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Acquiring spatial control of nanoscopic metal clusters is central to their function as efficient multi-electron catalysts. However, dispersing metal clusters on surfaces or in porous hosts is accompanied by an intrinsic heterogeneity that hampers detailed understanding of the chemical structure and its relation to reactivities. Tethering pre-assembled molecular metal clusters into polymeric, crystalline 2D or 3D networks constitutes an unproven approach to realizing ordered arrays of chemically well-defined metal clusters. Herein, we report the facile synthesis of a {Pd3} cluster-based organometallic framework from a molecular triangulo-Pd3(CNXyl)6 (Xyl = xylyl; Pd3) cluster under chemically mild conditions. The formally zero-valent Pd3 cluster readily engages in a complete ligand exchange when exposed to a similar, ditopic isocyanide ligand, resulting in polymerization into a 2D coordination network (Pd3-MOF). The structure of Pd3-MOF could be unambiguously determined by continuous rotation 3D electron diffraction (3D-ED) experiments to a resolution of ~1.0 Å (>99% completeness), showcasing the applicability of 3D-ED to nanocrystalline, organometallic polymers. Pd3-MOF displays Pd03 cluster nodes, which possess significant thermal and aerobic stability, and activity towards hydrogenation catalysis. Importantly, the realization of Pd3-MOF paves the way for the exploitation of metal clusters as building blocks for rigidly interlocked metal nanoparticles at the molecular limit. Ultrasmall metallic clusters receive great attention for atom-efficient catalysts. Here a metallic cluster–organic framework is synthesized and characterized; authors demonstrate its stability and catalytic proficiency, paving the way for molecular-scale metal nanoparticle interlocking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein encapsulation by in situ formation of MOFs is a valuable strategy to immobilise and protect these bioentities. However the required biocompatible conditions limits the scope of MOFs under investigation, particularly in the case of hydrolytically unstable MOFs such as HKUST-1. We report alternative synthetic procedures to obtain protein@HKUST-1 biocomposites from related Cu-BTC dense biocomposites. pH dependent dense phase precursors are first obtained and their transformations into HKUST-1 are characterized. Encapsulation efficiency is affected by the protein's nature, and can be modulated by the sequential or simultaneous addition of MOF precursors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, two ZIF-8-based biocomposites were obtained by entrapping the biomolecules benzaldehyde and methyl anthranilate via direct impregnation with fast encapsulation kinetics and high molecule payloads were achieved. The obtained biocomposites exhibit an enhanced antifungal activity against Penicilium expansum after integration in biopolymeric zein films in comparison with the action of free molecules, making these biomaterials promising candidates for food preservation and packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A family of robust and stable molybdenum-based metal–organic cages have been obtained based on the [Mo2O2(μ2-O)2]2+ secondary building unit. The resulting cages are decorated with different pyrdine derivatives that impart structural stability, resulting in the structural elucidation of the activated cage with single-crystal diffraction. The chemical robustness of the cage is also demonstrated by the post-synthetic modification of the cage, which allows the exchange of the pyridine derivatives without rupture of the cage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have received attention as drug delivery systems, their application in the delivery of macromolecules is limited by their pore size and opening. Herein, we present the synthesis of nanostructured MUV-2, a hierarchical mesoporous iron-based MOF that can store high payloads of the macromolecular drug paclitaxel (ca. 23% w/w), increasing its selectivity towards HeLa cancer cells over HEK non-cancerous cells. Moreover, this NanoMUV-2 permits full degradation under simulated physiological conditions while maintaining biocompatibility, and is amenable to specific surface modifications that increase its cell permeation, efficient cytosol delivery and cancer-targeting effect, further intensifying the cancer selectivity of paclitaxel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incorporating low-valent metals as nodes in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is orthogonal to the commonly accepted strategy to robust and porous structures. The electronic structures of low-valent metals are chemically unique and have driven the successes of organometallic chemistry. The translation of these properties into MOFs is largely impeded by the lack of generalizable synthetic approaches. Metal carbonyls are bona fide low-valent and volatile synthons, which, by partial chemical substitution may tether ditopic ligands into MOF architectures. We herein demonstrate the formation of CO2 adsorbing MOFs from the direct vapor-phase substitution of CO by ditopic 4,4′-bipyridine at Mo(0) and W(0) centers, which allows facile coating of low-valent MOFs onto substrates such as indium tin oxide. We envisage this strategy could be generalized to a multitude of mono- and polynuclear metal carbonyls, paralleling the diversity of conventional MOFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two ultramicroporous 2D and 3D iron-based Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have been obtained by solvothermal synthesis using different ratios and concentrations of precursors. Their reduced pore space decorated with pendant pyridine from tangling isonicotinic ligands enables the combination of sizeexclusion kinetic gas separation, due to their small pores, with thermodynamic separation, resulting from the interaction of the linker with CO2 molecules. This combined separation results in efficient materials for dynamic breakthrough gas separation with virtually infinite CO2/N2 selectivity in a wide operando range and with complete renewability at room temperature and ambient pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of a properly designed organic linker, 3,6-N-ditriazolyl-2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone (trz2An), with CoII ions results in a novel 3D ultramicroporous MOF with high CO2 uptake capacity and separation efficiency, with particular attention to CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 gas mixtures. This material consists of 1D chains of octahedrally coordinated CoII ions linked through anilato ligands at the equatorial positions and triazole substituents from two neighbouring chains at the two axial positions. This leads to a 3D microporous structure with voids with an affinity for CO2 molecules and channels that enable the selective entry of CO2 but not of molecules with larger kinetic diameters such as N2 or CH4. Adsorption studies revealed that (i) the MOF presents a remarkable carbon dioxide uptake, above 20% in weight; (ii) CO2 adsorptive separation is successfully performed in CO2:N2 and CO2:CH4 gas mixtures, exhibiting high selectivity in a large operation range; (iii) regeneration is easily achieved under mild conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the aim of identifying new cation–phenolate complexes, we herein investigated the reactivity of pyrogallol (H3pgal) with vanadium salts. A trimetallic anionic complex was identified, and found to be formed under a broad set of reaction conditions. This complex, with the formula V3O3(pgal)33−, consists of three oxovanadium(IV) units connected together by three pyrogallate ligands to afford a bowl-shaped species presenting a pseudo 3-fold symmetry axis. Its crystal structure is reported, as well as its characterisation by a broad set of techniques, including powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, and solid state UV-visible diffuse reflectance. Its redox activity both in solution and in the solid state is described, together with its magnetic behavior. Finally, the relevance of this trimetallic unit in the field of phenolic-based biocoatings and Metal Organic Framework (MOF) synthesis is briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon capture and storage with porous materials is one of the most promising technologies to minimize CO2 release into the atmosphere. Here, we report a family of compartmentalized coordination polymers (CCPs) capable of capturing gas molecules in a selective manner based on two novel tetrazole‐based ligands. Crystal structures have been modelled theoretically under the Density Functional Theory (DFT) revealing the presence of discrete voids of 380 Å3. Single gas adsorption isotherms of N2, CH4 and CO2 have been measured, obtaining a loading capacity of 0.6, 1.7 and 2.2 molecules/void at 10 bar and at 298 K for the best performing material. Moreover, they present excellent selectivity and regenerability for CO2 in mixtures with CH4 and N2 in comparison with other reported materials, as evidenced by dynamic breakthrough gas experiments. These frameworks are therefore great candidates for separation of gas mixtures in the chemical engineering industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal–organic framework (MOF)‐driven synthesis is considered as a promising alternative for the development of new catalytic materials with well‐designed active sites. This synthetic approach is used here to gradually transform a new bimetallic MOF, with Pd and Fe as the metal components, by the in situ generation of aniline under mild conditions. This methodology results in a compositionally homogeneous nanocomposite formed by Fe‐doped Pd nanoparticles that, in turn, are supported on iron oxide‐doped carbon. The nanocomposite has been fully characterized by several techniques such as IR and Raman spectroscopy, TEM, XPS, and XAS. The performance of this nanocomposite as an heterogeneous catalyst for hydrogenation of nitroarenes and nitrobenzene coupling with benzaldehyde has been evaluated, proving it to be an efficient and reusable catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work highlights the benefit of designing mixed-metal (Cr/Fe) MOFs for enhanced chemical stability and catalytic activity. A robust and stable mixed-metal MIL-101(Cr/Fe) was prepared through a HF-free direct hydrothermal route with Fe3+ content up to 21 wt%. The incorporation of Fe3+ cations in the crystal structure was confirmed by 57Fe Mössbauer spectrometry. The catalytic performance of the mixed metal MIL-101(Cr/Fe) was evaluated in the Prins reaction. MIL-101(Cr/Fe) exhibited a higher catalytic activity compared to MIL-101(Cr), improved chemical stability compared to MIL-101(Fe) and a higher catalytic activity for bulky substrates compared to MIL-100(Fe). In situ infra-red spectroscopy study suggests that the incorporation of Fe3+ ions in MIL-101 structure leads to an increase in Lewis acid sites. It was thus concluded that the predominant role of Cr3+ ions was to maintain the crystal structure, while Fe3+ ions enhanced the catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of mixed-metal FeIII/NiII metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) of the MIL-100 type containing different metal ratios have been synthesized de novo, following an approach that requires tuning of the FeIII/NiII reactivity. The resulting heterometallic MIL-100(Fe, Ni) materials maintain thermal, chemical and structural stability with respect to the parent MIL-100(Fe) MOF as can be deduced from various techniques. The nature and the oxidation state of the accessible metal cations have been evaluated by in situ infrared spectroscopy and extended X-ray absorption fine structure measurements. The obtained mixed-metal MOFs and the parent material have been evaluated as heterogeneous catalysts in a model acid-catalyzed reaction, i.e., the Prins reaction. It is found that the catalytic activity improves by more than one order of magnitude upon incorporation of NiII, with a complete selectivity for the formation of nopol. This increase in the catalytic activity upon incorporation of NiII correlates with the enhancement in the Lewis acidity of the material as determined by CO adsorption. The heterometallic MOF can be recycled without observation of metal leaching, while maintaining the crystal structure under the reaction conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite high morbidity and mortality associated with lung diseases, addressing drugs towards lung tissue remains a pending task. Particle lung filtration has been proposed for passive lung targeting and drug delivery. However, toxicity issues derived from the long-term presence of the particles must be overcome. By exploiting some of the ignored properties of nanosized metal-organic frameworks it is possible to achieve impressive antitumoral effects on experimental lung tumors, even without the need to engineer the surface of the material. In fact, it was discovered that, based on unique pH-responsiveness and reversible aggregation behaviors, nanoMOF was capable of targeting lung tissue. At the neutral pH of the blood, the nanoMOFs form aggregates with the adequate size to be retained in lung capillaries. Within 24 h they then disaggregate and release their drug payload. This phenomenon was compatible with lung tissue physiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite high morbidity and mortality associated with lung diseases, addressing drugs towards lung tissue remains a pending task. Particle lung filtration has been proposed for passive lung targeting and drug delivery. However, toxicity issues derived from the long-term presence of the particles must be overcome. By exploiting some of the ignored properties of nanosized metal-organic frameworks it is possible to achieve impressive antitumoral effects on experimental lung tumors, even without the need to engineer the surface of the material. In fact, it was discovered that, based on unique pH-responsiveness and reversible aggregation behaviors, nanoMOF was capable of targeting lung tissue. At the neutral pH of the blood, the nanoMOFs form aggregates with the adequate size to be retained in lung capillaries. Within 24 h they then disaggregate and release their drug payload. This phenomenon was compatible with lung tissue physiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of a 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(3,4,5-trihydroxyphenyl)porphyrin has yielded a new MOF based on M-1,2,3-trioxobenzene chains that can be made of M = Zr(iv) or RE(iii) (RE = rare earth), showing a very high and limited chemical stability, respectively. The robust metallated Zr-analogue, Co-MIL-173(Zr), has proven to be a heme-like heterogeneous catalyst suitable for aerobic oxidation of hydrocarbons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The insertion of the [FeII(pyimH)3]2+ [pyimH = 2-(1 H-imidazol-2-yl)pyridine] spin-crossover complex into a ferromagnetic bimetallic oxalate network affords the hybrid compound [FeII(pyimH)3][MnIICrIII(ox)3]2 ·X (ox = C2O42-). This spin-crossover complex templates the growth of crystals formed by a chiral 3D oxalate network. The magnetic properties of this hybrid magnet show the coexistence of long-range ferromagnetic ordering at 4.5 K and a spin crossover of the intercalated [FeII(pyimH)3]2+ complex above 250 K. The compound presents a light-induced excited spin-state trapping (LIESST) effect below 60 K although with limited photoconversion (less than 8 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of a metal-organic framework (MOF) with nodes that have single-molecule magnet (SMM) behaviour has been achieved by using mononuclear lanthanoid analogues, also known as single-ion magnets (SIMs), which enormously simplifies the challenging issue of making SMM-MOFs. Here we present a rational design of a family of MOFs, [Ln(bipyNO)4](TfO)3 ⋅ x solvent (Ln=Tb ( 1); Dy ( 2); Ho ( 3); Er ( 4); TfO=triflate), in which the lanthanoid centres have an square-antiprismatic coordination environment suitable for SIM behaviour. Magnetic measurements confirm the existence of slow magnetic relaxation typical of SMMs, which has been rationalised by means of a radial effective charge model. In addition, we have explored the incorporation of bulky polyoxometalates (POMs) into the cavities of the SIM-MOF by anion exchange, finding that they do not interfere with the slow magnetic relaxation. This demonstrates the robustness of the frameworks and opens the possibility of incorporating non-innocent anions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Correction for ‘Unravelling the chemical design of spin-crossover nanoparticles based on iron(ii)–triazole coordination polymers: towards a control of the spin transition’ by Mónica Giménez-Marqués et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2015, 3, 7946–7953. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A SIM ‐ MOF by chemical design A metal – organic framework (MOF) constituted by lanthanoid single ‐ ion magnets (SIMs) as nodes, capable of incorporating POMs into the cavities through anion exchange, is presented by E. Coronado, G. Mínguez Espallargas et al. in their Full Paper on page 10695 ff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]