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Updated: Dec 13, 2025

Synthesis and Characterization of Functionalized Metal-organic Frameworks
Published on: September 5, 2014
N,N-Diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) acts as a metal-organic framework synthesis solvent with phase-directing
Ryan A Dodson1, Andre P Kalenak, Derek R Du Bois
1Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, 930 North University Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1055, USA. matzger@umich.edu.
Abstract:
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are generally synthesized in toxic formamide solvents. Greener solvents would lower production barriers and facilitate applications such as drug delivery. N,N-Diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET), the most widely used insect repellent, is shown to serve this role. Furthermore, DEET-loaded MOFs can be leveraged in controlled-release insect repellent formulations.
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