Versatile Tailoring of Paddle‐Wheel Zn II Metal–Organic Frameworks through Single‐Crystal‐to‐Single‐Crystal Transformations

Symmetry-Mismatched SBU Transformation in MOFs: Postsynthetic Metal Exchange from Zn to Fe and Its Effects on Gas Adsorption and Dye Selectivity

This research explores the alteration of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) using a method called postsynthetic metal exchange. We focus on the shift from a Zn-based MOF containing a [Zn4O(COO)6] secondary building unit (SBU) of octahedral site symmetry (ANT-1(Zn)) to a Fe-based one with a [Fe3IIIO(COO)6]+ SBU of trigonal prismatic site symmetry (ANT-1(Fe)). The symmetry-mismatched SBU transformation cleverly maintains the MOF's overall structure by adjusting the conformation of the flexible 1,3,5-benzenetribenzoate linker to alleviate the framework strain. The process triggers a decrease in the framework volume and pore size alongside a change in the framework's charge. These alterations influence the MOF's ability to adsorb gas and dye. During the transformation, core-shell MOFs (ANT-1(Zn@Fe)) are formed as intermediate products, demonstrating unique gas sorption traits and adjusted dye adsorption preferences due to the structural modifications at the core-shell interface. Heteronuclear clusters, located at the framework interfaces, enhance the heat of CO2 adsorption. Furthermore, they also influence the selectivity of the dye size. This research provides valuable insights into fabricating novel MOFs with unique properties by modifying the SBU of a MOF with flexible organic linkers from one site symmetry to another.

SC-SC Anion-Assisted Linker Exchange within a Three-Dimensional Cu(II)-Triazole Framework: A Luminescent Probe for S2

A three-dimensional (3D) binodal 3,5-connected net, {[Cu(MTP)(H2O)](NO3)}n (1) with the Schläfli symbol of {3·72}{32·75·83} can be transformed into a two-dimensional (2D) kagóme network with the Schlafli symbol of {32·62·72} in an irreversible single crystal-single crystal (SC-SC) guest-assisted linker exchange process. The product of this SC-SC represents the first luminescent probe for S2- based on triazole ligand.

Pillar-Layered Metal-Organic Frameworks Based on a Hexaprismane [Co6(μ3-OH)6] Cluster: Structural Modulation and Catalytic Performance in Aerobic Oxidation Reaction

Embedding a functional metal-oxo cluster within the matrix of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is a feasible approach for the development of advanced porous materials. Herein, three isoreticular pillar-layered MOFs (Co₆-MOF-1-3) based on a unique [Co₆(μ₃-OH)₆] cluster were designed, synthesized, and structurally characterized. For these Co₆-MOFs, tuning of the framework backbone was facilitated due to the existence of second ligands, which results in adjustable apertures (8.8 to 13.4 Å) and high Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surfaces (1896-2401 m² g^-1). As the [Co₆(μ₃-OH)₆] cluster has variable valences, these MOFs were then utilized as heterogeneous catalysts for the selective oxidation of styrene and benzyl alcohol, showing high conversion (>90%) and good selectivity. The selectivity of styrene to styrene oxide surpassed 80% and that of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde was up to 98%. The calculated TOF values show that the increase of reaction rate is positively correlated with the enlargement of pore sizes in these MOFs. Further, a stability test and cycling experiment proved that these Co₆-MOFs have well-observed stability and recyclability.

1,2,4,5-Tetrazine based ligands and complexes

One of the most intriguing nitrogen based aromatic heterocycles is 1,2,4,5-tetrazine or s-tetrazine (TTZ) thanks to its electron acceptor character and fluorescence properties and the possibilities of functionalization in the 3 and 6 positions allowing access to various ligands. In this review we focus on the two main families of TTZ based ligands, i.e. ditopic symmetric and monotopic non-symmetric, together with their metal complexes, with a special emphasis on their solid state structures and physical properties. After a description of the most representative complexes containing unsubstituted TTZ as a ligand, symmetric TTZ ligands and complexes derived thereof are discussed in the order: 3,6-bis(2-pyridyl)-tetrazine, 3,6-bis(3-pyridyl)-tetrazine, 3,6-bis(4-pyridyl)-tetrazine, 3,6-bis(2-pyrimidyl)-tetrazine, 3,6-bis(2-pyrazinyl)-tetrazine, 3,6-bis(monopicolylamine)-tetrazine, 3,6-bis(vanillin-hydrazinyl)-tetrazine and TTZ containing carboxylic acids. Remarkable results have been obtained in recent years for metal-organic frameworks and magnetic compounds in which magnetic coupling is enhanced when the tetrazine bridge is reduced to radical anions. Non-symmetric ligands, such as dipicolylamine-TTZ and monopicolylamine-TTZ, are comparatively more recent than the symmetric ones. They allow in principle the preparation of mononuclear complexes in a controlled manner, although binuclear complexes have been isolated as well. Moreover, in the monopicolylamine-TTZ-Cl ligand, deprotonation of the amine, thanks to the electron acceptor character of TTZ, afforded a negatively charged ligand equivalent of a guanidinate.

Crystallographic Visualization of Postsynthetic Nickel Clusters into Metal-Organic Framework

Postsynthetic metalation (PSM) has been employed as a robust method for the postsynthetic modification of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). However, the lack of relevant information that can be obtained for the postsynthetically introduced metallic ions has hindered the development of PSM applications. Thanks to the advancement in single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) technology, there have been a few recent examples in which successful postsynthetic introduction of single metal ions into MOFs occurred at the defined chelating sites. These works have provided useful explanations about the complicated host-guest chemistry involved in PSMs. On the other hand, there are only limited examples with crystallographic snapshots of the postsynthetic installation of metal clusters into the pores of MOFs using an ordinary SCXRD due to the loss of crystallinity of parent matrix during the PSM process. Herein, by the careful selection of starting materials and controlling the reaction conditions, we report the first crystallographic visualization of metal clusters inserted into Zr-based MOFs via PSM. The structural advantages of the parent Zr-MOF, which are inherited from the stable Zr₆ cluster and triazole-containing dicarboxylate ligand, ensure both the preservation of high crystallinity and the presence of flexible coordination sites for PSM. Furthermore, PSM of metal clusters in a MOF pore space enhances stability of the final samples while also imparting the functionality of a successful catalyst toward ethylene dimerization reaction. The related construction ideas and structural information detailed in this work can help lay the foundation for further advancements using the postmodification of MOFs as well as open new doors for the utilization of SCXRD technology in the field of MOFs.

A quantitative transmetalation with a metal organic framework compound in a solid–liquid interface reaction: synthesis, structure, kinetics, spectroscopy and electrochemistry

A Zn(ii)-MOF (1) can be transformed to its isomorphous Cu(ii)-MOF (2) quantitatively in a single crystal to single crystal metal exchange process in a solid–liquid interface reaction.

Finely Controlled Stepwise Engineering of Pore Environments and Mechanistic Elucidation of Water-Stable, Flexible 2D Porous Coordination Polymers

Two porous coordination polymers (PCPs) with different topologies (NTU-19: sql and NTU-20: dia) underwent finely controlled, stepwise crystal conversions to yield a common water-stable, flexible 2D framework (NTU-22: kgm). The crystal conversions occurred directly at higher temperature via the 3D intermediate (NTU-21: nbo), which could be observed at lower temperature. The successful isolation of the intermediate product of NTU-21, characterization with in situ PXRD and UV/Vis spectra were combined with DFT calculations to allow an understanding of the dynamic processes at the atomic level. Remarkably, breakthrough experiments demonstrate NTU-22 with integral structural properties allowed significant CO₂ /CH₄ mixture separation.

Network Formation via Anion Coordination: Crystal Structures Based on the Interplay of Non-Covalent Interactions

We describe the synthesis and the structural characterization of new H₂L(CF₃CO₂)₂ (1) and H₂L(Ph₂PO₄)₂ (2) compounds containing the diprotonated form (H₂L²⁺) of the tetrazine-based molecule 3,6-di(pyridin-4-yl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of single crystals of these compounds showed that H₂L²⁺ displays similar binding properties toward both anions when salt bridge interactions are taken into account. Nevertheless, the different shapes, sizes and functionalities of trifluoroacetate and diphenyl phosphate anions define quite different organization patterns leading to the peculiar crystal lattices of 1 and 2. These three-dimensional (3D) architectures are self-assembled by a variety of non-covalent forces, among which prominent roles are played by fluorine–π (in 1) and anion–π (in 2) interactions.

Hetero-bimetallic paddlewheel clusters in coordination polymers formed by a water-induced single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation

Hetero-bimetallic paddlewheel clusters in coordination polymers are formed through a water-induced single-crystal to single-crystal transformation.