Synthesis of Two-Dimensional (Cu-S)n Metal-Organic Framework Nanosheets Applied as Peroxidase Mimics for Detection of Glutathione.

Facilely synthesized peroxidase-like nanozymes with high catalytic activity and stability may serve as effective biocatalysts. The present study synthesizes peroxidase-like nanozymes with multinuclear active sites using two-dimensional (2D) metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheets and evaluates them for their practical applications. A simple method involving a one-pot bottom-up reflux reaction is developed for the mass synthesis of (Cu-S)n MOF 2D nanosheets, significantly increasing production quantity and reducing reaction time compared to traditional autoclave methods. The (Cu-S)n MOF 2D nanosheets with the unique coordination of Cu(I) stabilized in Cu-based MOFs demonstrate impressive activity in mimicking natural peroxidase. The active sites of the peroxidase-like activity of (Cu-S)n MOF 2D nanosheets were predominantly verified as Cu(I) rather than Cu(II) of other Cu-based MOFs. The cost-effective and long-term stability of (Cu-S)n MOF 2D nanosheets make them suitable for practical applications. Furthermore, the inhibition of the peroxidase-like activity of (Cu-S)n MOF nanosheets by glutathione (GSH) could provide a simple strategy for colorimetric detection of GSH against other amino acids. This work remarkably extends the utilization of (Cu-S)n MOF 2D nanosheets in biosensing, revealing the potential for 2D (Cu-S)n MOFs.

Rapid microwave synthesis of MOF microrods: Dispersive SPE coupled with UHPLC-MS/MS to determine fluoroquinolones in honey.

A novel sorbent Cu-S metal-organic framework (MOF) microrods was prepared for dispersive solid-phase extraction via microwave synthesis and used to determine 12 fluoroquinolones (FQs) in honey samples employing ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The best extraction efficiency was achieved by optimizing sample pH, sorbent quantity, eluent type/volume, and extraction and elution time. The proposed MOF exhibits advantages such as rapid synthesis time (20 min) and outstanding adsorption ability toward zwitterionic FQs. These advantages can be attributed to multiple interactions, including hydrogen bonding, π-π interaction, and hydrophobic interaction. The limits of detection of analytes were 0.005-0.045 ng g-1. Acceptable recoveries (79.3%-95.6%) were obtained under the optimal conditions. Precision (relative standard deviation, RSD) was <9.2%. These results demonstrate the utility of our sample preparation method and the high capacity of Cu-S MOF microrods for rapid and selective extraction of FQs from honey samples.

A neutral mononuclear rhenium(I) complex with a rare in situ-generated triazolyl ligand for the luminescence "turn-on" detection of histidine.

A rare in situ-generated mononuclear rhenium complex [Re(bpt)(CO)3(NH3)] (1, bpt = 3,5-bis(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazolate) can be used as a "turn-on" luminescent probe for selectively sensing L-histidine against other amino acids. Compound 1 was prepared by reacting Re2(CO)10, 2-cyanopyridine and hydrazine with an in situ formed bpt ligand through cyclization via C-N and N-N couplings with its single-side chelating mode arrayed with respect to the Re center. Compound 1 was highly stable and showed a green light MLCT emission in DMF solution at 507 nm upon excitation at 360 nm. Interestingly, the emission from 1 could be quenched by the addition of metal ions such as Ni2+ and Cu2+ but the emission efficiently recovered with the introduction of histidine. However, histidine could only be selectively detected when a combination of compound 1 and Ni2+ was used. Therefore, the luminescence response of the Ni2+-modified compound 1 could be utilized as a "turn-on" probe for the selective detection of histidine. This work provides a simple method for developing new sensing platforms of a discrete metal complex based on rare in situ generation.

Reversible Electroactive Behavior in a Zn-Based Metal-Organic Framework via Mild Oxidation Potential.

This work describes the synthesis and characterization of a Zn-based metal-organic framework, [Zn2(TTPA)(SDB)2·(DMF)(H2O)]n (1, TTPA = tris(4-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)phenyl)amine, SDB = 4,4'-sulfonyldibenzoate). A newly designed strategy with a redox-active linker, TTPA, and mediated by a V-shaped carboxylic linker with Zn2+ metal ions resulted in an electroactive framework. The V-shaped carboxylic linker with Zn2+ metal ions forms linear struts interlinked by two of the side-arms of the TTPA ligands to form a square grid network. The interior of the grid is enough to accommodate the third side-arm of the TTPA ligands, acting as a confinement grid that provides steric protection when triarylamine radical cations were generated. In addition, modular packing of axially aligned TTPA ligand facilitates charge propagation. Optical switching studies confirmed that 1 is electrochemically reversible up to 48 cycles at a potential of 0.9 V vs Fc/Fc+. Framework 1 remained robust after annealing at 180 °C for 20 h as corroborated by the PXRD. These studies confirm the importance of crystal engineering design, where electron transfer is possible in a two-ligand approach.

Hydrophobic Metal-Organic Frameworks and Derived Composites for Microelectronics Applications.

The extraordinary characteristic features of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) make them applicable for use in a variety of fields but their conductivity in microelectronics over a wide relative humidity (RH) range has not been extensively explored. To achieve good performance, MOFs must be stable in water, i. e., under humid conditions. However, the design of ultrastable hydrophobic MOFs with high conductivity for use in microelectronics as conducting and dielectric materials remains a challenge. In this Review, we discuss applications of an emerging class of hydrophobic MOFs with respect to their use as active sensor coatings, tunable low-κ dielectrics and conductivity, which provide high-level roadmap for stimulating the next steps toward the development and implementation of hydrophobic MOFs for use in microelectronic devices. Several methodologies including the incorporation of long alkyl chain and fluorinated linkers, doping of redox-active 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), the use of guest molecules, and conducting polymers or carbon materials in the pores or surface of MOFs have been utilized to produce hydrophobic MOFs. The contact angle of a water droplet and a coating can be used to evaluate the degree of hydrophobicity of the surface of a MOF. These unique advantages enable hydrophobic MOFs to be used as a highly versatile platform for exploring multifunctional porous materials. Classic representative examples of each category are discussed in terms of coordination structures, types of hydrophobic design, and potential microelectronic applications. Lastly, a summary and outlook as concluding remarks in this field are presented. We envision that future research in the area of hydrophobic MOFs promise to provide important breakthroughs in microelectronics applications.

Spectroelectrochemical studies of the redox active tris[4-(triazol-1-yl)phenyl]amine linker and redox state manipulation of Mn(ii)/Cu(ii) coordination frameworks.

This work describes the successful incorporation of a redox active linker, tris(4-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)phenyl)amine (TTPA) into Mn(ii)/Cu(ii) based coordination frameworks. Solution state in situ spectroelectrochemistry of EPR and UV/Vis/NIR of the TTPA ligand were measured to gain a deeper understanding of the charge delocalization of the triphenylamine backbone. The assignments of the absorption bands for the radical cations in UV/Vis/NIR spectroelectrochemistry were supported by DFT calculations. For Mn(ii)/Cu(ii) based coordination frameworks, solid state electrochemical and in situ spectroelectrochemical methods were applied to elucidate the accessible redox states and the optical properties of the frameworks. The findings provide a basic comprehension of the interconversion of different redox states and how an electroactive framework can be potentially used in applications of electrochromic and optical devices.

Rare metal-ion metathesis of a tetrahedral Zn(ii) core of a noncentrosymmetric (3,4)-connected 3D MOF.

An SHG-active noncentrosymmetric (3,4)-connected Zn(ii)-organic framework, {[Zn2(4-abpt)(3,4-pydc)2]·2DMAc·3MeOH·H2O}n (1-Zn), was synthesized using a mixed-ligand system. The 1-Zn framework undergoes metal metathesis, with the complete exchange of the tetrahedrally coordinated ZnII ions with CuII ions while retaining the integrity of the network.

A Co(ii) framework derived from a tris(4-(triazol-1-yl)phenyl)amine redox-active linker: an electrochemical and magnetic study.

A new 3D coordination polymer {[Co2(µ-OH2)(TTPA)(DTDN)2·DMF]·H2O}n (1, TTPA = tris(4-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)phenyl)amine, DTDN = 6,6'-dithiodinicotinate) was synthesised and characterised. The redox properties of this framework were elucidated by solid state electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical data. This is the first investigation of the redox behaviour of TTPA in coordination polymers. Furthermore, the incorporation of a paramagnetic Co(ii) metal ion into the framework caused 1 to show spin-flop behaviour as the result of a field-induced magnetic transition. The incorporation of two flexible ligands and Co(ii) metal ions represents a feasible approach for the advancement of multifunctional materials.

Dehydration induced 2D-to-3D crystal-to-crystal network re-assembly and ferromagnetism tuning within two chiral copper(II)-tartrate coordination polymers.

The synthesis of two homochiral l-tartrate-copper(II) coordination polymers, [Cu2(C4H4O6)2(H2O)2·xH2O]n (1), and [Cu(C4H4O6)]n (2), under hydrothermal conditions, is reported. Compound 1 adopts a 2D layered network structure with a space group of P21, while compound 2 features a 3D network structure with a space group P21212. Interestingly, the 2D layered structure of compound 1 can undergo a crystal-to-crystal network reassembly, with the formation of the 3D network structure of compound 2 under dehydration conditions. Variable temperature and field magnetic studies reveal the existence of a distinct ferromagnetic interaction between Cu(2+) ions as the result of distinct syn-anti carboxylate bridging coordination modes.

Cooperative effect of unsheltered amide groups on CO2 adsorption inside open-ended channels of a zinc(II)-organic framework.

A unique spatial arrangement of amide groups for CO2 adsorption is found in the open-ended channels of a zinc(II)-organic framework {[Zn4(BDC)4(BPDA)4]·5DMF·3H2O}n (1, BDC = 1,4-benzyl dicarboxylate, BPDA = N,N'-bis(4-pyridinyl)-1,4-benzenedicarboxamide). Compound 1 consists of 4(4)-sql [Zn4(BDC)4] sheets that are further pillared by a long linker of BPDA and forms a 3D porous framework with an α-Po 4(12)·6(3) topology. Remarkably, the unsheltered amide groups in 1 provide a positive cooperative effect on the adsorption of CO2 molecules, as shown by the significant increase in the CO2 adsorption enthalpy with increasing CO2 uptake. At ambient condition, a 1:1 ratio of active amide sites to CO2 molecules was observed. In addition, compound 1 favors capture of CO2 over N2. DFT calculations provided rationale for the intriguing 1:1 ratio of amide sorption sites to CO2 molecules and revealed that the nanochamber of compound 1 permits the slipped-parallel arrangement of CO2 molecules, an arrangement found in crystal and gas-phase CO2 dimer.

Luminescence quenching of Re(I) molecular rectangles by quinones.

The rhenium-based rectangles [{Re(CO)(3)(mu-bpy)Br}{Re(CO)(3)(mu-L)Br}](2) (I, L = 4,4'-dipyridylacetylene (dpa); II, L = 4,4'-dipyridylbutadiyne (dpb); III, L = 1,4-bis(4'-pyridylethynyl)benzene (bpeb); bpy = 4,4'-bipyridine) are emissive in solution at room temperature. The presence of extended pi conjugation leads to an increase in electron delocalization, which, in turn, results in improved luminescence and lower nuclear reorganization energy. These rectangles, upon electronic excitation, undergo facile electron transfer (ET) reactions with quinones and both the dynamic and static quenching contribute to the reaction. Spectral and electrochemical measurements show that quinone 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) binds strongly to rectangle I. The driving force dependence of k(et), deduced from the luminescence quenching of rectangles with quinones, can be well accounted for within the context of the Marcus theory of electron transfer.

Dissolution/reorganization toward the destruction/construction of porous cobalt(II)- and nickel(II)-carboxylate coordination polymers.

The alkali-metal-cation-induced structural transformation of porous coordination polymers (CPs), {A(2)[M(3)(btec)(2)(H(2)O)(4)]}(n) (1, A = K, M = Co; 2, A = K, M = Ni; 3, A = Cs, M = Co; and 4, A = Cs, M = Ni; btec = benzene-1,2,4,5-tetracarboxylate), occurred via a unique dissolution/reorganization process in the presence of an alkali chloride (LiCl, NaCl) in water. Treatment of 1 or 2 in an aqueous solution of LiCl resulted in the formation of new metal-carboxylate species [Co(2)(btec)(H(2)O)(10)] x H(2)O (5 x H(2)O) and {Li(2)[Ni(3)(btec)(2)(H(2)O)(10)] x 3.5 H(2)O}(n) (6 x 3.5 H(2)O), respectively. When NaCl was used in place of LiCl under similar reaction conditions, similar dissolution/reorganization processes were observed. The cobalt species 1 and 3 were converted into the metal-carboxylate product [Na(2)Co(btec)(H(2)O)(8)](n) (7), whereas the nickel-carboxylate frameworks 2 and 4 were transformed into {[Na(4)Ni(2)(btec)(2)(H(2)O)(18)] x 3 H(2)O}(n) (8 x 3 H(2)O). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that 5 x H(2)O is a discrete molecule, which extends to a hydrogen-bonded 3D porous supramolecular network including tetrameric water aggregates. Compound 6 x 3.5 H(2)O adopts a 3D polymeric structure with a novel (2,4,4)-connected net on the basis of a 4-connecting organic node of a btec ligand, a square-planar 4-connecting metallic trans-Ni(O(2)C)(4)(H(2)O)(2) node, and a 2-connecting octahedral metallic trans-Ni(O(2)C)(2)(H(2)O)(4) hinge. Compound 7 possesses a 3D polymeric structure comprised of two types of intercrossed (4,4)-layers, a [Co(II)(btec)]-based layer and a [Na(I)(btec)]-based layer, in a nearly perpendicular orientation (ca. 87 degrees). Compound 8 x 3 H(2)O adopted a 2D sheet network by utilizing heterometallic trinuclear clusters of Na(2)Ni(O(2)C)(5)(H(2)O)(9) as secondary building units. Each sheet is hydrogen-bonded to neighboring units, giving a 3D supramolecular network. It is noteworthy that the dissolution/reorganization process demonstrates the cleavage and reformation of metal-carboxylate bonds, leading to a destruction/construction structural transformation of CPs.

Alkali metal cation (K+, Cs+) induced dissolution/reorganization of porous metal carboxylate coordination networks in water.

Porous metal-organic coordination networks (MOCNs) {A(2)[M(3)(btec)(2)(H(2)O)(4)]}(n) (1, A=K, M=Co; 2, A=K, M=Ni; 3, A=Cs, M=Co; and 4, A=Cs, M=Ni; btec=benzene-1,2,4,5-tetracarboxylate) with nearly identical structural features were hydrothermally prepared. These compounds adopt (4,8)-connected scu nets but exhibit subtle differences in the topology of the final three-dimensional architectures. Compound 1 has a regular net with the largest solvent void (21.1 %), while the nets of the other three (2-4) are slightly distorted from a regular shape and have malformed pores with smaller solvent voids (5.4-11.4 %). Likely, the different supramolecular environments among 1-4 subtly depend on the eight-connected binodal cubical vertices/four-connected square-planar connectivity between the trimetallic clusters and the btec ligands. Cobalt species 3 dissolved in an aqueous solution of KCl, and then reorganized to form 1 at ambient temperature. Interestingly, under similar conditions, 1 dissolved and then was regenerated to give the same structure. Nickel species 2 and 4 also underwent a dissolution/reorganization process in an aqueous solution of KCl to afford new metal-carboxylate product {K(2)[Ni(3)(btec)(2)(H(2)O)(4)]}(n) (2'). This compound forms a (4,8)-connected scu net with regular pores, which is isostructural and isomorphous with 1, and is a supramolecular isomer of 2. Similarly, in an aqueous solution of CsCl, 1-4 were converted to 1D zigzag chain structures {Cs(2)[M(btec)(H(2)O)(4)]}(n) (5, M=Co; 6, M=Ni) that enlarged to hydrogen-bonded 3D porous supramolecular networks. Remarkable, reversible alkali metal cation induced structural transformations between 1 and 5 occurred via dissolution/reorganization processes. Thermogravimetric analyses showed that these metal-carboxylate species have high thermal stability (T>300 degrees C).

Tuning through-bond Fe(III)/Fe(II) coupling by solvent manipulation of a central ruthenium redox couple.

The relationships between the intervalence energy (E(IT)) and the free energy difference (DeltaG) that exists between the minima of redox isomers (Fe(II)-Ru(III)/Fe(III)-Ru(II)) for various heterobimetallic complexes [(R-Fcpy)Ru(NH(3))(5)](2+/3+) (R = H, ethyl, Br, actyl; Fcpy = (4-pyridyl)ferrocenyl; Ru(NH(3))(5) = pentaam(m)ineruthenium) were examined. The changes in DeltaG for the complexes in various solvents were due to the effects of both solvent donicity and the substituents. The intervalence energy versus DeltaG, DeltaG approximately FDeltaE(1/2) (DeltaE(1/2) = E(1/2)(Fe(III/II)) - E(1/2)(Ru(III/II))), plots for the complexes in various solvents suggest a nuclear reorganization energy (lambda) of approximately 6000 cm(-1) (Chen et al. Inorg. Chem. 2000, 39, 189). For [(R-Fcpy)Ru(NH(3))(5)](2+) and [(et-Fcpy)Ru(NH(3))(4)(py)](2+) (Ru(NH(3))(4) = trans-tetraam(m)ineruthenium; py = pyridine) in various solvents, the E(1/2)(Ru(III/II)) of rutheniumam(m)ine typically was less than the E(1/2)(Fe(III/II)) of the ferrocenyl moiety. However, the low-donicity solvents resulted in relatively large values of E(1/2)(Ru(III/II)) for [(et-Fcpy)Ru(NH(3))(4)(py)](2+/3+/4+). Under our unique solvent conditions, a dramatic end-to-end interaction was observed for the trimetal cation, [(et-Fcpy)(2)Ru(NH(3))(4)](4+), in which the [(et-Fcpy)(2)Ru(NH(3))(4)](4+) included a central trans-tetraam(m)ineruthenium(III) and a terminal Fe(II)/Fe(III) pair. In general, results of electrochemical studies of [(et-Fcpy)(2)Ru(NH(3))(4)](2+) indicated both solvent-tunable E(1/2)(Ru(III/II)) (1 e(-)) and solvent-insensitive E(1/2)(Fe(III/II)) (2 e(-)) redox centers. However, in nitriles, two E(1/2)(Fe(III/II)) peaks were found with DeltaE(1/2)(Fe(III/II) - Fe(III/II)) ranging between 83 and 108 mV at a terminal metal-to-metal distance of up to 15.6 A. Furthermore, the bridging dpi orbital of the ruthenium center mediated efficient end-to-end interaction between the combinations of the terminal Fe(II)-Fe(III)/Fe(III)-Fe(II) pair. To our knowledge, this is the first example of solvent-tunable end-to-end interactions in multimetal complexes.

Rhenium-based molecular rectangular boxes with large inner cavity and high shape selectivity towards benzene molecule.

The self-assembly of rhenium-based rectangular boxes with a large inner cavity can be achieved via a simple one-step synthetic route; these molecules selectively recognize planar aromatic molecules, benzene in particular.

Toward quartz and cristobalite: spontaneous resolution, structures, and characterization of chiral silica-mimetic silver(I)-organic materials.

An alpha-quartz-mimetic chiral coordination network of [Ag(L1)(CF3SO3)]n (L1=5,5'-bipyrimidine), after treatment with PF6- anions, undergoes a solution-state structural transformation toward [Ag(L1)(PF6)]n with a cristobalite-mimetic chiral structures. This structural transformation is accompanied by substantial enhancement in the fluorescent intensity and in the second-harmonic-generation response. The results also demonstrate an effective design strategy based on the spontaneous resolution route for the preparation of chiral architectures.

Poly[diaqua-bis(2,2'-bipyridine)tris-(µ(4)-2,2'-bipyridine-4,4'-dicarboxyl-ato)dineodymium(III)].

In the crystal structure of the title mixed-ligand coordination polymer, [Nd(2)(C(12)H(6)N(2)O(4))(3)(C(10)H(8)N(2))(2)(H(2)O)(2)](n), the Nd(III) ion is in an octa-hedral coordination environment formed by one water mol-ecule, one chelating 2,2'-bipyridine ligand, and five monodentate carboxyl-ate groups. The local coordination polyhedron around the Nd(III) ion is a bicapped trigonal prism. Two Nd(III) centers are bridged by four carboxyl-ate groups to form an Nd(2) dimeric unit; these are further connected by 2,2'-bipyridine-4,4'-dicarboxyl-ate linkers, resulting in a layered coordination network.

CH...pi interaction for rhenium-based rectangles: an interaction that is rarely designed into a host-guest pair.

Alkoxy- and thiolato-bridged Re(I) molecular rectangles [{(CO)3Re(mu-ER)2Re(CO)3}2(mu-bpy)2] (ER = SC4H9, 1a; SC8H17, 1b; OC4H9, 2a; OC12H25, 2b; bpy = 4,4'-bipyridine) exhibit strong interactions with several planar aromatic molecules. The nature of their binding was studied by spectral techniques and verified by X-ray diffraction analysis. Standard absorption and fluorescence titrations showed that a relatively strong 1:1 interaction occurs between aromatic guests such as pyrene and these rectangles. The results of a single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis show that the recognition of 1 with a pyrene molecule is mainly due to CH...pi interactions and the face of the guest pyrene is located over the edges of the bpy linkers of 1. This is a fairly novel example of an interaction that is rarely designed into a host-guest pair. Furthermore, the interaction of 1 with Ag+ results in the self-organization of supramolecular arrays, as revealed by solid-state data.

Photoluminescence electron-transfer quenching of rhenium(I) rectangles with amines.

Electron-transfer (ET) reactions from aromatic amines to excited states of rhenium(I)-based molecular rectangles [{Re(CO)3(mu-bpy)Br}{Re(CO)3(mu-L)Br}]2 (bpy = 4,4'-bipyridine, L = 4,4'-dipyridylacetylene (dpa), I; L = 4,4'-dipyridylbutadiyne (dpb), II; and L = 1,4-bis(4'-pyridylethynyl)benzene (bpeb), III) were investigated in a dichloromethane solution using luminescence quenching techniques. Direct evidence for the ET reaction was obtained from the detection of the amine cation radical in this system using time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy. The values of the luminescence quenching rate constants, kq, of the 3MLCT excited state of Re(I) rectangles with amines were found to be higher than those for the monomeric Re(I) complexes and other Re(I)-based metallacyclophanes. The observed kq values were correlated well with the driving force (Delta G degrees) for the ET reactions. In addition, a semiclassical theory of ET was successfully applied to the photoluminescence quenching of Re(I) rectangles with amines.