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Alkali metal imidazolates are important compounds, serving as intermediates in organic synthesis and additives in alkali ion electrolytes. However, their solid-state structures and thermal behaviors remain largely unexplored. In this study, we present the synthesis, structural analysis, and thermal characterization of lithium and sodium benzimidazolate (bim–). The crystal structures of these microcrystalline materials, determined by 3D electron diffraction, reveal closely related layered coordination networks. In these structures, 4-fold N-coordinated alkali ions are bridged in two dimensions by bim–linkers, with the networks’ surfaces decorated by the phenyl rings of the bim–linkers, stacking atop one another in the solid state. Differential scanning calorimetry combined with variable temperature X-ray powder diffraction indicates that both materials melt above 450 °C. Additionally, Na(bim) undergoes a displacive phase transition from an ordered α-phase to a highly disordered β-phase before melting. Structural variations, primarily attributable to the differing ionic radii of Li+and Na+, result in distinct coordination environments of the alkali metal ions and varying orientations of the bim–linkers. These differences lead to markedly distinct thermal behaviors: Li(bim) exhibits positive thermal expansion along all crystal axes, whereas Na(bim) switches from area negative thermal expansion (NTE) to linear NTE during the α → β phase transition.

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak led to enormous social and economic repercussions worldwide, felt even to this date, making the design of new therapies to combat fast-spreading viruses an imperative task. In the face of this, diverse cutting-edge nanotechnologies have risen as promising tools to treat infectious diseases such as COVID-19, as well as challenging illnesses such as cancer and diabetes. Aside from these applications, nanoscale metal–organic frameworks (nanoMOFs) have attracted much attention as novel efficient drug delivery systems for diverse pathologies. However, their potential as anti-COVID-19 therapeutic agents has not been investigated. Herein, we propose a pioneering anti-COVID MOF approach by studying their potential as safe and intrinsically antiviral agents through screening various nanoMOF. The iron(III)-trimesate MIL-100 showed a noteworthy antiviral effect against SARS-CoV-2 at the micromolar range, ensuring a high biocompatibility profile (90% of viability) in a real infected human cellular scenario. This research effectively paves the way toward novel antiviral therapies based on nanoMOFs, not only against SARS-CoV-2 but also against other challenging infectious and/or pulmonary diseases.

Stable molecular clusters are of interest for targeted deposition in porous materials. In this work, we report the discovery of two new molecular Ce–O clusters of composition [Ce6O4(OH)4(NO3)4(DMF)4(C7H4O2X)8]·(DMF)4(H2O)2(1-X) and [Ce6O4(OH)4(H2O)6(NO3)6(C7H4O2X)6] (2-X) (X = −Cl, −CHO, and −Br). Both cluster types contain a similar hexanuclear building unit, and crystal structures were determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction or 3D electron diffraction data and subsequent Rietveld refinements against powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) data. The crystal structure data is complemented by results from the local structure around the cerium ions, determined by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) measurements in the solid state. The composition of all Ce–O clusters was confirmed by elemental analysis, NMR and IR spectroscopy. The Ce–O clusters are highly soluble, up to 101 and 136 g/L for 1-Cland 2-Cl, respectively, in organic solvents, which strongly depends on the type of cluster and functionalization of the benzoate ligands. Moreover, the structural and compositional integrity of dissolved clusters in different solvents was established. Recrystallization of 1-Clfrom dichloromethane (DCM) and Raman spectroscopy confirm the integrity of both cluster types in solution. Further examination by EXAFS measurements on the Ce K-edge of clusters containing 4-chlorobenzoate reveals that only minor changes in the cerium environment of 1-Clare observed upon dissolution in THF, DCM, and dioxane, while the results for 2-Clindicate a partial degradation upon dissolution. After proving the stability, a cluster solution of 1-Clwas used to impregnate the mesoporous metal–organic framework Cr-MIL-101. Extensive characterization by PXRD, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, as well as thermogravimetry and N2-sorption measurements, confirm the successful insertion of Ce–O clusters into the large mesoporous cages of the framework. Due to the combination of high surface area and potential catalytic activity, the Cluster@MOF materials could be of high interest for application in heterogeneous catalysis.

Despite the interest in proton exchange membrane (PEM) technologies (fuel cells and electrolyzers) for energy applications, the low stability of the electrolyte materials under working conditions (i.e., humidity and temperature) is one of their major limitations. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have recently emerged as promising electrolytes due to their higher stability compared with the currently applied organic polymers, proton conductivity, and outstanding porosity. Here, a novel robust Bi phosphonate MOF (branded as IEF-7) was successfully synthesized and fully characterized, exhibiting an unusual topology due to the irregular coordination geometry of the bismuth cations. Furthermore, IEF-7 exhibited potential porosity, very high chemical and thermal stability, and free −PO3H groups involved in its ultrahigh proton conductivity, reaching 1.39 × 10–2S cm–1at 90 °C and 90% relative humidity for, at least, 3 cycles. In order to improve the consolidation and shaping of the powder for testing its ion conductivity properties, a highly MOF-loaded composite (90 wt %) was prepared by adding a proton conductive sulfonated polysulfone binder. The proton conductivity of the resulting composite was in the same order of magnitude as the compacted MOF powder, making this polymeric composite electrolyte very promising for PEM technologies.

A. Ken Inge pores over the history and applications of bismuth subsalicylate, from dispelling digestive distress to breaching bacterial biodefences.

Solvothermal reaction of Bi(NO3)3·5H2O with the flexible ligand 1,3,5-tris[4-(carboxyphenyl)oxamethyl]-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene (H3TBTC) in methanol at 120 °C for 1 h led to the formation of a novel coordination polymer (CP) with the composition of Bi(TBTC). The structure of the microcrystalline material was determined through three-dimensional electron diffraction (3DED) measurements and phase purity was confirmed by a Pawley refinement, elemental analysis, and thermal analysis. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1‾$P\overline{1}$ with one Bi3+cation and one TBTC3−trianion in the asymmetric unit. Edge-sharing of BiO7polyhedra leads to the formation of dinuclear Bi2O12units, which through coordination to six TBTC3−ions form a layered two-periodic structure. Upon heating the material in air, the unit cell volume contracts by 9%, which is attributed to a shift in the inter-layer arrangement and to the flexibility of the building units of the structure. The compound starts to decompose at ∼300 °C. Topological analysis revealed layers consisting of 3-c and 6-c nodes, consistent with the two-periodic kgdnet – the dual of the Kagome net (kgm). However, due to the non-planar nature of the Bi(TBTC) layers, adjacent layers are interlaced by polycatenation.

A metal–organic framework (MOF) CTH-17based on lanthanum(III) and the conformationally chiral linker 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakis(4-carboxyphenyl)benzene, cpb6–: [La2(cpb)]·1.5dmf was prepared by the solvothermal method in dimethylformamide (dmf) and characterized by variable-temperature X-ray powder diffraction (VTPXRD), variable-temperature X-ray single-crystal diffraction (SCXRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). CTH-17is a rod-MOF with new topology och. It has high-temperature stability with Sohncke space groups P6122/P6522 at 90 K and P622 at 300 and 500 K, all phases characterized with SCXRD and at 293 K also with three-dimensional (3D) electron diffraction. VTPXRD indicates a third phase appearing after 620 K and stable up to 770 K. Gas sorption isotherms with N2indicate a modest surface area of 231 m2g–1for CTH-17, roughly in agreement with the crystal structure. Carbon dioxide sorption reveals a gate-opening effect of CTH-17where the structure opens up when the loading of CO2reaches approximately ∼0.45 mmol g–1or 1 molecule per unit cell. Based on the SCXRD data, this is interpreted as flexibility based on the concerted movements of the propeller-like hexatopic cpb linkers, the movement intramolecularly transmitted by the π–π stacking of the cpb linkers and helped by the fluidity of the LaO6coordination sphere. This was corroborated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations yielding the chiral phase (P622) as the energy minimum and a completely racemic phase (P6/mmm), with symmetric cpb linkers representing a saddle point in a racemization process.

Designing polymeric materials for closed-loop material streams is the key to achieving a circular society. Here, a library of macrocyclic carbonates (MCs) was designed by a facile and direct one-pot, two-step synthesis approach without the use of a solvent at a 10 g scale. We demonstrate that anionic polymerization with tert-butoxide enables the ultrafast ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of MCs with high conversion (>97%) within seconds (3–10 s) at ambient temperature. The polymerization rate depends on the odd or even number of methylene groups between the carbonate linkages in the MCs, and not the overall ring size, yielding an “odd–even” effect. This polymerization rate is related to the difference in molecular conformation of the MCs, as determined by X-ray crystallography. The polymers (polypenta-, hexa-, heptamethylene carbonate) were subsequently regenerated back to their original MCs at a high selectivity (95–99 mol %) and good yields (70–85%), hence taking a step toward closing the loop on these long alkyl chain polycarbonates.

Following the concept of isoreticular chemistry, we carried out a systematic study on Ga-containing metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) using six V-shaped linker molecules of differing sizes, geometries, and additional functional groups. The linkers included three isophthalic acid derivatives (m-H2BDC-R, R = CH3, OCH3, NHCOCH3), thiophene-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (H2TDC), and two 4,4′-sulfonyldibenzoic acid derivatives (H2SDBA, DPSTA). The crystal structures of seven compounds were elucidated by a combination of model building, single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD), three-dimensional electron diffraction (3D ED), and Rietveld refinements against powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) data. Four new Ga-MOFs that are isoreticular with their aluminum counterparts, i.e. Ga-CAU-10-R (Ga(OH)(m-BDC-R); R = OCH3, NHCOCH3), Ga-CAU-11 (Ga(OH)(SDBA)), and Ga-CAU-11-COOH (Ga(OH)(H2DPSTC)), were obtained. For the first time large single crystals of a MOF crystallizing in the CAU-10 structure type could be isolated, i.e. Ga-CAU-10-OCH3, which permitted a detailed structural characterization. In addition, the use of 5-methylisophthalic acid and thiophene-2,5-dicarboxylic acid resulted in two new Ga-MOFs denoted Ga-CAU-49 and Ga-CAU-51, respectively, which are not isostructural with any known Al-MOF. The crystal structure of Ga-CAU-49 ([Ga4(m-HBDC-CH3)2(m-BDC-CH3)3(OH)4(H2O)]) contains an unprecedented rod-shaped inorganic building unit (IBU) of the formula ∞1{Ga16(OH)18O60}, composed of corner-sharing GaO5and GaO6polyhedra. In Ga-CAU-51 ([Ga(OH)(C5H2O2S)]) chains of alternating cisand transcorner-sharing GaO6polyhedra form the IBU. A detailed characterization of the title compounds was carried out, including nitrogen gas and water vapor sorption measurements. Ga-CAU-11 was the only compound exhibiting porosity toward nitrogen with a type I isotherm, a specific surface area of aS,BET= 210 m2/g, and a micropore volume of Vmic= 0.09 cm3/g. The new MOF Ga-CAU-51 exhibits exceptional water sorption properties with a reversible S-shaped isotherm and a high uptake around p/p0= 0.38 of mads= 370 mg/g.

The first bioinspired microporous metal–organic framework (MOF) synthesized using ellagic acid, a common natural antioxidant and polyphenol building unit, is presented. Bi2O(H2O)2(C14H2O8)·nH2O (SU-101) was inspired by bismuth phenolate metallodrugs, and could be synthesized entirely from nonhazardous or edible reagents under ambient aqueous conditions, enabling simple scale-up. Reagent-grade and affordable dietary supplement-grade ellagic acid was sourced from tree bark and pomegranate hulls, respectively. Biocompatibility and colloidal stability were confirmed by in vitro assays. The material exhibits remarkable chemical stability for a bioinspired MOF (pH = 2–14, hydrothermal conditions, heated organic solvents, biological media, SO2and H2S), attributed to the strongly chelating phenolates. A total H2S uptake of 15.95 mmol g–1was recorded, representing one of the highest H2S capacities for a MOF, where polysulfides are formed inside the pores of the material. Phenolic phytochemicals remain largely unexplored as linkers for MOF synthesis, opening new avenues to design stable, eco-friendly, scalable, and low-cost MOFs for diverse applications, including drug delivery.

Following the strategy of installing porosity in coordination polymers predefined by linker geometry, we employed the new tetratopic linker molecule 1,1,2,2-tetrakis[4-phosphonophenyl]ethylene (H8TPPE) for the synthesis of new porous metal phosphonates. A high-throughput study was carried out using Ni2+and Co2+as metal ions, and a very strong influence of the reactor size on the product formation is observed while maintaining the same reaction parameters. Using small autoclaves (V= 250 μL), single crystals of isostructural mononuclear complexes of the composition [Ni(H3DPBP)2(H2O)4] (1) and [Co(H3DPBP)2(H2O)4] (2) are formed. They contain the linker molecule H4DPBP (4,4′-diphosphonobenzophenone), which is formed in situ by oxidation of H8TPPE. Using autoclaves with a volume of V= 2 mL, two new 3D metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) of composition [Ni2(H4TPPE)(H2O)6]·4H2O (CAU-46) and [Co2(H4TPPE)(H2O)4]·3H2O (CAU-47) were isolated in bulk quantities, and their crystal structures were determined from three-dimensional electron diffraction (3D ED) and powder X-ray diffraction data. Using even larger autoclaves (V= 30 mL), another 3D MOF of the composition [Co2(H4TPPE)]·6H2O (Co-CAU-48) was obtained, and a structure model was established via 3D ED measurements. Remarkably, the isostructural compound [Ni2(H4TPPE)]·9H2O (Ni-CAU-48) is only obtained indirectly, i.e., via thermal activation of CAU-46. As the chosen linker geometry leads to the formation of MOFs, topological analyses were carried out, highlighting the different connectivities observed in the three frameworks. Porosity of the compounds was proven via water sorption experiments, resulting in uptakes of 126 mg/g (CAU-46), 105 mg/g (CAU-47), 210 mg/g (Ni-CAU-48), and 109 mg/g (Co-CAU-48).

A molecular crystal of a 2-D hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF) undergoes an unusual structural transformation after solvent removal from the crystal pores during activation. The conformationally flexible host molecule, ABTPA, adapts its molecular conformation during activation to initiate a framework expansion. The microcrystalline activated phase was characterized by three-dimensional electron diffraction (3D ED), which revealed that ABTPAuses out-of-plane anthracene units as adaptive structural anchors. These units change orientation to generate an expanded, lower density framework material in the activated structure. The porous HOF, ABTPA-2, has robust dynamic porosity (SABET= 1183 m2g–1) and exhibits negative area thermal expansion. We use crystal structure prediction (CSP) to understand the underlying energetics behind the structural transformation and discuss the challenges facing CSP for such flexible molecules.

The metallocene-based linker molecule 1,1′-ferrocenedicarboxylic acid (H2FcDC) was used to synthesize four different polymorphs of composition [In(OH)(FeC12H8O4)]. Using conventional solvent-based synthesis methods and varying the synthetic parameters such as metal source, reaction temperature, and solvent, two different MOFs and one 1D-coordination polymer denoted as CAU-43 (1), In-MIL-53-FcDC_a (2), and In-FcDC (3) were obtained. Furthermore, thermal treatment of CAU-43 (1) at 190 °C under vacuum yielded a new polymorph of 2, In-MIL-53-FcDC_b (4). Both MOFs 2and 4crystallize in a MIL-53 type structure, but in different space groups C2/mfor 2and P1̅ for 4. The structures of the four title compounds were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), or a combination of three-dimensional electron diffraction measurements (3D ED) and PXRD. N2sorption experiments of 1, 2, and 4showed specific surface areas of 355 m2g–1, 110 m2g–1, and 140 m2g–1, respectively. Furthermore, the electronic properties of the title compounds were characterized via Mössbauer and EPR spectroscopy. All Mössbauer spectra showed the characteristic doublet, proving the persistence of the ferrocene moiety. In the cases of 1, 3, and 4, appreciable impurities of ferrocenium ions could be detected by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Cyclovoltammetric experiments were performed to demonstrate the accessible redox activity of the linker molecule of the title compounds. A redox process of FcDC2–with oxidation (between 0.86 and 0.97 V) and reduction wave (between 0.69 and 0.80 V) was observed.

A new scandium metal–organic framework (Sc-MOF) with the composition of [Sc(OH)(OBA)], denoted as Sc-CAU-21, was prepared under solvothermal reaction conditions using 4,4′-oxidibenzoic acid (H2OBA) as the ligand. Single-crystal structure determination revealed the presence of the new inorganic building unit (IBU) {Sc8(μ-OH)8(O2C)16}. It is composed of cis-connected ScO6polyhedra forming an eight-membered ring through bridging μ-OH groups. The connection of the IBUs leads to a 3D framework, containing 1D pores with a diameter between 4.2 and 5.6 Å. Pore access is limited by the size of the IBU, and in contrast to the isoreticular aluminum compound Al-CAU-21 [Al(OH)(OBA)], which is nonporous toward nitrogen at 77 K, Sc-CAU-21 exhibits a specific surface area of 610 m2g–1. The title compound is thermally stable in air up to 350 °C and can be employed as a host for photoluminescent ions. Sc-CAU-21 exhibits a ligand-based blue emission, and (co)substituting Sc3+ions with Ln3+ions (Eu3+, Tb3+, and Dy3+) allows the tuning of the emitting color of the phosphor from red to green. Single-phase white-light emission with CIE color coordinates close to the ideal for white-light emission was also achieved. The luminescence property was utilized in combination with powder X-ray diffraction to study in situ the crystallization process of Sc-CAU-21:Tb and Sc-CAU-21:Eu. Both studies indicate a two-step crystallization process, with a crystalline intermediate, prior to the formation of Sc-CAU-21:Ln.

Nine metal–organic frameworks have been prepared with the hexagon-shaped linker 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakis(4-carboxyphenyl)benzene (H6cpb) by solvothermal reactions in dimethylformamide (dmf) or dimethylacetamide (dmac) with acetic acid or formic acid as modulators: [Bi2(cpb)(acetato)2(dmf)2]·2dmf CTH-6forms a rtl-net; 2(H2NMe2)[Cu2(cpb)] CTH-7forms a kgd-net; [Fe4(cpb)(acetato)2(dmf)4] CTH-8and [Co4(cpb)(acetato)2(dmf)4] CTH-9are isostructural and form yav-nets; 2(HNEt3)[Fe2(cpb)] CTH-10and the two polymorphs of 2(H2NMe2)[Zn2(cpb)]·1.5dmac, Zn-MOF-888and CTH-11, show kgd-nets; [Cu2(cpb)(acetato)2(dmf)2]·2dmf, CTH-12, forms a mixed coordination and hydrogen-bonded sql-net; and 2(H2NMe2)[Zn2(cpb)] CTH-13, a similarly mixed yav-net. Surface area values (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, BET) range from 34 m2g–1for CTH-12to 303 m2g–1for CTH-9for samples activated at 120 °C in dynamic vacuum. All compounds show normal (10-fold higher) molar CO2versus N2uptake at 298 K, except the 19-fold CO2uptake for CTH-12containing Cu(II) dinuclear paddle-wheels. We also show how perfect hexagons and triangles can combine to a new 3D topology laf, a model of which gave us the idea of foldable network topologies, as the laf-net can fold into a 2D form while retaining the local geometry around each vertex. Other foldable nets identified are cds, cds-a, ths, sqc163, clh, jem, and tfccovering the basic polygons and their combinations. The impact of this concept on “breathing” MOFs is discussed. I2sorption, both from gas phase and from MeOH solution, into CTH-7were studied by time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) on dried crystals. I2was shown to have penetrated the crystals, as layers were consecutively peeled off by the ion beam. We suggest ToF-SIMS to be a method for studying sorption depth profiles of MOFs.

A palladium-catalyzed oxidative cascade carbonylative carbocyclization of enallenols was developed. Under mild reaction conditions, a range of cis-fused [5,5] bicyclic γ-lactones and γ-lactams with a 1,3-diene motif were obtained in good yields with high diastereoselectivity. The obtained lactone/lactam products are viable substrates for a stereoselective Diels–Alder reaction with N-phenylmaleimide, providing polycyclic compounds with increased molecular complexity.

Five novel bismuth carboxylate coordination polymers were synthesized from biphenyl-3,4′,5-tricarboxylic acid (H3BPT) and [1,1′:4′,1′′]terphenyl-3,3′′,5,5′′-tetracarboxylic acid (H4TPTC). One of the phases, [Bi(BPT)]·2MeOH (denoted SU-100, as synthesized), is the first example, to the best of our knowledge, of a reversibly flexible bismuth-based metal–organic framework. The material exhibits continuous changes to its unit cell parameters and pore shape depending on the solvent it is immersed in and the dryness of the sample. Typically, in breathing carboxylate-based MOFs, flexibility occurs through tilting of the organic linkers without significantly altering the coordination environment around the cation. In contrast to this, the continuous breathing mechanism in SU-100 involves significant changes to bond angles within the Bi2O12inorganic building unit (IBU). The flexibility of the IBU of SU-100 reflects the nondiscrete coordination geometry of the bismuth cation. A disproportionate increase in the solvent accessible void volume was observed when compared to the expansion of the unit cell volume of SU-100. Additionally, activated SU-100 (SU-100-HT) exhibits a large increase in unit cell volume, yet has the smallest void volume of all the studied samples.

Recent advances in organic chemistry and materials chemistry have enabled the porosity of new materials to be accurately controlled on the nanometer scale. In this context, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have rapidly become one of the most attractive classes of solid supports currently under investigation in heterogeneous catalysis. Their unprecedented degree of tunability gives MOFs the chance to succeed where others have failed. The past decade has witnessed an exponential growth in the complexity of new structures. MOFs with a variety of topologies and pore sizes show excellent stability across wide ranges of pH and temperature. Even the controlled insertion of defects, to alter the MOF’s properties in a predictable manner, has become commonplace. However, research on catalysis with MOFs has been sluggish in catching up with modern trends in organic chemistry. Relevant issues such as enantioselective processes, C–H activation, or olefin metathesis are still rarely discussed. In this Perspective, we highlight meritorious examples that tackle important issues from contemporary organic synthesis, and that provide a fair comparison with existing catalysts. Some of these MOF catalysts already outcompete state-of-the-art homogeneous solutions. For others, improvements may still be required, but they have merit in aiming for the bigger challenge. Furthermore, we also identify some important areas where MOFs are likely to make a difference, by addressing currently unmet needs in catalysis instead of trying to outcompete homogeneous catalysts in areas where they excel. Finally, we strongly advocate for rational design of MOF catalysts, founded on a deep mechanistic understanding of the events taking place inside the pore.

In situX-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) investigations have been performed to provide insights into the reaction mechanism of a palladium(ii) catalyzed undirected C–H acetoxylation reaction in the presence of an oxidant. A Pd(ii) N-heterocyclic carbene complex π-stacked onto reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was used as the catalyst. The Pd speciation during the catalytic process was examined by XAS, which revealed a possible mechanism over the course of the reaction. Pd(ii) complexes in the as-synthesized catalyst first go through a gradual ligand substitution where chloride ions bound to Pd(ii) are replaced by other ligands with a mean bond distance to Pd matching Pd–C/N/O. Parallel to this the mean oxidation state of Pd increases indicating the formation of Pd(iv) species. At a later stage, a fraction of the Pd complexes start to slowly transform into Pd nanoclusters. The mean average oxidation state of Pd decreases to the initial state at the end of the experiment which means that comparable amounts of Pd(0) and Pd(iv) are present. These observations from heterogeneous catalysis are in good agreement with its homogeneous analog and they support a Pd(ii)–Pd(iv)–Pd(ii) reaction mechanism.

A palladium-catalyzed oxidative tandem process of enallenols was accomplished within a homogeneous/heterogeneous catalysis manifold, setting the stage for the highly chemodivergent and diastereoselective synthesis of γ-lactones and γ-lactams under mild conditions.

Multistimuli-responsive enaminitrile-based configurational switches displaying aggregation-induced emission (AIE), fluorescence turn-on effects, and supergelation properties are presented. The E-isomers dominated (>97%) in neutral/basic solution, and the structures underwent precisely controlled switching around the enamine C═C bond upon addition of acid/base. Specific fluorescence output was observed in response to different external input in the solution and solid states. In response to H+, configurational switching resulted in complete formation of the nonemissive Z-H+-isomers in solution, however displaying deep-blue to blue fluorescence (ΦFup to 0.41) in the solid state. In response to CuIIin the solution state, the E-isomers exhibited intense, turn-on, blue-green fluorescence, which could be turned off by addition of competitive coordination. The acid/base-activated switching, together with the induced AIE-effects, further enabled the accomplishment of a responsive superorganogelator. In nonpolar solvents, a blue-fluorescent supramolecular gel was formed upon addition of acid to the E-isomer suspension. The gelation could be reversed by addition of base, and the overall, reversible process could be repeated at least five cycles.

The mechanism of the Heck C–C coupling reaction catalyzed by Pd@MOFs has been investigated using operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) combined with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) kinetic studies. A custom-made reaction cell was used, allowing operando PXRD and XAS data collection using high-energy synchrotron radiation. By analyzing the XAS data in combination with ex situ studies, the evolution of the palladium species is followed from the as-synthesized to its deactivated form. An adaptive reaction mechanism is proposed. Mononuclear Pd(II) complexes are found to be the dominant active species at the beginning of the reaction, which then gradually transform into Pd nanoclusters with 13–20 Pd atoms on average in later catalytic turnovers. Consumption of available reagent and substrate leads to coordination of Cl–ions to their surfaces, which causes the poisoning of the active sites. By understanding the deactivation process, it was possible to tune the reaction conditions and prolong the lifetime of the catalyst.

The in situ and systematic high-throughput investigation of the system Al3+/4,4′-benzophenonedicarboxylic acid (H2BPDC)/DMF/H2O in the presence of various additives was carried out, and a new Al-MOF of composition [Al(OH)(BPDC)], denoted as CAU-21-BPDC, was obtained. Its crystal structure was determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data (space group I422, a= b= 17.2528(7) Å, c= 23.864(1) Å). The structure is built up by octanuclear rings of cis corner-sharing AlO6polyhedra forming the inorganic building unit (IBU). These {Al8O8} IBUs are arranged in a bcupacking and connected via BPDC2–ions in a way that each IBU is linked via two linker molecules to each of the eight adjacent IBUs. Thus, accessible, one-dimensional modulated pores with a diameter between 3.6 and 6.5 Å are formed. In addition, tetrahedral cavities are formed by the BPDC2–linker molecules. The framework of CAU-21-BPDC is polymorphous with that of CAU-8-BPDC, which contains one-dimensional chains of trans corner-sharing AlO6polyhedra connected by BPDC2–ions. Replacing H2BPDC by 4,4′-oxydibenzoic acid (H2ODB), which contains an oxygen atom between the phenyl rings instead of a keto group, leads to the synthesis of Al-MOFs isoreticular with CAU-8-BPDC and CAU-21-BPDC. In addition, a coordination polymer, [Al(HODB)2(OH)], was discovered and structurally characterized. The structure of CAU-8-ODB was refined from powder X-ray diffraction data, while a Pawley refinement was carried out for CAU-21-ODB to determine the lattice parameters and confirm phase purity. The structure of CAU-21-ODB was confirmed using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. A thorough characterization shows that the CAU-8 and CAU-21-type structures are stable up to 350 and 300 °C in air, respectively, almost independent of the linker molecules incorporated. The former MOFs are porous toward N2and CO2, while the latter only adsorb CO2.

The power of isoreticular chemistry has been widely exploited to engineer metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with fascinating molecular sieving and storage properties but is underexplored for designing MOFs with tunable optoelectronic properties. Herein, three dipyrazole-terminated XDIs (X = PM (pyromellitic), N (naphthalene), or P (perylene); DI = diimide) with different lengths and electronic properties are prepared and employed as linkers for the construction of an isoreticular series of Zn-XDI MOFs with distinct electrochromism. The MOFs are grown on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) as high-quality crystalline thin films and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Due to the constituting electronically isolated XDI linkers, each member of the isoreticular thin film series exhibits two reversible one-electron redox events, each at a distinct electrochemical potential. The orientation of the MOFs as thin films as well as their isoreticular nature results in identical cation-coupled electron hopping transport rates in all three materials, as demonstrated by comparable apparent electron diffusion coefficients, Deapp. Upon electrochemical reduction to either the [XDI]•–or [XDI]2–state, each MOF undergoes characteristic changes in its optical properties as a function of linker length and redox state of the linker. Operando spectroelectrochemistry measurements reveal that Zn-PDI@FTO (PDI = perylene diimide) thin films exhibit a record high coloration efficiency of 941 cm2C–1at 746 nm, which is attributed to the maximized Faradaic transformations at each electronically isolated PDI unit. The electrochromic response of the thin film is retained to more than 99% over 100 reduction–oxidation cycles, demonstrating the applicability of the presented materials.

The use of the V-shaped linker molecules 4,4′-oxydibenzoic acid (H2ODB) and 4,4′-carbonyldibenzoic acid (H2CDB) led to the discovery of two isoreticular Ce(IV)-based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) of composition [CeO(H2O)(L)], L = ODB2–, CDB2–, denoted CAU-58 (CAU = Christian-Albrechts-University). The recently developed Ce-MOF synthesis approach in acetonitrile as the solvent proved effective in accessing Ce(IV)-MOF structures with infinite rod-shaped inorganic building units (IBUs) and circumventing the formation of the predominantly observed hexanuclear [Ce6O8] cluster. For the structure determination of the isoreticular MOFs, three-dimensional electron diffraction (3D ED) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) data were used in combination with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. [CeO(H2O)(CDB)] shows reversible H2O adsorption by stirring in water and thermal treatment at 190 °C, which leads to a unit cell volume change of 11%. The MOFs feature high thermal stabilities (T> 290 °C), which exceed those of most Ce(IV)-MOFs and can be attributed to the infinite rod-shaped IBU. Surface and bulk oxidation states of the cerium ions were analyzed viaX-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES). While Ce(III) ions are observed by the highly surface-sensitive XPS method, the bulk material contains predominantly Ce(IV) ions according to XANES. Application of the MOFs as catalysts for the catalytic degradation of methyl orange in aqueous solutions was also studied. While degradation activity for both MOFs was observed, only CAU-58-ODB revealed enhanced photocatalytic activity under ultraviolet (UV) light. The photocatalytic mechanism likely involves a ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) from the linkers to the Ce(IV) centers. Analyses by XANES and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) demonstrate that leaching of Cerium ions as well as partial reduction of Ce(IV) to Ce(III) takes place during catalysis. At the same time, PXRD data confirm the structural stability of the remaining MOF catalysts.

We report the discovery and characterization of two porous Ce(III)-based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with the V-shaped linker molecules 4,4′-sulfonyldibenzoate (SDB2–) and 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)bis(benzoate) (hfipbb2–). The compounds of framework composition [Ce2(H2O)(SDB)3] (1) and [Ce2(hfipbb)3] (2) were obtained by using a synthetic approach in acetonitrile that we recently established. Structure determination of 1was accomplished from 3D electron diffraction (3D ED) data, while 2could be refined against powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) data using the crystal structure of an isostructural La-MOF as the starting model. Their framework structures consist of chain-like inorganic building units (IBUs) or hybrid-BUs that are interconnected by the V-shaped linker molecules to form framework structures with channel-type pores. The composition of both compounds was confirmed by PXRD, elemental analysis, as well as NMR and IR spectroscopy. Interestingly, despite the use of (NH4)2[CeIV(NO3)6] in the synthesis, cerium ions in both MOFs occur exclusively in the + III oxidation state as determined by X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Thermal analyses reveal remarkably high thermal stabilities of ≥400 °C for the MOFs. Initial N2sorption measurements revealed the peculiar sorption behavior of 2which prompted a deeper investigation by Ar and CO2sorption experiments. The combination with nonlocal density functional theory (NL-DFT) calculations adds to the understanding of the nature of the different pore diameters in 2. An extensive quasi-simultaneous in situ XANES/XRD investigation was carried out to unveil the formation of Ce-MOFs during the solvothermal syntheses in acetonitrile. The crystallization of the two Ce(III)-MOFs presented herein as well as two previously reported Ce(IV)-MOFs, all obtained by a similar synthetic approach, were studied. While the XRD patterns show time-dependent MOF crystallization, the XANES data reveal the presence of Ce(III) intermediates and their subsequent conversion to the MOFs. The addition of acetic acid in combination with the V-shaped linker molecule was identified as the crucial factor for the formation of the crystalline Ce(III/IV)-MOFs.

Two new dihydroxybenzoquinone-based metal–organic frameworks, ((CH3)2NH2)3[Al4(L1)3(L1•)3]·3DMF (1, denoted CAU-20) and ((CH3)2NH2)3[Al4(L2)3(L2•)3]·9DMF (2, denoted CAU-20-Cl2), were synthesized at 120 °C in DMF using 2,5-dihydroxy-p-benzoquinone ((C6H2(OH)2(O)2), H2L1) and 2,5-dichloro-3,6-dihydroxy-p-benzoquinone ((C6Cl2(OH)2(O)2), H2L2), respectively. Compared to other Al-MOFs, which contain carboxylate or phosphonate groups that connect the metal sites, in 1and 2the Al3+are coordinated by oxido groups. The metal ions are octahedrally surrounded by oxygen atoms of the deprotonated linker molecules to generate honeycomb layers with a metal to linker ratio of Al: L1/L2 = 2:3. The layers contain L12–and L22–ions as well as linker radical ions L1•3–and L2•3–in a molar ratio of 1 to 1. The presence of radical ions was confirmed by EPR and UV–vis-spectroscopic measurements, and the composition was determined from a combination of PXRD, 1H NMR, TG, and elemental analyses. Charge balance is accomplished through intercalation of (CH3)2NH2+ions which are formed by partial hydrolysis of DMF. In the structures of 1and 2the eclipsed layers are AA and ABAB stacked, respectively, and one-dimensional hexagonal channels with diameters of ca. 9 and 6 Å are formed. Both compounds exhibit permanent porosity and have specific surface areas of 1440 and 1430 m2g–1, respectively.

Chiral γ-branched aliphatic amines are present in a large number of pharmaceuticals and natural products. However, enantioselective methods to access these compounds are scarce and mainly rely on the use of designed chiral transition-metal complexes. Herein, we combined an organocatalytic method for the stereospecific isomerization of chiral allylic amines with a diastereoselective reduction of the chiral imine/enamine intermediates, leading to γ-trifluoromethylated aliphatic amines with two noncontiguous stereogenic centers, in excellent yields and high diastereo- and enantioselectivities. This approach has been used with primary amine substrates. This approach also provides a new synthetic pathway to chiral trifluoromethylated scaffolds, of importance in medicinal chemistry. Additionally, a gram-scale reaction demonstrates the applicability of this synthetic procedure.

Electron transport through metal–organic frameworks by a hopping mechanism between discrete redox active sites is coupled to diffusion-migration of charge-balancing counter cations. Experimentally determined apparent diffusion coefficients, Deapp, that characterize this form of charge transport thus contain contributions from both processes. While this is well established for MOFs, microscopic descriptions of this process are largely lacking. Herein, we systematically lay out different scenarios for cation-coupled electron transfer processes that are at the heart of charge diffusion through MOFs. Through systematic variations of solvents and electrolyte cations, it is shown that the Deappfor charge migration through a PIZOF-type MOF, Zr(dcphOH-NDI) that is composed of redox-active naphthalenediimide (NDI) linkers, spans over 2 orders of magnitude. More importantly, however, the microscopic mechanisms for cation-coupled electron propagation are contingent on differing factors depending on the size of the cation and its propensity to engage in ion pairs with reduced linkers, either non-specifically or in defined structural arrangements. Based on computations and in agreement with experimental results, we show that ion pairing generally has an adverse effect on cation transport, thereby slowing down charge transport. In Zr(dcphOH-NDI), however, specific cation–linker interactions can open pathways for concerted cation-coupled electron transfer processes that can outcompete limitations from reduced cation flux.

Catalysts for photochemical reactions underlie many foundations in our lives, from natural light harvesting to modern energy storage and conversion, including processes such as water photolysis by TiO2. Recently, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted large interest within the chemical research community, as their structural variety and tunability yield advantages in designing photocatalysts to address energy and environmental challenges. Here, we report a series of novel multivariate metal–organic frameworks (MTV-MOFs), denoted as MTV-MIL-100. They are constructed by linking aromatic carboxylates and AB2OX3bimetallic clusters, which have ordered atomic arrangements. Synthesized through a solvent-assisted approach, these ordered and multivariate metal clusters offer an opportunity to enhance and fine-tune the electronic structures of the crystalline materials. Moreover, mass transport is improved by taking advantage of the high porosity of the MOF structure. Combining these key advantages, MTV-MIL-100(Ti,Co) exhibits a high photoactivity with a turnover frequency of 113.7 molH2gcat.–1min–1, a quantum efficiency of 4.25%, and a space time yield of 4.96 × 10–5in the photocatalytic hydrolysis of ammonia borane. Bridging the fields of perovskites and MOFs, this work provides a novel platform for the design of highly active photocatalysts.

Fe is considered as a promising alternative for OER catalysts owing to its high natural abundance and low cost. Due to the low conductivity and sluggish catalytic kinetics, the catalytic efficiency of Fe-rich catalysts is far from less abundant Ni, Co-rich alternatives and has been hardly improved without the involvement of Ni or Co. The lower activity of Fe-rich catalysts renders the real active center of state-of-the-art NiFe, CoFe catalyst in long-term scientific debate, despite of detection of Fe-based active intermediates in these catalysts during catalytic process. In the present work, we fabricated a series of sub-5 nm Fe1-yCryOxnanocatalysts via a simple solvothermal method, achieving systematically promoted high-valent Fe(VI) species generation by structural and electronic modulation, displaying highly active OER performance without involvement of Ni or Co. Detailed investigation revealed that the high OER activity is related to the ultrasmall nanoparticle size that promotes abundant edge- and corner-site exposure at catalyst surface, which involves in OER as highly reactive site; and the incorporated Cr ions that remarkably accelerate the charge transfer kinetics, providing an effective conduit as well as suitable host for high-valent active intermediate. This work reveals the structural prerequisites for efficient Fe-rich OER catalyst fabrication, inspiring deeper understanding of the structure-activity relationship as well as OER mechanism of Fe-based catalysts.