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Structural Isomerism

Structural Isomerism

Isomerism in Complexes
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula. Structural isomerism of coordination compounds can be divided into two subcategories, the linkage isomers and coordination-sphere isomers.
Linkage isomers occur when the coordination compound contains a ligand that can bind to the transition metal center through two different atoms. For example, the CN− ligand can bind through the carbon atom or through the nitrogen atom. Similarly, SCN− can...

Stereoisomerism

Stereoisomerism

Isomerism in Complexes
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula.
Transition metal complexes often exist as geometric isomers, in which the same atoms are connected through the same types of bonds but with differences in their orientation in space. Coordination complexes with two different ligands in the cis and trans positions from a ligand of interest form isomers. For example, the octahedral [Co(NH3)4Cl2]+ ion has two isomers (Figure 1) In the cis...

Properties of Organometallic Compounds

Properties of Organometallic Compounds

Organometallic compounds are compounds that contain a carbon–metal bond. Carbon belongs to an organyl group like alkyl, aryl, allyl, or benzyl groups. The metal can be from Group I or Group II of the periodic table, a transition metal, or a semimetal.

Isomerism

Isomerism

Isomers are molecules with the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements. Isomers can be further classified into constitutional isomers and stereoisomers. Constitutional isomers differ in the connectivity of their constituent atoms. For example, 2-butanol and diethyl ether are constitutional isomers, as they have the same chemical formula, C4H10O, but differ in the connectivity of the carbon and oxygen atoms. Constitutional isomers have different physical and chemical...

Metallic Solids

Metallic Solids

Metallic solids such as crystals of copper, aluminum, and iron are formed by metal atoms. The structure of metallic crystals is often described as a uniform distribution of atomic nuclei within a “sea” of delocalized electrons. The atoms within such a metallic solid are held together by a unique force known as metallic bonding that gives rise to many useful and varied bulk properties.
All metallic solids exhibit high thermal and electrical conductivity, metallic luster, and malleability....

Coordination Number and Geometry

Coordination Number and Geometry

For transition metal complexes, the coordination number determines the geometry around the central metal ion. Table 1 compares coordination numbers to molecular geometry. The most common structures of the complexes in coordination compounds are octahedral, tetrahedral, and square planar.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 2025

Author Spotlight: Experimental Approaches for the Synthesis of Low-Valent Metal-Organic Frameworks from Multitopic Phosphine Linkers

Author Spotlight: Experimental Approaches for the Synthesis of Low-Valent Metal-Organic Frameworks from Multitopic Phosphine Linkers

Published on: May 12, 2023

Isomerism in Metal-Organic Frameworks: "Framework Isomers".

Tegan A Makal¹, Andrey A Yakovenko¹, Hong-Cai Zhou¹

¹Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, P.O. Box 30012, College Station, Texas 77842, United States.

The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters

|November 7, 2024

Summary

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) exhibit unique framework isomerism due to diverse structural arrangements. This perspective classifies MOF isomers, analyzes structure-property relationships, and discusses synthesis and characterization.

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Last Updated: Jun 8, 2025

Author Spotlight: Experimental Approaches for the Synthesis of Low-Valent Metal-Organic Frameworks from Multitopic Phosphine Linkers

Author Spotlight: Experimental Approaches for the Synthesis of Low-Valent Metal-Organic Frameworks from Multitopic Phosphine Linkers

Published on: May 12, 2023

Synthesis and Characterization of Functionalized Metal-organic Frameworks

Synthesis and Characterization of Functionalized Metal-organic Frameworks

Published on: September 5, 2014

Author Spotlight: Characterizing Porous Materials for Aiding the Development of Robust Metal-Organic Frameworks with Adsorption Behavior

Author Spotlight: Characterizing Porous Materials for Aiding the Development of Robust Metal-Organic Frameworks with Adsorption Behavior

Published on: March 8, 2024

Area of Science:

Materials Science
Chemistry
Nanotechnology

Background:

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are crucial for advanced technologies like gas storage and separation.
MOFs are constructed from metal clusters and organic ligands, allowing for structural diversity.
Framework isomerism, where identical components form different structures, is a unique characteristic of MOFs.

Purpose of the Study:

To classify the various types of framework isomerism observed in MOFs.
To analyze the relationship between MOF structure and material properties.
To discuss future strategies for controlling MOF isomer synthesis and characterization.

Main Methods:

Literature review and classification of existing MOF structures.
Analysis of structure-property correlations based on published data.
Discussion of synthetic control and characterization techniques for MOF isomers.

Main Results:

Categorization of MOF framework isomers with illustrative examples.
Insights into how structural variations influence MOF properties.
Identification of potential synthetic pathways and characterization methods.

Conclusions:

Framework isomerism is a key feature of MOFs with significant implications for material properties.
Understanding and controlling isomerism is vital for tailoring MOFs for specific applications.
Further research into synthesis and characterization will advance MOF technology.