Modulation of the Sorption Characteristics for an H-bonded porous Architecture by Varying the Chemical Functionalization of the Channel Walls.

Five isostructural microporous supramolecular architectures prepared by H-bonded assembly between the hexa-anionic complex [Zr2 (Ox)7 ]6- (Ox=oxalate, (C2 O4 )2- ) and tripodal cations (H3 -TripCH2 -R)3+ with R=H, CH3 , OH and OBn (Bn=CH2 Ph) are reported. The possibility to obtain the same structure using a mixture of tripodal cations with different R group (R=OH and R=CH3 ) has also been successfully explored, providing a unique example of three-component H-bonded porous framework. The resulting SPA-1(R) materials feature 1D pores decorated by R groups, with apparent pore diameters ranging from 3.0 to 8.5 Å. Influence of R groups on the sorption properties of these materials is evidenced through CO2 and H2 O vapor sorption/desorption experiments, as well as with I2 capture/release experiments in liquid media. This study is one of the first to demonstrate the possibility of tuning the porosity and exerting precise control over the chemical functionalization of the pores in a given H-bonded structure, without modifying the topology of the reference structure, and thus finely adjusting the sorption characteristics of the material.

Controlled Growth of Ag Nanocrystals in a H-Bonded Open Framework.

A procedure that enabled rational access to the first example of hybrid material made of NPs grown within a H-bonded framework is reported. To avoid competitive reactions with the framework units, the metal precursor was chemically trapped in the porous structure and subsequently photo-reduced to afford the hybrid material Ag@SPA-2, which consists of Ag NPs of nanometric sizes (<15 nm) homogeneously distributed in the crystals of the host material. In a subsequent step, taking advantage of the porous matrix the silver NPs have been transformed in situ to Ag2 S NP by simple infiltration of H2 S. The supramolecular network is shown to play an important role in stabilizing the inorganic nanomaterials and thus in controlling their growth.

Hydrogen-Bonded Open-Framework with Pyridyl-Decorated Channels: Straightforward Preparation and Insight into Its Affinity for Acidic Molecules in Solution.

A hydrogen-bonded open framework with pores decorated by pyridyl groups was constructed by off-charge-stoichiometry assembly of protonated tetrakis(4-pyridyloxymethyl)methane and [Al(oxalate)3 ]3- , which are the H-bond donor and acceptor of ionic H-bond interactions, respectively. This supramolecular porous architecture (SPA-2) has 1 nm-large pores interconnected in 3D with large solvent-accessible void (53 %). It demonstrated remarkable affinity for acidic organic molecules in solution, which was investigated by means of various carboxylic acids including larger drug molecules. Competing sorption between acetic acid and its halogenated homologues evidenced good selectivity of the porous material for the halogenated acids. The gathered results, including a series of guest@SPA-2 crystal structures and HRMAS-NMR spectra, suggest that the efficient sorption exhibited by the material relies not only on an acid-base interaction. The facile release of these guest molecules under neutral conditions makes this SPA a carrier of acidic molecules.

A robust nanoporous supramolecular metal-organic framework based on ionic hydrogen bonds.

Hydrogen-bond assembly of tripod-like organic cations [H3 -MeTrip](3+) (1,2,3-tri(4'-pyridinium-oxyl)-2-methylpropane) and the hexa-anionic complex [Zr2 (oxalate)7 ](6-) leads to a structurally, thermally, and chemically robust porous 3D supramolecular framework showing channels of 1 nm in width. Permanent porosity has been ascertained by analyzing the material at the single-crystal level during a sorption cycle. The framework crystal structure was found to remain the same for the native compound, its activated phase, and after guest resorption. The channels exhibit affinities for polar organic molecules ranging from simple alcohols to aniline. Halogenated molecules and I2 are also taken up from hexane solutions by this unique supramolecular framework.

Tetradihydrobenzoquinonate and tetrachloranilate Zr(IV) complexes: single-crystal-to-single-crystal phase transition and open-framework behavior for K4Zr(DBQ)4.

The molecular complexes K4[Zr(DBQ)4] and K4[Zr(CA)4], where DBQ(2-) and CA(2-) stand respectively for deprotonated dihydroxybenzoquinone and chloranilic acid, are reported. The anionic metal complexes consist of Zr(IV) surrounded by four O,O-chelating ligands. Besides the preparation and crystal structures for the two complexes, we show that in the solid state the DBQ complex forms a 3-D open framework (with 22% accessible volume) that undergoes a crystal-to-crystal phase transition to a compact structure upon guest molecule release. This process is reversible. In the presence of H2O, CO2, and other small molecules, the framework opens and accommodates guest molecules. CO2 adsorption isotherms show that the framework breathing occurs only when a slight gas pressure is applied. Crystal structures for both the hydrated and guest free phases of K4[Zr(DBQ)4] have been investigated.

Three-dimensional porous metal-radical frameworks based on triphenylmethyl radicals.

Lanthanide coordination polymers {[Ln(PTMTC)(EtOH)(2)H(2)O]·x H(2)O, y EtOH} [Ln=Tb (1), Gd (2), and Eu (3)] and {[Ln(αH-PTMTC)(EtOH)(2)H(2)O]·x H(2)O, y EtOH} [Ln=Tb (1'), Gd (2'), and Eu (3')] have been prepared by reacting Ln(III) ions with tricarboxylate-perchlorotriphenylmethyl/methane ligands that have a radical (PTMTC(3-)) or closed-shell (αH-PTMTC(3-)) character, respectively. X-ray diffraction analyses reveal 3D architectures that combine helical 1D channels and a fairly rare (6,3) connectivity described with the (4(2).8)·(4(4).6(2).8(5).10(4)) Schäfli symbol. Such 3D architectures make these polymers porous solids upon departure of the non-coordinated guest-solvent molecules as confirmed by the XRD structure of the guest-free [Tb(PTMTC)(EtOH)(2)H(2)O] and [Tb(αH-PTMTC)(EtOH)(2)H(2)O] materials. Accessible voids represent 40% of the cell volume. Metal-centered luminescence was observed in Tb(III) and Eu(III) coordination polymers 1' and 3', although the Ln(III)-ion luminescence was quenched when radical ligands were involved. The magnetic properties of all these compounds were investigated, and the nature of the {Ln-radical} (in 1 and 2) and the {radical-radical} exchange interactions (in 3) were assessed by comparing the behaviors for the radical-based coordination polymers 1-3 with those of the compounds with the diamagnetic ligand set. Whilst antiferromagnetic {radical-radical} interactions were found in 3, ferromagnetic {Ln-radical} interactions propagated in the 3D architectures of 1 and 2.

Versatile chemical transformations of benzoxazole based ligands on complexation with 3d-metal ions.

Two benzoxazoles derivative ligands were synthesized from the condensation of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-o-benzoquinone (DTBBQ) with ethanolamine or 1,3-diamino-2-hydroxypropane in methanol. Condensation of DTBBQ with ethanolamine gives the expected 5,7-di-tert-butyl-2-methylenhydroxylbenzoxazole (HL1) while with 1,3-diamino-2-hydroxypropane it gives (2-hydroxyethyl-2-{2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1-phenol-6 amino}-2{5,7-di-tert-butyl-benzoxazole}) (H(2)L2) with only one benzoxazole ring instead of the symmetric bis-benzoxazole derivative. The structure of HL1 and H(2)L2 were confirmed by NMR-spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction on a single crystal for HL1. The reaction of HL1 with CuCl(2) gives a mononuclear [Cu(II)(HL1)(2)Cl(2)] (1) complex for which the crystal structure shows that HL1 is preserved. In contrast, upon reaction with nickel(II), cobalt(II), and manganese(II) H(2)L2 is further oxidized and transformed in new ligands HL3 in mononuclear complexes [M(II)(L3)(2)] (M = Ni(II) (2); M = Co(II) (3)) and H(2)L4 in tetranuclear complex [Mn(II)(4)(HL4)(4)Cl(4)] (4) as found from the crystal structures of complexes 2-4. Electrochemical studies for complexes 2 and 3 evidence complicated redox properties. [Mn(II)(4)(HL4)(4)Cl(4)] (4) has a cubane-like structure with a "4 + 2" fashion The magnetic susceptibility of 4 is well fitted considering one Mn---Mn interaction J(a)(Mn(II)-Mn(II)) = -0.50(1) cm(-1) with g = 2.00(7).

Three-dimensional open-frameworks based on Ln(III) ions and open-/closed-shell PTM ligands: synthesis, structure, luminescence, and magnetic properties.

A series of isostructural open-framework coordination polymers formulated as [Ln(dmf)(3)(ptmtc)] (Ln = Sm (1), Eu (2), Gd (3), Tb (4), Dy (5); PTMTC = polychlorotriphenylmethyl tricarboxylate) and [Ln(dmf)(2)H(2)O(αH-ptmtc)] (Ln = Sm (1'), Eu (2'), Gd (3'), Tb (4'), Dy (5')) have been obtained by treating Ln(III) ions with PTMTC ligands with a radical (PTMTC(3-)) or a closed-shell character (αH-PTMTC(3-)). X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that these coordination polymers possess 3D architectures that combine large channels and fairly rare lattice complex T connectivity. In addition, these compounds show selective framework dynamic sorption properties. For both classes of ligands, the ability to act as an antenna in Ln sensitization processes has been investigated. No luminescence was observed for compounds 1-5, and 3' because of the PTMTC(3-) ligand and/or Gd(III) ion characteristics. Conversely, photoluminescence measurements show that 1', 2', 4', and 5' emit dark orange, red, green, and dark cyan metal-centered luminescence. The magnetic properties of all of these compounds have been investigated. The nature of the {Ln-radical} exchange interaction in these compounds has been assessed by comparing the behavior of the radical-based coordination polymers 1-5 with those of the compounds with the diamagnetic ligand set. While antiferromagnetic {Sm-radical} interactions are found in 1, ferromagnetic {Ln-radical} interactions propagate in the 3D architectures of 3, 4, and 5 (Ln = Gd, Tb, and Dy, respectively). This procedure also provided access to information on the {Ln-Ln} exchange existing in these magnetic systems.

Novel guests for porous columnar thin films: the switchable perchlorinated trityl radical derivatives.

TiO(2) and SiO(2) porous thin films consisting of tilted nanocolumns prepared by glancing angle evaporation (GLAD) have been infiltrated with guest derivatives belonging to the family of perchlorinated trityl radicals, novel guest molecules presenting an open-shell electronic configuration associated with paramagnetism, fluorescence, and electroactivity. The main driving forces for infiltration from aqueous solutions of the carboxylate-substituted radical derivatives are the electrostatic interactions between their negative charge and the net positive charges induced on the film pores. Positive charges on the internal surface of the films were induced by either adjusting the radical solution pH at values lower than the point of zero charge (PZC) of the oxide or passivating the nanocolumns oxide surface with a positively charged aminosilane. The infiltrated composite thin films are robust and easy to handle thanks to the physical protection exerted by the film columns. They also keep the multifunctionality of the used guests, as confirmed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), UV-vis spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. To prove the electroactivity of the infiltrated porous films, a porous TiO(2) host layer was supported onto conductive indium tin oxide (ITO). By application of an appropriate redox potential, the guest radical molecules have been reversibly switched from their open-shell electronic configuration to their diamagnetic state and hence changed their optical properties. On the basis of these results, it is herein proposed that the appropriate surface functionalization of the pore internal surface of GLAD thin films can be used to prepare novel radical-oxide composite thin films usable for the development of robust switchable electrically driven photonic and magnetic devices.

Magnetic and porous molecule-based materials.

In this chapter, we give an overview of the recent state-of-the-art research of porous and magnetic molecule-based materials. The subject is introduced by a section devoted to the fundamentals of magnetism in molecular magnets, with special attention to the design strategies to prepare molecular magnetic materials. We will then focus on the two main families of materials combining porosity and magnetism: the purely organic and the metal-organic porous magnetic materials. For both families, a selection of the most representative examples has been made. A complete section is devoted to magnetic and porous materials with flexible frameworks, an area of emerging importance in this field, because of their wide range of applications. Finally, we conclude with a brief overview on the most recent approaches for the future development of these materials.

Metal-radical chains based on polychlorotriphenylmethyl radicals: synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties.

We report the synthesis, crystal structures, and magnetic properties of two new metal-radical chains built up from a new class of organic radical-based ligands, the polychlorinated triphenylmethyl (PTM) radicals. Crystal structures of two new 1D coordination polymers, [Cu(2)(PTMDC)(2)(py)(5)(EtOH)].3EtOH (1) and [Co(2)(PTMDC)(2)(DMF)(2)(H(2)O)(6)].5DMF (2) (where PTMDC is a PTM radical functionalized with two carboxylic groups), show similar chain-like structures, in which each of the PTMDC radicals are connecting two Cu(II) or Co(II) metal ions. Therefore, from a magnetic point of view, both structures describe a magnetic chain model based on the PTMDC-M(II) unit. In this manuscript, the magnetic exchange coupling constants between both metal ions and the bridging PTM radicals have been determined. In both cases, the temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility reveals antiferromagnetic exchange coupling constants between the PTMDC radicals and Cu(II) (J/k(B) = -42 K) and Co(II) (J/k(B) = -14.6 K) ions based on the exchange Hamiltonian H = -J sum S(A(i))S(A(i+1)).

Polychlorinated trityl radicals for dynamic nuclear polarization: the role of chlorine nuclei.

Polychlorinated trityl radicals bearing carboxylate substituents are water soluble persistent radicals that can be used for dynamic nuclear polarization. In contrast to other trityl radicals, the polarization mechanism differs from the classical solid effect. DFT calculations performed to rationalize this behaviour support the hypothesis that polarization is transferred from the unpaired electron to chlorine nuclei and from these to carbon by spin diffusion. The marked differences observed between neutral and anionic forms of the radical will be discussed.

Reactivity of superoxide anion radical with a perchlorotriphenylmethyl (trityl) radical.

The reaction of superoxide radical with a tricarboxylate derivative of perchlorotriphenylmethyl radical (PTM-TC) is studied. PTM-TC is a stable ("inert") free radical, which gives a single sharp electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) peak in aqueous solutions. PTM-TC also gives a characteristic optical absorption at 380 nm. Superoxide, on reaction with PTM-TC, induced a decrease in the intensity of the EPR signal and optical absorption of PTM-TC at 380 nm. The signal loss was specific to superoxide and linearly dependent on the superoxide flux in the system. Competitive kinetics experiments revealed that PTM-TC reacts with superoxide with an apparent second-order rate constant of 8.3x10(8) M(-1) s(-1). Electrochemical and mass spectrometric analyses of the reaction suggested the formation of perchlorotriphenylmethane and molecular oxygen as products. The high sensitivity of detection of PTM-TC combined with the high rate constant of the reaction of superoxide with PTM-TC may offer a potential opportunity for measurement of superoxide in biological systems. In conclusion, the PTM-TC molecule has high sensitivity and specificity for superoxide radicals and thus may enable quantitative detection of superoxide generation in biological systems using EPR and/or spectrophotometric methods.

A three-dimensional lanthanide-organic radical open-framework.

The reaction of a 3-connecting PTMTC radical with Tb(III) ions forms a three-dimensional open-framework with the formula [Tb(PTMTC)(DMF)(3)] (1), which associates a lattice complex T topology with large channels, guest-induced reversible crystal to amorphous transformations and ferromagnetic metal-radical interactions.

Hydrogen-bonded self-assemblies in a polychlorotriphenylmethyl radical derivative substituted with six meta-carboxylic acid groups.

The synthesis, self assembly and magnetic properties of a polychlorotriphenylmethyl radical, substituted with six meta-carboxylic groups, are reported showing that radical-radical hydrogen bonds in the solid state yield to very weak intermolecular ferromagnetic interactions.

Nanosized trigonal prismatic and antiprismatic CuII coordination cages based on tricarboxylate linkers.

3D coordination cages have been synthesized via the supramolecular 3 + 2 self-assembly of macrocyclic dicopper molecular clips and tricarboxylate linkers, the nature of which allows the introduction of different functionalities to the 3D cages.

Structural and magnetic modulation of a purely organic open framework by selective guest inclusion.

Solvent inclusion/evacuation caused variations in the structural and magnetic characteristics of the purely organic porous magnet based on the tricarboxylic-substituted PTMTC radical. Whereas no inclusion is observed for nonpolar solvents, the exposure of crystals of the alpha-phase of PTMTC to vapors of polar organic solvents with hydrogen acceptor and/or donor functionalities, such as, ethanol, benzoic alcohol, n-decanol, THF, and DMSO results in the inclusion of these solvents in the highly polar tubular channels of the alpha-phase. The resulting inclusion compounds of formula PTMTC.x(guest) show several structural rearrangements, as confirmed by IR and XRPD (X-ray powder diffraction) measurements. The crystal transformations have been studied for a specific case: the PTMTC.EtOH adduct. The crystal structure reveals that included guest solvent molecules participate in the formation of new hydrogen bonds with the carboxylic groups of PTMTC radicals, inducing the disruption of several direct hydrogen bonds among these radicals. As expected, the interruption of direct hydrogen bonds between PTMTC radicals induces large transformations in the magnetic properties. From the ferromagnetic behavior of the alpha-phase, predominant antiferromagnetic interactions are observed for the inclusion adducts. Interestingly, both structural and magnetic changes are reversible after removal of guest solvent molecules.

Three-dimensional six-connecting organic building blocks based on polychlorotriphenylmethyl units--synthesis, self-assembly, and magnetic properties.

The synthesis of a three-dimensional, six-connecting, organic building block based on a robust, rigid, and open-shell polychlorotriphenylmethyl (PTM) unit (radical 1) is reported, and its self-assembly properties are described in detail. The tendencies of this highly polar molecule and its hydrogenated precursor, compound 4, to form hydrogen bonds with oxygenated solvents ([1THF(6)] and [4THF(6)]) were reduced by replacing THF with diethyl ether in the crystallization process to yield two-dimensional (2D) hydrogen-bonded structures ([1(Et(2)O)(3)] and [4(Et(2)O)(3)]). The presence of direct hydrogen bonds between the radicals in the latter phase of 1 gives rise to very weak ferromagnetic intermolecular interactions at low temperatures, whereas when the radicals are isolated by THF molecules these interactions are antiferromagnetic and very weak. The role played by the carboxylic groups not only in the self-assembly properties but also in the transmission of the magnetic interactions has been illustrated by determination of the crystal structure and measurement of the magnetic properties of the corresponding hexaester radical 6, in which the close packing of molecular units gives rise to weak antiferromagnetic intermolecular interactions. Attempts to avoid solvation of the molecules in the solid state and to increase the structural and magnetic dimensionality were pursued by recrystallization of both compounds 1 and 4 from concentrated nitric acid, affording two three-dimensional (3D) robust hydrogen-bonded structures. While the structure obtained with compound 4 is characterized by the presence of polar channels and boxes containing water guest molecules along the c axis, radical 1 was oxidized to the corresponding fuchsone 10, which presented a completely different close-packed, guest-free structure.