Kinetic separation of propene and propane in metal-organic frameworks: controlling diffusion rates in plate-shaped crystals via tuning of pore apertures and crystallite aspect ratios

A series of isostructural, noncatenated, zinc-pillared-paddlewheel metal−organic framework materials has been synthesized from 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(carboxyphenyl)benzene and trans-1,2-dipyridylethene struts. Substantial kinetic selectivity in the adsorption of propene over propane can be observed, depending on the pore apertures and the rectangular-plate morphology of the crystals.