increasing amount of framework Cu^II ions. By analyzing the changes of coupling constants in the Cu‐exchanged products, it was deduced that Zn4 and Zn3 are initially replaced, and then Zn1 and Zn2 are replaced later. The theoretical calculation further verified that Zn4 is replaced first, Zn3 next, then Zn1 and Zn2 last, and the coordination stability dominates the Cu/Zn exchange process. For the Ni/Zn and Co/Zn exchange processes, besides the coordination stability, the preferred coordination geometry was also considered in the stepwise‐exchange behavior. As Ni^II and Co^II ions especially favor octahedral coordination geometry in oxygen‐ligand fields, Ni^II ions and Co^II ions could only selectively exchange with the octahedral Zn^II ions, as was also confirmed by the experimental results. The stepwise metal‐exchange process occurs in a single crystal‐to‐single crystal fashion.     

Metal‐Ion Metathesis in Metal–Organic Frameworks: A Synthetic Route to New Metal–Organic Frameworks

A porous metal–organic framework, Mn(H₃O)[(Mn₄Cl)₃(hmtt)₈] (POST‐65), was prepared by the reaction of 5,5′,10,10′,15,15′‐hexamethyltruxene‐2,7,12‐tricarboxylic acid (H₃hmtt) with MnCl₂ under solvothermal conditions. POST‐65(Mn) was subjected to post‐synthetic modification with Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu according to an ion‐exchange method that resulted in the formation of three isomorphous frameworks, POST‐65(Co/Ni/Cu), as well as a new framework, POST‐65(Fe). The ion‐exchanged samples could not be prepared by regular solvothermal reactions. The complete exchange of the metal ions and retention of the framework structure were verified by inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‐AES), powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface‐area analysis. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffractions studies revealed a single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal (SCSC)‐transformation nature of the ion‐exchange process. Hydrogen‐sorption and magnetization measurements showed metal‐specific properties of POST‐65.     

Photoinduced Postsynthetic Polymerization of a Metal–Organic Framework toward a Flexible Stand‐Alone Membrane

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a promising class of nanoporous polymeric materials. However, the processing of such fragile crystalline powders into desired shapes for further applications is often difficult. A photoinduced postsynthetic polymerization (PSP) strategy was now employed to covalently link MOF crystals by flexible polymer chains, thus endowing the MOF powders with processability and flexibility. Nanosized UiO‐66‐NH₂ was first functionalized with polymerizable functional groups, and its subsequent copolymerization with monomers was easily induced by UV light under solvent‐free and mild conditions. Because of the improved interaction between MOF particles and polymer chains, the resulting stand‐alone and elastic MOF‐based PSP‐derived membranes possess crack‐free and uniform structures and outstanding separation capabilities for Cr^VI ions from water.     

Switch‐On Fluorescence of a Perylene‐Dye‐Functionalized Metal–Organic Framework through Postsynthetic Modification

A perylene dye was introduced directly as a linker into a metal–organic framework (MOF) during synthesis. Depending on the dye concentration in the MOF synthesis mixture, different fluorescent materials were generated. The successful incorporation of the dye was proven by using ¹³C and ²⁷Al MAS NMR spectroscopy, by solution NMR spectroscopy after digestion of the MOF sample, and by synthesizing a reference dye without connecting groups, which could coordinate on the metal–oxo cluster inside the MOF. Fluorescence quenching effects of the MOF linker, 2‐aminoterephthalate, were observed and overcome by postsynthetic modification with acetic anhydride. We show here for the first time that amino groups, which can be used as anchoring points for covalent attachment of other molecules, are responsible for fluorescence quenching. Thus, a very promising strategy to implement switchable fluorescence into MOFs is shown here.     

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.     

Design and Synthesis of a Water‐Stable Anionic Uranium‐Based Metal–Organic Framework (MOF) with Ultra Large Pores

Ionic metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a subclass of porous materials that have the ability to incorporate different charged species in confined nanospace by ion‐exchange. To date, however, very few examples combining mesoporosity and water stability have been realized in ionic MOF chemistry. Herein, we report the rational design and synthesis of a water‐stable anionic mesoporous MOF based on uranium and featuring tbo‐type topology. The resulting tbo MOF exhibits exceptionally large open cavities (3.9 nm) exceeding those of all known anionic MOFs. By supercritical CO₂ activation, a record‐high Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) surface area (2100 m² g^?1) for actinide‐based MOFs has been obtained. Most importantly, however, this new uranium‐based MOF is water‐stable and able to absorb positively charged ions selectively over negatively charged ones, enabling the efficient separation of organic dyes and biomolecules.     

Postsynthetic Metal and Ligand Exchange in MFU‐4l: A Screening Approach toward Functional Metal–Organic Frameworks Comprising Single‐Site Active Centers

The isomorphous partial substitution of Zn²⁺ ions in the secondary building unit (SBU) of MFU‐4l leads to frameworks with the general formula [M_xZn_(5–x)Cl₄(BTDD)₃], in which x≈2, M=Mn^II, Fe^II, Co^II, Ni^II, or Cu^II, and BTDD=bis(1,2,3‐triazolato‐[4,5‐b],[4′,5′‐i])dibenzo‐[1,4]‐dioxin. Subsequent exchange of chloride ligands by nitrite, nitrate, triflate, azide, isocyanate, formate, acetate, or fluoride leads to a variety of MFU‐4l derivatives, which have been characterized by using XRPD, EDX, IR, UV/Vis‐NIR, TGA, and gas sorption measurements. Several MFU‐4l derivatives show high catalytic activity in a liquid‐phase oxidation of ethylbenzene to acetophenone with air under mild conditions, among which Co‐ and Cu derivatives with chloride side‐ligands are the most active catalysts. Upon thermal treatment, several side‐ligands can be transformed selectively into reactive intermediates without destroying the framework. Thus, at 300 °C, Co^II‐azide units in the SBU of Co‐MFU‐4l are converted into Co^II‐isocyanate under continuous CO gas flow, involving the formation of a nitrene intermediate. The reaction of Cu^II‐fluoride units with H₂ at 240 °C leads to Cu^I and proceeds through the heterolytic cleavage of the H₂ molecule.     

Well‐Defined Metal–Organic Framework Hollow Nanocages

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have demonstrated great potentials in a variety of important applications. To enhance the inherent properties and endow materials with multifunctionality, the rational design and synthesis of MOFs with nanoscale porosity and hollow feature is highly desired and remains a great challenge. In this work, the formation of a series of well‐defined MOF (MOF‐5, Fe^II‐MOF‐5, Fe^III‐MOF‐5) hollow nanocages by a facile solvothermal method, without any additional supporting template is reported. A surface‐energy‐driven mechanism may be responsible for the formation of hollow nanocages. The addition of pre‐synthesized poly(vinylpyrrolidone)‐ (PVP) capped noble‐metal nanoparticles into the synthetic system of MOF hollow nanocages yields the yolk–shell noble metal@MOF nanostructures. The present strategy to fabricate hollow and yolk–shell nanostructures is expected to open up exciting opportunities for developing a novel class of inorganic–organic hybrid functional nanomaterials.     

Face‐Capped M4L4 Tetrahedral Metal–Organic Cage: Iodine Capture and Release,Ion Exchange,and Electrical Conductivity

An M⁴L₄ type metal–organic cage (MOC‐19) has been synthesized from the one‐pot reaction of tri(pyridinylmethylene)phenylbenzeneamine (TPBA) with hydrated Zn(ClO₄)₂ under mild conditions and characterized by single‐crystal X‐Ray diffraction. Iodine capture studies show that the porous crystals of MOC‐19 exhibit a versatile behavior to accumulate iodine species not only in vapor (for I₂) but also in solution (for I₂ and I₃^?), and anion‐exchange experiments indicate the capacity to extract IO₃^? anions from aqueous solution. Enrichment of iodine species from KI/I₂ aqueous solution proceeds facilely, revealing a pseudo‐second‐order kinetics of I₃^? adsorption. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity of MOC‐19 single crystals could be significantly altered by I₂ inclusion.     

Reversible Breaking and Forming of Metal–Ligand Coordination Bonds: Temperature‐Triggered Single‐Crystal to Single‐Crystal Transformation in a Metal–Organic Framework

The novel Yb succinate metal–organic framework exhibits a reversible single‐crystal to single‐crystal polymorphic transformation (see figure) when it is heated above 130 °C, returning to its initial form when back at room temperature. This transformation produces a change in the coordination sphere of the Yb atoms, which influences the catalytic activity of the material.

     

Mechanochemical Immobilisation of Metathesis Catalysts in a Metal–Organic Framework

A simple, one‐step mechanochemical procedure for immobilisation of homogeneous metathesis catalysts in metal–organic frameworks was developed. Grinding MIL‐101‐NH₂(Al) with a Hoveyda–Grubbs second‐generation catalyst resulted in a heterogeneous catalyst that is active for metathesis and one of the most stable immobilised metathesis catalysts. During the mechanochemical immobilisation the MIL‐101‐NH₂(Al) structure was partially converted to MIL‐53‐NH₂(Al). The Hoveyda–Grubbs catalyst entrapped in MIL‐101‐NH₂(Al) is responsible for the observed catalytic activity. The developed synthetic procedure was also successful for the immobilisation of a Zhan catalyst.     

Selective Photooxidation of a Mustard‐Gas Simulant Catalyzed by a Porphyrinic Metal–Organic Framework

The photooxidation of a mustard‐gas simulant, 2‐chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES), is studied using a porphyrin‐based metal–organic framework (MOF) catalyst. At room temperature and neutral pH value, singlet oxygen is generated by PCN‐222/MOF‐545 using an inexpensive and commercially available light‐emitting diode. The singlet oxygen produced by PCN‐222/MOF‐545 selectively oxidizes CEES to the comparatively nontoxic product 2‐chloroethyl ethyl sulfoxide (CEESO) without formation of the highly toxic sulfone product. In comparison to current methods, which utilize hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizing agent, this is a more realistic, convenient, and effective method for mustard‐gas detoxification.     

Framework Cationization by Preemptive Coordination of Open Metal Sites for Anion‐Exchange Encapsulation of Nucleotides and Coenzymes

Cationic frameworks can selectively trap anions through ion exchange, and have applications in ion chromatography and drug delivery. However, cationic frameworks are much rarer than anionic or neutral ones. Herein, we propose a concept, preemptive coordination (PC), for targeting positively charged metal–organic frameworks (P‐MOFs). PC refers to proactive blocking of metal coordination sites to preclude their occupation by neutralizing ligands such as OH^?. We use 20 MOFs to show that this PC concept is an effective approach for developing P‐MOFs whose high stability, porosity, and anion‐exchange capability allow immobilization of anionic nucleotides and coenzymes, in addition to charge‐ and size‐selective capture or separation of organic dyes. The CO₂ and C₂H₂ uptake capacity of 117.9 cm³ g^?1 and 148.5 cm³ g^?1, respectively, at 273 K and 1 atm, is exceptionally high among cationic framework materials.     

Metal‐Ion Metathesis and Properties of Triarylboron‐Functionalized Metal–Organic Frameworks

An anionic metal–organic framework, H₃[(Mn₄Cl)₃ L ₈]?30 H₂O?2.5 DMF?5 Diox ( UPC‐15 ), was successfully prepared by the reaction of MnCl₂ with tris(p‐carboxylic acid)tridurylborane (H₃ L ) under solvothermal conditions. UPC‐15 with wide‐open pores (～18.8 Å) is constructed by packing of octahedral and cuboctahedral cages, and exhibits high gas‐sorption capabilities. Notably, UPC‐15 shows selective adsorption of cationic dyes due to the anion framework. Moreover, the catalytic and magnetic properties were investigated, and UPC‐15 can highly catalyze the cyanosilylation of aromatic aldehydes. UPC‐15 exhibits the exchange of metal ions from Mn to Cu in a single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal manner to generate UPC‐16 , which could not be obtained by the direct solvothermal reaction of CuCl₂ and H₃ L. UPC‐16 exhibits similar properties for gas sorption, dye separation, and catalytic activity. However, the magnetic behaviors for UPC‐15 and UPC‐16 are distinct due to the metal‐specific properties. Below 47 K, UPC‐15 exhibits a ferromagnetic coupling but UPC‐16 shows a dominant antiferromagnetic behavior.     

A Polyoxometalate‐Encapsulating Cationic Metal–Organic Framework as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for Desulfurization

A new cationic triazole‐based metal–organic framework encapsulating Keggin‐type polyoxometalates, with the molecular formula [Co(BBPTZ)₃][HPMo₁₂O₄₀]?24 H₂O [compound 1 ; BBPTZ=4,4′‐bis(1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐ylmethyl)biphenyl] is hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The structure of compound 1 contains a non‐interpenetrated 3D CdSO₄ (cds)‐type framework with two types of channels that are interconnected with each other; straight channels that are occupied by the Keggin‐type POM anions, and wavelike channels that contain lattice water molecules. The catalytic activity of compound 1 in the oxidative desulfurization reaction indicates that it is not only an effective and size‐selective heterogeneous catalyst, but it also exhibits distinct structural stability in the catalytic reaction system.     

An Unusual Porous Metal–Organic Framework that Demonstrates the Highly Efficient Exchange of Metal Ions and the Reversible Adsorption of Iodine

An exceedingly rare porous metal–organic framework that is based on cadmium ions and multi carboxylate ligands, namely, Na_0.25[(CH₃)₂NH₂]_1.75[Cd(L)₂] ? x solvent ( 1 , H₂L=2‐hydroxymethyl‐4,6‐bi(2′‐methoxyl‐4′‐(2′′‐1′′‐carboxyl)‐ethlene)‐1,3,5‐mesitylene), has been successfully synthesized under solvothermal conditions. Compound 1 exhibits a 2D network that is constructed from left‐ and right‐handed helical chains. Furthermore, neighboring 2D layers are stacked to give a porous motif. Strikingly, compound 1 exhibits the highly efficient exchange of metal ions from the main framework components whilst maintaining the structural integrity and the crystallinity of the network. In addition, Compound 1 also shows outstanding performance in the reversible adsorption of iodine.