Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Zinc-Based Metal-Organic Framework Containing Benzoic Acid: A Low-Toxicity Carrier for Drug Delivery

In recent years, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained attention in the biomedical field, particularly as drug carriers for treating tumors. Therefore, we decided to synthesize a novel benzoic acid Zn-based MOF and study the Zn-based MOFs' drug-delivery properties and the drug-delivery system's anticancer effects. This study successfully synthesized a zinc-based MOF using solvent thermal synthesis. The crystal structure of a Zn-based MOF was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Subsequently, the results of UV spectrophotometry showed that Doxorubicin was successfully loaded with a loading amount of 33.74%. Furthermore, the drug release experiments demonstrated that the Zn-based MOF was pH-sensitive, releasing more at a pH of 3.8 than at pH 5.8 or 7.4. Finally, the Zn-based MOF loaded with drugs exhibited high antitumor activity against HepG2 cells while demonstrating remarkably low toxicity to normal cells (LO2). Taken together, these results demonstrate that the Zn-based MOF has the potential to serve as a carrier in the field of drug delivery systems.

Construction of 2D Interdigitated Polyrotaxane Layers and their Transformation to a 3D Polyrotaxane by a Photocycloaddition Reaction between Wheels

Following the pioneering work of Sauvage and Stoddart on rotaxanes, construction of higher dimensional polyrotaxanes in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) via a modified protocol is challenging. We present the formation of a two-dimensional (2D) polyrotaxane and its conversion to a three-dimensional (3D) polyrotaxane MOF via a photoreaction between interdigitated "olefin wheels". For this purpose, a 2-fold entangled 2D MOF [Pb₂(bpp)(sdc)₂] (1), showing a 2D + 2D → 2D polyrotaxane motif, has been synthesized from the solvothermal reaction of lead(II) nitrate, 3,3'-stilbenedicarboxylic acid (H₂sdc) containing an olefin group, and 1,4-bis(4-pyridyl)piperazine (bpp). The single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of 1 revealed that the adjacent entangled 2D layers are interdigitated, with the separation of 3.72 Å between C═C bond pairs in adjacent layers satisfying Schmidt's criteria for the occurrence of a [2 + 2] photocycloaddition reaction. Irradiation of the single crystals of 1 under UV light resulted in formation of a 3D polyrotaxane, [Pb₂(bpp)(rctt-tccb)]_n (2), due to a [2 + 2] photocycloaddition reaction between two wheels via a single-crystal to single-crystal transformation. The photocycloaddition and partial thermal cleavage reaction between 1 and 2 were confirmed by ¹H NMR and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) in solution and the solid state, respectively. The present approach could contribute to the understanding of the construction of higher dimensional polyrotaxanes which are not accessible by the traditional routes.

Recent advances in metal-organic frameworks as adsorbent materials for hazardous dye molecules

Water is vital for the sustenance of all forms of life. Hence, water pollution is a universal crisis for the survival for all forms of life and a hurdle in sustainable development. Textile industry is one of the anthropogenic activities that severely pollutes water bodies. Inefficient dyeing processes result in thousands of tons of synthetic dyes being dumped in water bodies every year. Therefore, the efficient removal of synthetic dyes from wastewater has become a challenging research field. Owing to their tuneable structure-property aspects, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising adsorbents for the adsorptive removal of dyes from wastewater and textile effluents. In this perspective, we highlight recent studies involving the application of MOFs for the adsorptive removal of hazardous dye molecules. We also classify the developed MOFs into cationic, anionic, and neutral framework categories to comprehend their suitability for the removal of a given class of dyes.

Preparation, crystal structures, properties, and time-dependent density functional theory of two cobalt complexes with 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-quinoline-4-carboxylate

One organic compound [HMCA]2 (1) and two novel cobalt complexes [Co(MCA)(bipy)(H2O)]·(H2O) (2), [Co2(MCA)2(Phen)3]·3(H2O) (3) are synthesized by a solvothermal approach and are structurally determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 exhibits a two-dimensional structure by hydrogen bond and π. . .π stacking interaction. The complexes exhibit a three-dimensional and one-dimensional metal-organic framework. Solid-state photoluminescence spectrums reveal that they show blue emission bands at 449 nm, and theoretical calculation results of time-dependent density functional theory show that all belong to ligand-to-ligand charge transfer. Solid-state diffuse reflectance spectrums reveal the presence of a narrow optical band gap of 1.72 and 1.60 eV in the complexes 2 and 3, respectively.

Constructing an Interpenetrated NiII-Based Coordination Polymer Based on a Flexible Dicarboxylate Ligand and an N-Donor Ligand: Preparation, Topological Diversity, and Catalytic Properties

A novel coordination polymer (CP) was constructed using 1,3-bis(4-carboxyphenoxy) propane (H2bcp), 1,4-bis(1-imidazol-yl)-2,5-dimethyl benzene (bimb), and NiII ions. [Ni(bcp)(bimb)]·H2O]n (1) shows an interesting 2D+2D → 3D inclined polyrotaxane topology. The structure was characterised by many methods. This work indicates that the flexible and neutral pyridine ligand plays a significant role in constructing CPs. Furthermore, 1 is a highly efficient catalyst for the reaction of CO2 and epoxides.

A stimuli responsive multifunctional ZMOF based on an unorthodox polytopic ligand: reversible thermochromism and anion triggered metallogelation

A novel Cd(ii)-ZMOF with a unique sodalite topology has been successfully designed and synthesized using a flexible polytopic compartmental ligand. The microporous complex contains 1D hexagonal channels with large void space for the accommodation of guest molecules. This work demonstrates a new paradigm for designing and functionalizing zeolite-type frameworks. The triconnected linker forms coordination polymer gels in the presence of Cd2+ and the gelation was controlled by the presence of specific anions. They possess good thermal stability and exhibit thixotropic behavior. Optical properties revealed that the complex is exclusively thermochromic and undergoes a reversible transition at 80 °C, changing its color from yellow to orange red. Owing to the large voids in the framework, the complex can serve as a host for use in dye adsorption. Thus this paper offers a new MOF material with exceptional chromic behavior, gelation properties and adsorption capability for the development of high performance multifunctional materials.

Three new ZnII coordination polymers constructed from a semi-rigid tricarboxylic acid: structural changes caused by flexibility and luminescence sensing for hexavalent chromate anions

Coordination polymers (CPs) with specific structures and functional luminescence have been widely designed as sensors for detecting small molecules and ions. In this study, with or without the help of an N-donor auxiliary linker, three new Zn^II CPs, namely, three-dimensional (3D) poly[[pentaaquabis[μ₃-5-(4-carboxybenzyloxy)isophthalato]bis[μ₆-5-(4-carboxylatobenzyloxy)isophthalato]di-μ₃-hydroxido-hexazinc(II)] trihydrate], {[Zn₆(C₁₆H₁₀O₇)₂(C₁₆H₉O₇)₂(OH)₂(H₂O)₅]·3H₂O}_n or {[Zn₆(μ₃-HL)₂(μ₆-L)₂(μ₃-OH)₂(H₂O)₅]·3H₂O}_n, (I), one-dimensional (1D) catena-poly[[[aqua(1,10-phenanthroline)zinc(II)]-μ₂-5-(4-carboxybenzyloxy)isophthalato] dihydrate], {[Zn(C₁₆H₁₀O₇)(C₁₂H₈N₂)(H₂O)]·2H₂O}_n or {[Zn(μ₂-HL)(phen)(H₂O)]·2H₂O}_n (phen is 1,10-phenanthroline), (II), and 3D poly[diaquatetrakis(4,4'-bipyridine)bis[μ₆-5-(4-carboxylatobenzyloxy)isophthalato]di-μ₃-formato-di-μ₃-hydroxido-pentazinc(II)], [Zn₅(C₁₆H₉O₇)₂(HCOO)₂(OH)₂(C₁₀H₈N₂)₄(H₂O)₂]_n or [Zn₅(μ₄-L)₂(bpy)₄(μ₂-OH)₂(μ₃-HCOO)₂(H₂O)₂]_n (bpy is 4,4'-bipyridine), (III), have been constructed from the semi-rigid tricarboxylic acid 5-(4-carboxybenzyloxy)isophthalic acid (H₃L) under hydrothermal conditions. CP (I) exhibits a twofold interpenetrated 3D+3D→3D skeleton with a 3,5-conn topology constructed from triangular trinuclear [Zn₃(COO)₄(μ₃-OH)] clusters, in which the H₃L ligand adopts three different coordination modes. CP (II) exhibits a 1D infinite chain and stacking that gives a 3D structure mediated by hydrogen bonds and weak interactions. CP (III) is an interesting 3D 3,4,8-conn network including linear tetranuclear [Zn₄(μ₂-OH)₂(HCOO)₂(COO)₂] clusters with a new {4·6²}₂{4·6⁴·8}{4⁶·6¹⁹·8³} topological symbol. The influences of the flexible -CH₂-O- linker of the H₃L ligand and subtle environmental factors, such as solvent, pH value and auxiliary ligands, on the formation of the final structures are also discussed. The solid-state fluorescence spectra of CPs (I)-(III) were recorded at room temperature and all show better fluorescence performances than H₃L. In particular, (II) can act as a potential multifunctional fluorescent material for sensing hexavalent chromium ions in aqueous solution with high stability, selectivity and sensitivity. Under ultraviolet light of 365 nm from a UV lamp, a signal response of fluorescence from turning on to off can be observed with the naked eye. It was found that the detection for hexavalent chromium (i.e. Cr₂O₇^2-) by (II) has a high selectivity [K_SV = 1.61 × 10⁴ M^-1 and limit of detection (LOD) = 0.434 µM] in aqueous solution. Quenching mechanisms were also studied in detail.

Four Co(ii) coordination polymers based on 4,4′-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methylenebis(benzoic acid): syntheses, structural diversity, magnetic properties, dye adsorption and photocatalytic properties

Four multi-functional Co(ii) complexes are applied in removing organic dye molecules from the wastewater.

Rational synthesis, crystal structure, and sensing and adsorption properties of luminescent metal–organic frameworks

Five novel Cd(ii) metal–organic frameworks (Cd-MOFs) were synthesized employing a rational design approach under solvothermal conditions. The luminescence sensing and the targeted dye adsorption properties of the MOFs 1–5 are investigated.

Rational assembly of functional Co-MOFs via a mixed-ligand strategy: synthesis, structure, topological variation, photodegradation properties and dye adsorption

Four novel Co(ii) metal–organic frameworks were synthesized employing a rational design approach under solvothermal conditions.

Structural assembly from 1D to 3D motivated by the linear co-ligands, and the magnetic and photocatalytic properties of five NiII coordination polymers with 5-(4′-carboxylphenyl)nicotinic acid

Five structural diversity nickel(ii) complexes based on 5-(4′-carboxylphenyl) nicotinic acid and linear co-ligands are described. The antiferromagnetic interactions exist in them expect for 2. All of them could accelerate the degradation rate of MO under visible light irradiation.

Photochromic and photomodulated luminescence properties of two metal–viologen complexes constructed by a tetracarboxylate-anchored bipyridinium-based ligand

Photochromic and photomodulated luminescence properties of two metal–viologen complexes constructed using a tetracarboxylate-anchored bipyridinium-based ligand are reported.