Orthogonal-array dynamic molecular sieving of propylene/propane mixtures.

Rigid molecular sieving materials work well for small molecules with the complete exclusion of large ones1-3, and molecules with matching physiochemical properties may be separated using dynamic molecular sieving materials4-6. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)7-9 are known for their precise control of structures and functions on a molecular level10-15. However, the rational design of local flexibility in the MOF framework for dynamic molecular sieving remains difficult and challenging. Here we report a MOF material (JNU-3a) featuring one-dimension channels with embedded molecular pockets opening to propylene (C3H6) and propane (C3H8) at substantially different pressures. The dynamic nature of the pockets is revealed by single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation upon exposure of JNU-3a to an atmosphere of C3H6 or C3H8. Breakthrough experiments demonstrate that JNU-3a can realize high-purity C3H6 (≥99.5%) in a single adsorption-desorption cycle from an equimolar C3H6/C3H8 mixture over a broad range of flow rates, with a maximum C3H6 productivity of 53.5 litres per kilogram. The underlying separation mechanism-orthogonal-array dynamic molecular sieving-enables both large separation capacity and fast adsorption-desorption kinetics. This work presents a next-generation sieving material design that has potential for applications in adsorptive separation.

Dehydration-Induced Cluster Consolidation in a Metal-Organic Framework for Sieving Hexane Isomers.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that exhibit dynamic phase-transition behavior under external stimuli could have great potential in adsorptive separations. Here we report on a zinc-based microporous MOF (JNU-80) and its reversible transformation between two crystalline phases: large pore (JNU-80-LP) and narrow pore (JNU-80-NP). Specifically, JNU-80-LP can undergo a dehydration-induced cluster consolidation under heat treatment, resulting in JNU-80-NP with a reduced channel that allows exclusion of di-branched hexane isomers while high adsorption of linear and mono-branched hexane isomers. We further demonstrate the fabrication of MOF-polymer composite (JNU-80-NP-block) and its application in the purification of di-branched isomers from liquid-phase hexane mixtures (98 % di-branched) at room temperature, affording the di-branched hexane isomers with 99.5 % purity and close to 90 % recovery rate over ten cycles. This work illustrates an interesting dehydration-induced cluster consolidation in MOF structure and the ensuing channel shrinkage for sieving di-branched hexane isomers, which may have important implications for the development of MOFs with dynamic behavior and their potential applications in non-thermal driven separation technologies.

Molecular Engineering of Metal-Organic Frameworks for Boosting Photocatalytic Hydrogen Peroxide Production.

The development of novel metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as efficient photocatalysts for hydrogen peroxide production from water and oxygen is particularly interesting, yet remains a challenge. Herein, we have prepared four cyclic trinuclear units (CTUs) based MOFs, exhibiting good light absorption ability and suitable bandgaps for photosynthesis of H2O2. However, Cu-CTU-based MOFs are not able to photocatalyzed the formation of H2O2, while the alteration of metal nodes from Cu-CTU to Ag-CTU dramatically enhances the photocatalytic performance for H2O2production and the production rates can reach as high as 17476 µmol g-1 h-1 with an apparent quantum yield of 9.51%, at 420 nm, which is much higher than most reported MOFs. The photocatalytic mechanism is comprehensively studied by combining the isotope labeling experiments and DFT calculation. This study provides new insights into the preparation of MOF photocatalysts with high activity for H2O2 production through molecular engineering.

Gold(I)-Organic Frameworks as Catalysts for Carboxylation of Alkynes with CO2.

Construction of gold-based metal-organic frameworks (Au-MOFs) would bring the merits of gold chemistry into MOFs. However, it still remains challenging because gold cations are easily reduced to metallic gold under solvothermal conditions. Herein, we present the first example of Au-MOFs prepared from the networking of cyclic trinuclear gold(I) complexes by formal transimination reaction in a rapid (<15 min) and scalable (up to 1 g) fashion under ambient condition. The Au-MOFs feature uniform porosity, high crystallinity, and superior chemical stability toward base (i.e., 20 M NaOH). With open Au(I) sites in the skeleton, the Au-MOFs as heterogeneous catalysts delivered good performance and substrate tolerance for the carboxylation reactions of alkynes with CO2. This work demonstrates a facile approach to reticularly synthesize Au-MOFs by combining the coordination and dynamic covalent chemistry.

Spin-Crossover Behaviors of Iron(II) Complexes Bearing Halogen Ligands in Solid State and Solution.

Numerous Fe(II) spin-crossover (SCO) compounds have been developed in the past decades, while the reports on the SCO materials with halogen atoms acting as coordinating ligands remain rare. In this study, we synthesize three iron(II) halide complexes with a general formula of [FeII(Py5Me2)X]+ (Py5Me2 = 2,6-bis[1,1-bis(2-pyridyl)ethyl]pyridine, X = Cl- or Br-) that undergo complete SCO transitions at near room temperature. The SCO properties of these compounds are investigated in detail by magnetic measurements, variable-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffractions, and Mössbauer spectra analyses. Because of the good stability of the coordination structures and suitable ligand-field strength, these compounds show robust spin transitions in both solid state and solution.

Magnetic and Dielectric Switchings Actuated by the Rotation of the Picoline Ligand in an Iron-Based Dinuclear Phase-Transition Complex.

Multifunctional materials with switchable magnetic and dielectric properties are crucial for the development of memory and sensor devices. Herein, we report a methoxy-bridged dinuclear iron-pyridyl complex [Fe2(4-picoline)4(NCS)4(µ-OCH3)2] (1), which shows simultaneous thermal-induced magnetic and dielectric switchings. Within the phase-transition temperature range, both magnetic switching and the dielectric anomaly were detected, in which the thermal hysteresis loops were 23 and 21 K, respectively. Detailed structural analyses revealed that these simultaneous switchings were rooted in the flexible rotatable ligands, which were actuated by readjusting the π-π intermolecular interactions between the pyridine ligands in the trans positions of the metal centers. These results were comprehensively investigated both experimentally and theoretically. This study presents a new guideline to control both the magnetic and dielectric properties of molecular complexes by external stimuli.

Ultrathin Metal-Organic Framework Nanosheets Exhibiting Exceptional Catalytic Activity.

Two-dimensional (2D) metal-organic framework nanosheets (MONs) or membranes are classes of periodic, crystalline polymeric materials that may show unprecedented physicochemical properties due to their modular structures, high surface areas, and high aspect ratios. Yet preparing 2D MONs from multiple components and two different types of polymerization reaction remains challenging and less explored. Here, we report the synthesis of MOF films via interfacial polymerization, which involves three active monomers for simultaneous polycondensation and polycoordination taking place in a confined interface. The well-defined lamellar structure of the MOF films allowed feasible and scalable exfoliation to produce free-standing 2D MONs with high aspect ratio up to 2000:1 and ultrathin thickness (∼1.7 nm). The pore structure was revealed by high-resolution TEM images with near-atomic precision. The imide-linkage of MONs provided superior thermal (up to 530 °C) and good chemical stability in the pH range from 3 to 12. More importantly, the MONs exhibited exceptional catalytic activity and superior reusability for the hydroboration reactions of alkynes, in which the turnover frequency (TOF) reached 41734 h-1, which is 2-4 orders of magnitude greater than that reported for homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts.

Cyclic Trinuclear Copper(I) Complex Exhibiting Aggregation-Induced Emission: A Novel Fluorescent Probe for the Selective Detection of Gold(III) Ions.

Coordination complexes with aggregation-induced-emission (AIE) behavior has drawn much attention because of their promising applications. Conventionally, the AIE-active metal-organic complexes are prepared from an AIE-active organic ligand, and the construction of such coordination complexes from aggregation-caused-quenching (ACQ) ligands is still challenging. Herein, we have synthesized two new cyclic trinuclear complexes (CTCs), namely, 1 and 2, from copper(I) and silver(I) and a ACQ ligand [4-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)benzaldehyde, HL]. (1) exhibited AIE behavior, and the emission intensity is enhanced ∼20 times when it aggregates, which can be attributed to its tight packing and multiple intermolecular hydrogen bonds that restrained the intramolecular rotation, as confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. On the other hand, (2) displayed ACQ effects, and the emission intensity is decreased ∼5 times when it aggregates. This ACQ behavior of 2 is related to its loose packing and free rotation of the ligand in crystals, resulting in nonradiative decay and fluorescence quenching. Interestingly, the CTCs 1 and 2 both exhibited a good affinity to gold(III) ions, allowing selective detection and sensing of gold ions. More importantly, the 2 shows a good limit of detection (3.28 µmol/L) and an ultrafast responsive time (∼2 s). Our studies pave a new route to designing novel AIE-active coordination complexes and further exploring the functionality of CTCs.

Iron(II) Metal-Organic Framework with unh Topology and Tetrazole-Padded Helical Channels.

A unique metal-organic framework (MOF) with tetrazole-padded helical channels has been successfully synthesized in one pot from iron(II) trifluoromethanesulfonate, 4-formylimidazole, hydrazine, and sodium azide under solvothermal conditions and features a rare unh topology and porous structure for gas adsorption. Transformations of condensation, cycloaddition, and coordination occurred during the synthetic process, in which a 1,5-disubstituted tetrazole ligand was formed in situ.

Capturing Lacunary Iron-Oxo Keggin Clusters and Insight Into the Keggin-Fe13 Cluster Rotational Isomerization.

The formation mechanism of ferrihydrite is the key to understand its treatment of pollutants in waste water and purification of surface water and groundwater. Although emerging evidence suggests that formation of the ferrihydrite occurs through the aggregation of prenucleation clusters, rather than classical atom-by-atom growth, its formation mechanism remains unclear. Herein, an iron-oxo anionic cluster of [Fe22 (µ4 -O)8 (µ3 -OH)20 (µ2 -OH)18 (CH3 COO)16 (H2 O)2 ]4- viewed as a dimer of bivacant ß-Keggin-Fe13 clusters was for the first time obtained by using lanthanide ions as stabilizers. Upon dissolution in a mixed solution of isopropanol and water, the lacunary ß-Keggin-Fe13 cluster can transform into an α-Keggin-Fe13 cluster, distinctly demonstrating that the Keggin-Fe13 cluster rotational isomerization can be realized through the vacant Keggin-Fe13 cluster.

A Multi-Redox Responsive Cyanometalate-Based Metallogel.

A TTF-based (TTF=tetrathiafulvalene) tridentate ligand (α-(4'-methyl-4,5-di-n-dodecylthylthiotetrathiafulvalene-5'-ylthio)- α'-[2,2,2-tris(1-pyrazolyl)ethoxy]-p-xylene) (L) with long-chain alkyl moieties was prepared in order to obtain a new multi-redox active gelator based on a mixed-metal octanuclear complex [FeIII4 NiII4 (CN)12 (tp)4 (L)4 ](BF4 )4 (1). The magnetism, electrochemistry, and gelation behavior of 1 were studied and 1,2-dichlorobenzene solutions of 1 are shown to display thermoreversible gelation behavior at room temperature. Furthermore, the gel phase of 1 was shown to undergo room-temperature gel-to-sol transformations induced by both the oxidation and reduction of the gelator complex by F4 TCNQ or [FeII (Cp*)2 ], respectively.

Orbital Engineering: Photoactivation of an Organofunctionalized Polyoxotungstate.

Tungsten-based polyoxometalates (POMs) have been employed as UV-driven photo-catalysts for a range of organic transformations. Their photoactivity is dependent on electronic transitions between frontier orbitals and thus manipulation of orbital energy levels provides a promising means of extending their utility into the visible regime. Herein, an organic-inorganic hybrid polyoxometalate, K6 [P2 W17 O57 (PO5 H5 C7 )2 ]⋅6 C4 H9 NO, was found to exhibit enhanced redox behaviour and photochemistry compared to its purely inorganic counterparts. Hybridization with electron-withdrawing moieties was shown to tune the frontier orbital energy levels and reduce the HOMO-LUMO gap, leading to direct visible-light photoactivation of the hybrid and establishing a simple, cheap and effective approach to the generation of visible-light-activated hybrid nanomaterials.

A Simple Approach to the Visible-Light Photoactivation of Molecular Metal Oxides.

This study explores a new method to maximize the visible-light-driven photocatalytic performance of organic-inorganic hybrid polyoxometalates (POMs). Experimental and theoretical investigations of a family of phosphonate-substituted POMs show that modification of grafted organic moieties can be used to tune the electronic structure and photoactivity of the metal oxide component. Unlike fully inorganic polyoxotungstates, these organic-inorganic hybrid species are responsive to visible light and function as photocatalysts (λ > 420 nm) in the decomposition of a model environmental pollutant. The degree of photoactivation is shown to be dependent on the nature of the inductive effect exerted by the covalently grafted substituent groups. This study emphasizes the untapped potential that lies in an orbital engineering approach to hybrid-POM design and helps to underpin the next generation of bespoke, robust, and cost-effective molecular metal oxide photoactive materials and catalysts.

Insights into Magnetic Interactions in a Monodisperse Gd12 Fe14 Metal Cluster.

The largest Ln-Fe metal cluster [Gd12 Fe14 (µ3 -OH)12 (µ4 -OH)6 (µ4 -O)12 (TEOA)6 (CH3 COO)16 (H2 O)8 ]⋅(CH3 COO)2 (CH3 CN)2 ⋅(H2 O)20 (1) and the core-shell monodisperse metal cluster of 1 a@SiO2 (1 a=[Gd12 Fe14 (µ3 -OH)12 (µ4 -OH)6 (µ4 -O)12 (TEOA)6 (CH3 COO)16 (H2 O)8 ]2+ ) were prepared. Experimental and theoretical studies on the magnetic properties of 1 and 1 a@SiO2 reveal that encapsulation of one cluster into one silica nanosphere not only effectively decreases intermolecular magnetic interactions but also significantly increases the zero-field splitting effect of the outer layer Fe3+ ions.

A Cyanide-Bridged Magnetically Switchable Cage with Encapsulated Water Molecules.

A cage complex, H2O@[Co5Fe4], was found to encapsulate two water molecules during its self-assembly. The complex exhibited remarkable multifunctionality, combining magnetic switching from the thermal electron-transfer-coupled spin transition of the cage host and dipolar reorientational motion of the confined water, as evidenced by permittivity measurements, density functional theory calculations, and solid-state 2H NMR spectra.

Spin Transition and Structural Transformation in a Mononuclear Cobalt(II) Complex.

A mononuclear compound, [Co(II)(pyterpy)2](PF6)2·2CH3OH [2; pyterpy = 4'-(4‴-pyridyl)-2,2':6',2″-terpyridine], shows a phase-transition-coupled, abrupt spin transition with a 9 K wide hysteresis that can transform to a spin-crossover compound, [Co(II)(pyterpy)2](PF6)2·2CH2Cl2·CH3OH (3).

Coligand and solvent effects on the architectures and spin-crossover properties of (4,4)-connected Iron(II) coordination polymers.

The self-assemblies of 1,4-bis(pyrid-4-yl)benzene (bpb) and Fe(NCX)2 (X = S, Se, BH3) afforded six coordination polymers with the general formula of [Fe(bpb)2(NCX)2]·Y (X = S and Y = 3C2H5OH·2.5H2O for complex 4, X = S and Y = 2C2H5OH for 5, X = Se and Y = 2C2H5OH·H2O for 6, X = Se and Y = 0.67CH2Cl2·1.33C2H5OH·0.67H2O for 7, X = BH3 and Y = 3C2H5OH·2H2O for 8, X = BH3 and Y = 2CH2Cl2·2C2H5OH for 9). The frameworks of complexes 4 and 5 with the NCS(-) anion as coligand are supramolecular isomers, of which complex 4 features a threefold self-interpenetrated three-dimensional (3D) CdSO4-type topological structure with a Schläfli symbol of 6(5)·8, and complex 5 is a two-dimensional (2D) 4(4) rhombic grid network. These two complexes are purely high-spin systems. Complexes 6 and 7 with the NCSe(-) anion as coligand, both having the 3D 6(5)·8 CdSO4-type framework, show gradual and incomplete spin-crossover behaviors with transition temperature T1/2 being equal to 86 and 96 K, respectively. The usage of NCBH3(-) anion as coligand leads to the formation of 2D 4(4) rhombic grid networks for both complexes 8 and 9, which undergo relatively abrupt, complete spin crossover with T1/2 being equal to 247 and 189 K, respectively. The structural divergences are attributed to the coligands NCX(-) (X = S, Se, BH3) and solvent molecules. Meanwhile, a significant coligand effect is observed on the spin-crossover behaviors of these complexes, and the completeness and transition temperature of spin-state conversion depends on the nature of the coligand, that is, T1/2(NCS(-)) < T1/2(NCSe(-)) < T1/2(NCBH3(-)). These results further facilitate the design and synthesis of spin-crossover complexes with spin-state conversion.

A three-dimensional complex with a one-dimensional cobalt-hydroxyl chain based on planar nonanuclear clusters showing spin-canted antiferromagnetism.

A new three-dimensional magnetic network, [Co9(OH)6(C42H24O18P3N3)2(H2O)8] (1), has been successfully prepared by utilizing the flexible hexacarboxylate ligand derived from cyclotriphosphazene, which had been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and magnetic measurement. This compound consists of one-dimensional (1D) cobalt-hydroxyl chains based on planar nonanuclear clusters, which are located in the b-c plane to form the nearly two-dimensional cobalt layer. Magnetic measurements reveal that 1 shows spin-canted antiferromagnetism with spin-glass behavior. These results suggest that reasonable design and choice of large carboxylate ligand based on a specific scaffold could be effective for the construction of magnetic materials based on a novel 1D magnetic chain.

Synergetic spin crossover and fluorescence in one-dimensional hybrid complexes.

Hybrid materials integrated with a variety of physical properties, such as spin crossover (SCO) and fluorescence, may show synergetic effects that find applications in many fields. Herein we demonstrate a promising post-synthetic approach to achieve such materials by grafting fluorophores (1-pyrenecarboxaldehyde and Rhodamine B) on one-dimensional SCO Fe(II) structures. The resulting hybrid materials display expected one-step SCO behavior and fluorescent properties, in particular showing a coupling between the transition temperature of SCO and the temperature where the fluorescent intensity reverses. Consequently, synergetic effect between SCO and fluorescence is incorporated into materials despite different fluorophores. This study provides an effective strategy for the design and development of novel magnetic and optical materials.

Valence tautomeric transitions of three one-dimensional cobalt complexes.

Three novel complexes, namely, [Co(III)(3,5-DBCat)(3,5-DBSq)(bpe)]·2CH3CN·2H2O (1·S), [Co(III)(3,5-DBCat)(3,5-DBSq)(azpy)]·2CH3CN·2H2O (2·S), and [Co(II)(3,5-DBSq)2(bpb)][Co(III)(3,5-DBCat)(3,5-DBSq)(bpb)]0.5·2CH3CN·2H2O (3·S), were synthesized and characterized by valence tautomeric (VT) X-ray diffraction and magnetic measurements [where 3,5-DBCatH2 = 3,5-di-tert-butyl-catechol, 3,5-DBSqH = 3,5-di-tert-butyl-semiquinone, bpe = trans-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene, azpy = trans-4,4'-azopyridine, and bpb = 1,4-bis(4-pyridyl)benzene]. The three complexes have similar one-dimensional chain structure building from bidentate-bridging pyridine ligands and planar 3,5-DBCat/3,5-DBSq-fixed Co(II/III) entities. Complexes 1·S and 2·S could retain the crystallinity during desolvation, and the crystal structures of 1 and 2 were therefore able to be determined. Only when 1·S and 2·S desolvated above 310 K did the magnetic susceptibilities × temperatures values of the two complexes rise sharply, and then thermally induced complete, one-step VT transitions for 1 and 2 were available and repeatable. Complex 3·S showed an incomplete, one-step VT transition independent of solvent molecules. Among these complexes, only 1 was sensitive to photoexcitation at low temperature, its photoinduced metastable state relaxed with temperature-independent behavior at low temperature range (5-10 K) and with thermally assisted behavior at high temperature range (above 20 K), respectively.