Single-Crystalline UiO-67-Type Porous Network Stable to Boiling Water, Solvent Loss, and Oxidation.

With methylthio groups flanking the carboxyl groups, the 3,3',5,5'-tetrakis(methylthio)biphenyl dicarboxylate (TMBPD) linker forms a zirconium(IV) carboxylate porous framework featuring the topology of the UiO-67 prototype, i.e., with a face-centered-cubic array of the Zr6O4(OH)4 clusters. Thioether functionalization proves valuable because the ZrTMBPD crystal is found to be exceptionally stable not only upon long-term exposure to air but also in boiling water and a broad range of pH conditions. The hydrophobicity of the metal-organic framework can also be tuned by simple H2O2 oxidation, as illustrated in the water contact-angle measurement of the pristine and H2O2-treated ZrTMBPD solid.

Made in Water: A Stable Microporous Cu(I)-carboxylate Framework (CityU-7) for CO2, Water, and Iodine Uptake.

Using water as the sole solvent, the bifunctional molecule tetrakis(methylthio)-1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid (TMBD) was reacted with Cu(CH3CN)4BF4 to form a robust microporous metal-organic framework (MOF, CityU-7) featuring Cu(I) ions being simultaneously bonded to the carboxyl and thioether donors. The MOF solid is stable in air and can be easily activated by heating, without the need for treatment with organic solvents. The subnanoscopic pores (ca. 0.6 nm) of the host net allow for uptake of CO2 and H2O but exhibit lesser sorption for N2 at 77 K. The microporous net can also be penetrated by I2 molecules.

High Nuclearity Assemblies and One-Dimensional (1D) Coordination Polymers Based on Lanthanide-Copper 15-Metallacrown-5 Complexes (LnIII = Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu).

Complexes {[LnCu5(GlyHA)5(m-bdc)(H2O)4-x]2[LnCu5(GlyHA)5(SO4)(m-bdc)(H2O)4]2}·(30 + 2x)H2O (where GlyHA2- = glycinehydroxamate, m-bdc2- = m-phthalate; Ln = Pr and x = 0.21 for compound 1, or Ln = Sm and x = 0.24 for 3) and one-dimensional (1D) coordination polymers {[NdCu5(GlyHA)5(H2O)5(m-bdc)]nn[NdCu5(GlyHA)5(H2O)4(µ-CO3)(m-bdc)]}·13nH2O (2) and {[EuCu5(GlyHA)5(H2O)3](m-bdc)2[EuCu5(GlyHA)5(m-bdc)(H2O)3]}n·17nH2O (4) were obtained starting from the 15-metallacrown-5 complexes {[LnCu5(GlyHA)5(SO4)(H2O)6.5]}2(SO4)·6H2O (Ln = Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu) by the partial or complete metathesis of sulfate anions with m-phthalate. Compounds 1 and 3 contain unprecedented quadruple-decker neutral metallacrown assemblies, where the [LnCu5(GlyHA)5]3+ cations are linked by m-phthalate dianions. In contrast, in complexes 2 and 4, these components assemble into 1D chains of coordination polymers, the adjacent {[NdCu5(GlyHA)5(H2O)5(m-bdc)]+}n 1D chains in 2 being separated by discrete [NdCu5(GlyHA)5(H2O)4(µ-CO3)(m-bdc)]}- complex anions. The crystal lattices of 2 and 4 contain voids filled by solvent molecules. Desolvated 4 is able to absorb up to 0.12 cm3/g of methanol vapor or 0.04 cm3/g of ethanol at 293 K. The isotherm for methanol absorption by compound 4 is consistent with a possible "gate opening" mechanism upon interaction with this substrate. The χMT vs T data for complexes 1-4 and their simpler starting materials {[LnCu5(GlyHA)5(SO4)(H2O)6.5]}2(SO4)·6H2O (Ln(III) = Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu) were fitted using an additive model, which takes into account exchange interactions between lanthanide(III) and copper(II) ions in the metallamacrocycles via a molecular field model. The exchange interactions between adjacent Cu(II) ions in metallacrown fragments were found to fall in the range of -47 < JCu-Cu < -63 cm-1. These complexes are the first examples of a Ln(III)-Cu(II) 15-metallacrowns-5 (Ln(III) = Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu), for which values of exchange parameters have now been reported.

Metalation Triggers Single Crystalline Order in a Porous Solid.

We report the dramatic triggering of structural order in a Zr(IV)-based metal-organic framework (MOF) through docking of HgCl2 guests. Although as-made crystals were unsuitable for single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD), with diffraction limited to low angles well below atomic resolution due to intrinsic structural disorder, permeation of HgCl2 not only leaves the crystals intact but also resulted in fully resolved backbone as well as thioether side groups. The crystal structure revealed elaborate HgCl2-thioether aggregates nested within the host octahedra to form a hierarchical, multifunctional net. The chelating thioether groups also promote Hg(II) removal from water, while the trapped Hg(II) can be easily extricated by 2-mercaptoethanol to reactivate the MOF sorbent.

A Boiling-Water-Stable, Tunable White-Emitting Metal-Organic Framework from Soft-Imprint Synthesis.

A new avenue for making porous frameworks has been developed by borrowing an idea from molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). In lieu of the small molecules commonly used as templates in MIPs, soft metal components, such as CuI, are used to orient the molecular linker and to leverage the formation of the network. Specifically, a linear dicarboxylate linker with thioether side groups reacted simultaneously with Ln(3+) ions and CuI, leading to a bimetallic net featuring strong, chemically hard Eu(3+) -carboxylate links, as well as soft, thioether-bound Cu2 I2 clusters. The CuI block imparts water stability to the host; with the tunable luminescence from the lanthanide ions, this creates the first white-emitting MOF that is stable in boiling water. The Cu2 I2 block also readily reacts with H2 S, and enables sensitive colorimetric detection while the host net remains intact.

Highly Polarizable Triiodide Anions (I3(-)) as Cross-Linkers for Coordination Polymers: Closing the Semiconductive Band Gap.

From a hydrothermal reaction using CuI, KI, and 3,3'5,5'-tetramethyl-4,4'-bipyrazole (TMBP), the triiodide anion I3(-) has been integrated into the water-stable 2D coordination polymer Cu(TMBP)I3 (1). In contrast with other metal triiodide complexes, 1 features remarkably small distortions in the bond distances associated with the I3(-) units (i.e., the Cu-I and I-I bonds), which effectively link up the copper(I) centers into infinite CuI3 chains. The electronic band gaps and electrical conductivity data are also found to be consistent with the I3(-) ion acting as an effective linker across the copper(I) centers.

Immobilization of volatile and corrosive iodine monochloride (ICl) and I(2) reagents in a stable metal-organic framework.

The major discovery here is a robust and water-stable metal-organic framework (MOF) material capable of reversible binding of the volatile and reactive molecules of ICl and I2. The immobilization of I2 and ICl, as well as their controllable release thus achieved, is to facilitate the wide-ranging applications of these volatile species as catalysts and reagents in chemical and industrial processes. The framework material TMBP·CuI (hereafter TCuI) can be conveniently prepared in quantitative yields by heating CuI and the organic linker TMBP (3,3',5,5'-tetramethyl-4,4'-bipyrazol) in acetonitrile. The microporous three-dimensional net of TCuI features CuI chains that contribute to efficient and reversible binding of ICl and I2 molecules, to result in the stoichiometrically well-defined adducts of TCuI·ICl and TCuI·I2, respectively. Moreover, the confinement of a volatile compound like ICl within the MOF medium provides unique opportunities to enhance its reactivity and selectivity as a chemical reagent, as is exemplified by the iodination reactions examined herein. With this exemplary study, we intend to stimulate interest in further exploring MOFs and other porous media (e.g., porous polymers) for entrapping ICl and other volatile reagents (e.g., Br2, SCl2, S2Cl2, and SOCl2) and for potentially novel reactivity associated with the porous medium.

Pd uptake and H2S sensing by an amphoteric metal-organic framework with a soft core and rigid side arms.

Molecular components of opposite character are often incorporated within a single system, with a rigid core and flexible side arms being a common design choice. Herein, molecule L has been designed and prepared featuring the reverse design, with rigid side arms (arylalkynyl) serving to calibrate the mobility of the flexible polyether links in the core. Crystallization of this molecule with Pb(II)  ions led to a dynamic metal-organic framework (MOF) system that not only exhibits dramatic, reversible single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations, but combines distinct donor and acceptor characteristics, allowing for substantial uptake of PdCl2 and colorimetric sensing of H2 S in water.

Convenient detection of Pd(II) by a metal-organic framework with sulfur and olefin functions.

A highly specific, distinct color change in the crystals of a metal-organic framework with pendant allyl thioether units in response to Pd species was discovered. The color change (from light yellow to orange/brick red) can be triggered by Pd species at concentrations of a few parts per million and points to the potential use of these crystals in colorimetric detection and quantification of Pd(II) ions. The swift color change is likely due to the combined effects of the multiple functions built into the porous framework: the carboxyl groups for bonding with Zn(II) ions to assemble the host network and the thioether and alkene functions for effective uptake of the Pd(II) analytes (e.g., via the alkene-Pd interaction). The resultant loading of Pd (and other noble metal) species into the porous solid also offers rich potential for catalysis applications, and the alkene side chains are amenable to wide-ranging chemical transformations (e.g., bromination and polymerization), enabling further functionalization of the porous networks.

White light emission and second harmonic generation from secondary group participation (SGP) in a coordination network.

We describe a white emitting coordination network solid that can be conveniently applied as a thin film onto a commercial UV-LED lamp for practical white lighting applications. The solid state material was discovered in an exercise of exploring molecular building blocks equipped with secondary groups for fine-tuning the structures and properties of coordination nets. Specifically, CH(3)SCH(2)CH(2)S- and (S)-CH(3)(OH)CHCH(2)S- (2-hydroxylpropyl) were each attached as secondary groups to the 2,5- positions of 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid (bdc), and the resultant molecules (L1 and L2, respectively) were crystallized with Pb(II) into the topologically similar 3D nets of PbL1 and PbL2, both consisting of interlinked Pb-carboxyl chains. While the CH(3)S- groups in PbL1 are not bonded to the Pb(II) centers, the hydroxy groups in PbL2 participate in coordinating to Pb(II) and thus modify the bonding features around the Pb(II), but only to a slight and subtle degree (e.g., Pb-O distances 2.941-3.116 Å). Interestingly, the subtle change in structure significantly impacts the properties, i.e., while the photoluminescence of PbL1 is yellowish green, PbL2 features bright white emission. Also, the homochiral side group in PbL2 imparts significant second harmonic generation, in spite of its seemingly weak association with the main framework (the NLO-phore). In a broad perspective, this work showcases the idea of secondary group participation (SGP) in the construction of coordination networks, an idea that parallels that of hemilabile ligands in organometallics and points to an effective strategy in developing advanced functions in solid state framework materials.

Gold(I) styrylbenzene, distyrylbenzene, and distyrylnaphthalene complexes: high emission quantum yields at room temperature.

One gold(I)-substituted styrylbenzene, six digold(I) distyrylbenzenes, one tetragold distyrylbenzene, and four digold distyrylnaphthalene complexes were synthesized using base-promoted auration, alkynylation, triazolate formation, and Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reactions. The gold(I) fragments are either σ-bonded to the aromatic system, or they are attached through an alkynyl or triazolate spacer. Product formation was monitored using (31)P{(1)H} NMR spectroscopy. Systems in which gold(I) binds to the central benzene ring or the terminal phenyl rings were designed. All of these complexes have strong ultraviolet absorptions and emit blue light. The position of the gold(I) attachment influences the luminescence efficiency. Complexes with two gold(I) fragments attached to the ends of the conjugated system have fluorescence quantum yields up to 0.94, when using 7-diethylamino-4-methylcoumarin as the emission standard. Density-functional theory calculations on three high-yielding emitters suggest that luminescence originates from the distyrylbenzene or -naphthalene bridge.

Constrained digold(I) diaryls: syntheses, crystal structures, and photophysics.

A series of di(gold(I) aryls), L(AuR)(2) (L = DPEphos, DBFphos, or Xantphos; R = 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 9-phenanthryl, or 1-pyrenyl), have been prepared. The complexes were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, static and time-dependent optical spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, microanalysis, and X-ray crystallography. In addition, DFT calculations on model dinuclear gold complexes have been used to examine the electronic structures. Photophysical properties of the dinuclear complexes have been compared to mononuclear analogues. Low-temperature excited-state lifetimes for both the mononuclear and dinuclear complexes in toluene indicate triplet-state emission. Time-resolved DFT calculations suggest that emission originates from aryl-ligand transitions, even if the LUMO resides elsewhere.

Arylgold(I) complexes from base-assisted transmetalation: structures, NMR properties, and density-functional theory calculations.

The synthesis of gold(I) complexes of the type LAuR (L = PCy(3), IPr; R = aryl; IPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene) starting from LAuX (X = Br, OAc) and boronic acids in the presence of Cs(2)CO(3) has been investigated. The reactions proceed smoothly in good to excellent yields over the course of 24-48 h in isopropyl alcohol at 50-55 °C. The aryl groups include a variety of functionalities and steric bulk, and in two cases, are heterocyclic. All of the products have been characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis and most by X-ray crystallography. This work affirms that, almost without exception, base-assisted auration is a useful and reliable way to form gold-carbon bonds.

Semirigid aromatic sulfone-carboxylate molecule for dynamic coordination networks: multiple substitutions of the ancillary ligands.

We report dynamic, multiple single-crystal to single-crystal transformations of a coordination network system based on a semirigid molecule, TCPSB = 1,3,5-tri(4'-carboxyphenylsulphonyl)benzene, which nicely balances shape persistence and flexibility to bring about the framework dynamics in the solid state. The networks here generally consist of (1) the persistent core component (denoted as CoTCPSB) of linear Co(II) aqua clusters (Co-O-Co-O-Co) integrated into 2D grids by 4,4'-bipyridine and TCPSB and (2) ancillary ligands (AL) on the two terminal Co(II) ions-these include DMF (N,N'-dimethylformamide), DMA (N,N'-dimethylacetamide), CH(3)CN, and water. Most notably, the ancillary ligand sites are highly variable and undergo multiple substitution sequences while maintaining the solid reactants/products as single-crystals amenable to X-ray structure determinations. For example, when immersed in CH(3)CN, the AL of an as-made single crystal of CoTCPSB-DMF (i.e., DMF being the AL) is replaced to form CoTCPSB-CH(3)CN, which, in air, readily loses CH(3)CN to form CoTCPSB-H(2)O; the CoTCPSB-H(2)O single crystals, when placed in DMF, give back CoTCPSB-DMF in single-crystal form. Other selective, dynamic exchanges include the following: CoTCPSB-DMF reacts with CH(3)CN (to form CoTCPSB-CH(3)CN) but NOT with water, methanol, ethanol, DMA, or pyridine; CoTCPSB-H(2)O specifically pick outs DMF from a mixture of DMF, DMA, and DEF; an amorphous, dehydrated solid from CoTCPSB-H(2)O regains crystalline order simply by immersion in DMF (to form CoTCPSB-DMF). Further exploration with functional, semirigid ligands like TCPSB shall continue to uncover a wider array of advanced dynamic behaviors in solid state materials.

A porphyrin complex of gold(I): (phosphine)gold(I) azides as cation precursors.

A silver- and Brönsted acid-free protocol for generating the (tricyclohexylphosphine)gold(I) cation from the corresponding azide complexes is disclosed. The gold(I) cations so liberated are trapped by complexation with octaethylporphyrin. The first structurally authenticated gold(I) porphyrin complex crystallizes with formula C(72)H(112)Au(2)F(12)N(4)P(2)Sb(2), space group C2/c, a = 21.388 (4), b = 19.679 (4), c = 19.231 (3) A; beta = 111.030 (3) degrees. Solution spectroscopic studies indicate that the di-gold complex fragments on dissolution in organic solvents. Approximate density-functional theory calculations find an electrostatic origin for the binding of two gold(I) centers to the unprotonated nitrogen atoms, despite greater orbital density on the porphyrin meso carbons.

Structural trends in a series of isostructural lanthanide-copper metallacrown sulfates (Ln(III) = Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy and Ho): hexaaquapentakis[µ3-glycinehydroxamato(2-)]sulfatopentacopper(II)lanthanide(III) heptaaquapentakis[µ3-glycinehydroxamato(2-)]sulfatopentacopper(II)lanthanide(III) sulfate hexahydrate.

The seven isostructural complexes, [Cu(5)Ln(C(2)H(4)N(2)O(2))(5)(SO(4))(H(2)O)(6.5)](2)(SO(4))·6H(2)O, where Ln(III) = Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy and Ho, are representatives of the 15-metallacrown-5 family. Each dianion of glycinehydroxamic acid (GlyHA) links two Cu(II) cations forming a cyclic [CuGlyHA](5) frame. The Ln(III) cations are located at the centre of the [CuGlyHA](5) rings and are bound by the five hydroxamate O atoms in the equatorial plane. Five water molecules are coordinated to Cu(II) cations, and one further water molecule, located close to an inversion centre between two adjacent [Cu(5)Ln(GlyHA)(5)](2+) cations, is disordered around this inversion centre and coordinated to a Cu(II) cation of either the first or second metallacrown ether. Another water molecule and one of the two crystallographically independent sulfate anions are coordinated, the latter in a bidentate fashion, to the Ln(III) cation in the axial positions. The second sulfate anion is not coordinated to the cation, but is located in an interstitial position on a crystallographic inversion centre, thus leading to disorder of the O atoms around the centre of inversion. The Ln-O bond distances follow the trend of the lanthanide contraction. The apical Ln-O bond distances are very close to the sums of the ionic radii. However, the Ln-O distances within the metallacrown units are slightly compressed and the Ln(III) cations protrude significantly from the plane of the otherwise flat metallacrown ligand, thus indicating that the cavity is somewhat too small to accommodate the Ln(III) ions comfortably. This effect decreases with the size of the lanthanide cation from complex (I) (Ln(III) = Pr; 0.459) to complex (VII) (Ln(III) = Ho; 0.422), which indicates that the smaller lanthanide cations fit the cavity of the pentacopper metallacrown ring better than the larger ones. The diminished contraction of Ln-O distances within the metallacrown planes leads to an aniostropic contraction of the unit-cell parameters, with a, c and V following the trend of the lanthanide contraction. The b axes, which are mostly aligned with the rigid planes of the metallacrown units, show only a little variation between the seven compounds.

2,2'-[4,10-Bis(carb-oxy-meth-yl)-4,10-diaza-1,7-diazo-niacyclo-dodecane-1,7-di-yl]diacetate dihydrate.

In the title compound, C(16)H(28)N(4)O(8)·2H(2)O, the 12-membered macrocycle has twofold crystallographic symmetry and the asymmetric unit comprises one half-mol-ecule. The four carbox-yl/carboxyl-ate groups reside on the same side of the macrocycle. The mol-ecule is a double zwitterion with two of the carb-oxy-lic acid H atoms transferred to the two N atoms on the opposite sides of the macrocycle, resulting in both N atoms having positive charges and leaving the two resulting carboxyl-ate groups with negative charges. The two remaining carb-oxy-lic acid groups and the carboxyl-ate groups form O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds with the crystal water mol-ecules. The H atoms bound to the N atoms within the macrocyle are engaged in two equivalent hydrogen bonds with the adjacent N atoms.

catena-Poly[[[tetra-kis-(4-methyl-pyridine-κN)copper(II)]-µ-sulfato-κO:O'] 4.393-hydrate].

The structure of the title compound, {[Cu(SO(4))(C(6)H(7)N)(4)]·4.393H(2)O}(n), consists of Cu(2+) ions surrounded in a square-planar fashion by 4-methyl-pyridine ligands, forming two crystallographically independent Cu{H(3)C(C(5)H(4)N)}(4) units that are both located on crystallographic inversion centers. The Cu(4-methyl-pyridine)(4) units are, in turn, connected with each other via bridging sulfate anions, leading to the formation of infinite [Cu{H(3)C(C(5)H(4)N)}(4)SO(4)](n) zigzag chains along [001]. The completed coordination spheres of the Cu(2+) ions are slightly distorted octa-hedral. The axial Cu-O bonds are elongated [average length = 2.42 (4) Å] compared to the equatorial Cu-N bonds [average length = 2.043 (2) Å]. The inter-stitial space between the chains is filled with uncoordinated water mol-ecules that consolidate the structure through O-H⋯O hydrogen bonding. One of the five crystallographically independent solvent water mol-ecules is partially occupied with an occupancy factor of 0.396 (4). Due to hydrogen bonding between symmetry-equivalent water mol-ecules across inversion centers, several of the water H atoms are disordered in 1:1 ratios over mutually exclusive positions. The crystal under investigation was found to be non-merohedrally twinned in a 0.789 (1):0.211 (1) ratio by a 180° rotation around the reciprocal b axis.

Reactions of H2S with AgCl within a porous coordination network.

A silver(I) sulfide species is now imbedded in a porous coordination network. Such a composite system builds on the molecule tetrakis(methylthio)-1,4-benzenedicarboxate that holds out the hard carboxylate to europium(III) to form a host net, while taking on AgCl using its soft sulfur side arms. AgCl is then treated with H(2)S to form the dark-colored Ag(2)S species, while leaving the hard host net intact and upstanding. This hard-soft duality serves to conjoin the rich electronic flavors of metal chalcogenides and the flexible textures of coordination nets.

Coordination networks from Cu cations and tetrakis(methylthio)benzenedicarboxylic acid: tunable bonding patterns and selective sensing for NH(3) gas.

This paper aims to illustrate the rich potential of the thioether-carboxyl combination in generating coordination networks with tunable and interesting structural features. By simply varying the ratio between Cu(NO(3))(2) and the bifunctional ligand tetrakis(methylthio)benzenedicarboxylic acid (TMBD) as the reactants, three coordination networks can be hydrothermally synthesized in substantial yields, which present a distinct evolution with regard to metal-ligand interactions. Specifically, Cu(TMBD)(0.5)(H(2)TMBD)(0.5)·H(2)TMBD (1) was obtained with a relatively small (1:1) Cu(NO(3))(2)/TMBD ratio, and crystallizes as an one-dimensional (1D) coordination assembly based on Cu(I)-thioether interactions, which is integrated by hydrogen-bonding to additional H(2)TMBD molecules to form a three-dimensional (3D) composite network with all the carboxylic acid and carboxylate groups remaining uncoordinated to the metal ions. A medium (1.25:1) Cu(NO(3))(2)/TMBD ratio leads to compound Cu(2)TMBD, in which Cu(I) ions simultaneously bond to the carboxylate and thioether groups, while an even higher (2.4:1) Cu(NO(3))(2)/TMBD ratio produced a mixed-cation compound Cu(II)(2)OHCu(I)(TMBD)(2)·2H(2)O (2), in which the carboxylic groups are bonded to (cupric) Cu(II) ions, and the thioether groups to Cu(I). Despite the lack of open channels in 2, crystallites of this compound exhibit a distinct and selective absorption of NH(3), with a concomitant color change from green to blue, indicating substantial network flexibility and dynamics with regards to gas transport.