Tritopic Triazatruxene Ligands for Multicomponent Metal-Organic Frameworks

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemistry

Background:

• Multicomponent metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer precise control over framework properties through ligand design.
• Functionalizing ligands allows for targeted property modification in MOFs for specific applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a novel tritopic triazatruxene-based tricarboxylic acid ligand (H3tat).
• To construct a new series of isoreticular, quaternary MOFs using the functionalized H3tat ligand.
• To investigate the impact of ligand functionalization and guest molecule interactions on MOF properties, including fluorescence.

Main Methods:

• A simple synthetic procedure was employed to create the H3tat ligand.
• Symmetrical derivatization of the triazatruxene ligand at nitrogen centers.
• Isoreticular MOFs were synthesized using the functionalized ligands, linear carboxylates, and Zn4O clusters.
• Characterization of MOF structure, surface area, pore volume, and fluorescence properties.

Main Results:

• A new series of well-ordered, quaternary MOFs based on functionalized triazatruxene ligands were successfully synthesized.
• The synthesized MOFs are isostructural to the MUF-77 series, exhibiting high surface areas and large pore volumes.
• Hydrogen bonding interactions between the triazatruxene ligand's NH sites and guest molecules were shown to modify the MOF's fluorescence behavior.

Conclusions:

• The study demonstrates a facile method for creating functionalized triazatruxene ligands for multicomponent MOFs.
• The developed MOFs possess desirable structural and textural properties, making them suitable for various applications.
• The tunable fluorescence via guest molecule interactions opens avenues for developing advanced sensing and optical materials.