A three-dimensional, noninterpenetrating metal--organic framework with the moganite topology: a simple (4(2)x6(2)x8(2))(4x6(4)x8)(2) net containing two kinds of topologically nonequivalent points

Self assembly of Cu(2+) with the multifunctional ligand 2-(4-pyridyl)thiazole-4-carboxylic acid (Pytac) affords the neutral 3D coordination polymer [Cu(3)(Pytac)(6)](H(2)O)(14) (hereafter, SZL-1), which has the rare moganite topology. The mineral moganite has a topology that is closely related to the well-known quartz topology, but the two topologies are differentiated by the number of topologically inequivalent nodes. Whereas only one kind of node is present in quartz, two types of topologically inequivalent nodes are present in moganite. The title compound, which has three vertices in its repeat unit, has two types of topologically inequivalent nodes with the overall vertex symbol (4(2)x6(2)x8(2))(4x6(4)x8)(2) corresponding to the moganite net. Prior to this report, few metal-organic framework materials (MOFs) have been found to contain more than one type of node, and SZL-1 is the first MOF with the moganite topology.