Metal-Organic Frameworks Based on Multicenter-Bonded [M^I ]₈ (M=Mn, Zn) Clusters with Cubic Aromaticity

A new concept for constructing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based on multicenter-bonded [M^I ]₈ (M=Mn, Zn) clusters with cubic aromaticity is discussed. In principle, intermolecular/intramolecular hydrogen-bonding, π-π stacking, coordinated covalent bonding and ionic bonding usually account for the structures of MOFs, and multicentered bonds generally exist in cation, anion, neutral and zwitterionic radicals, while rarely appear in MOFs. Meanwhile, aromaticity became one of the most vexing yet fascinating key concepts in chemistry since the proposition of the structure of benzene molecule in 1865. In this context, this concept article exhibits the preparation, structures, characterization methods, theoretical analysis of current research for MOFs which feature with multicentered bonding [M^I ]₈ (M=Mn, Zn) cluster with cubic aromaticity, followed by their fluorescence probe and magnetic properties are also summarized. Finally, prospective outlook in this field is given.