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Synthesis and Characterization of Functionalized Metal-organic Frameworks
Published on: September 5, 2014
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Metal-organic frameworks with mechanically interlocked pillars: controlling ring dynamics in the solid-state via a
Kelong Zhu1, V Nicholas Vukotic, Christopher A O'Keefe
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor , Windsor, Ontario Canada , N9B 3P4.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|April 26, 2014
Summary
Researchers created novel metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) using mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) as struts. A reversible phase change in these MOFs allows control over MIM dynamics within the solid material.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Crystallography
Background:
- Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline porous materials with diverse applications.
- Mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) offer unique structural and dynamic properties.
- Integrating MIMs into MOFs presents opportunities for advanced functional materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize MOFs incorporating [2]rotaxane linkers.
- To investigate the dynamic behavior of MIMs within MOF frameworks.
- To explore the control of MIM dynamics via reversible phase transitions.
Main Methods:
- Single-crystal X-ray diffraction for structural analysis.
- Variable-temperature (VT) solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) spectroscopy.
- VT powder X-ray diffraction for phase transition studies.
Main Results:
- MOFs UWDM-2 and UWDM-3 were synthesized with [2]rotaxane pillaring struts.
- Interpenetration was observed in both MOF structures, restricting macrocycle rotation.
- Activation of UWDM-3 induced a reversible phase change, enabling full rotation of the [24]crown-6 macrocycle.
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrates the first instance of controlling MIM dynamics in a solid material through a reversible phase change.
- This work opens avenues for designing responsive MOF-based materials with tunable molecular motion.
