Skeletal rearrangement of 6,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-4-ols promoted by thionyl chloride or Appel conditions

A skeletal rearrangement of a series of 6,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-4-ols has been developed using SOCl2 in the presence of pyridine. An oxygen migration from C5 to C4 was observed when the C4 alcohols were treated with SOCl2/pyridine, giving a 2-chloro-3,8-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane ring-system via the chlorosulfite intermediate. Analogous allylic alcohols with endocyclic and exocyclic unsaturations underwent chlorination without rearrangement due to formation of allylic cations. The rearrangement was also demonstrated using Appel conditions, which gave similar results via the alkoxytriphenylphosphonium intermediate. Several reactions of the products were investigated to show the utility of the rearrangement.

Intermolecular Enamine Mizoroki-Heck Reactions on a Bio-Derived Scaffold

The intramolecular enamine-Mizoroki-Heck reaction allows for the construction of nitrogen-containing heterocycles, although the related intermolecular version is less known. The reactions of enamines derived from Cyrene were investigated under Mizoroki-Heck conditions. An optimization study was used to identify that 1.5 mol % Pd(dba)2 with PCy3 in xylene at reflux temperature gave the highest yield with electron-rich aryl iodides. Arylation occurred predominantly at the C-N center of the enamine, while the diastereoselectivity was dependent on the nitrogen substitution in the enamine.

Atomic-Scale Elucidation of Unusually Distorted Dimeric Complexes Confined in a Zr-Based Metal-Organic Framework

Nanoconfinement in metal-organic framework (MOF) pores can lead to the isolation of unusual or reactive metal complexes. However, MOFs that support the stabilization and precise structural elucidation of metal complexes and small metal clusters are rare. Here, we report a thermally and chemically stable zirconium-based MOF (University of Adelaide Material-1001, UAM-1001) with a high density of free bis-pyrazolyl units that can confine mono- and dinuclear metal complexes. The precursor MOF, UAM-1000, has a high degree of structural flexibility, but post synthetic modification with a bracing linker, biphenyl-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid, partially rigidifies the MOF (UAM-1001). This allows "matrix isolation" and detailed structural elucidation of postsynthetically added dimeric complexes bound within a tetradentate binding site formed by two linkers. Dimeric species [Co2Cl4], [Cu2Cl4], [Ni2Cl3(H2O)2]Cl, and [Rh2(CO)3Cl2] were successfully isolated in UAM-1001 and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Comparison of the UAM-1001 isolated species with similar complexes in the solid state reveals that UAM-1001 can significantly distort the structures and enforce notably shorter metal-metal distances. For example, MOF tethering allows isolation of a [Cu2Cl4] complex that rapidly reacts with water in the solid state. The stability, porosity, and modulated flexibility of UAM-1001 provide an ideal platform material for the isolation and study of new dimeric complexes and their reactivity.

Fortuitous In Vitro Compound Degradation Produces a Tractable Hit against Mycobacterium tuberculosis Dethiobiotin Synthetase: A Cautionary Tale of What Goes In Does Not Always Come Out

We previously reported potent ligands and inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis dethiobiotin synthetase (MtDTBS), a promising target for antituberculosis drug development (Schumann et al., ACS Chem Biol. 2021, 16, 2339-2347); here, the unconventional origin of the fragment compound they were derived from is described for the first time. Compound 1 (9b-hydroxy-6b,7,8,9,9a,9b-hexahydrocyclopenta[3,4]cyclobuta[1,2-c]chromen-6(6aH)-one), identified by an in silico fragment screen, was subsequently shown by surface plasmon resonance to have dose-responsive binding (KD = 0.6 mM). Clear electron density was revealed in the DAPA substrate binding pocket when 1 was soaked into MtDTBS crystals, but the density was inconsistent with the structure of 1. Here, we show that the lactone of 1 hydrolyzes to a carboxylic acid (2) under basic conditions, including those of the crystallography soak, with a subsequent ring opening of the component cyclobutane ring forming a cyclopentylacetic acid (3). Crystals soaked directly with authentic 3 produced an electron density that matched that of crystals soaked with presumed 1, confirming the identity of the bound ligand. The synthetic utility of fortuitously formed 3 enabled the subsequent compound development of nanomolar inhibitors. Our findings represent an example of chemical modification within drug discovery assays and demonstrate the value of high-resolution structural data in the fragment hit validation process.

Studying manganese carbonyl photochemistry in a permanently porous metal-organic framework

Mn(diimine)(CO)3X (X = halide) complexes are critical components of chromophores, photo- and electrocatalysts, and photoactive CO-releasing molecules (photoCORMs). While these entities have been incorporated into metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a detailed understanding of the photochemical and chemical processes that occur in a permanently porous support is lacking. Here we site-isolate and study the photochemistry of a Mn(diimine)(CO)3Br moiety anchored within a permanently porous MOF support, allowing for not only the photo-liberation of CO from the metal but also its escape from the MOF crystals. In addition, the high crystallinity and structural flexibility of the MOF allows crystallographic snapshots of the photolysis products to be obtained. We report these photo-crystallographic studies in the presence of coordinating solvents, THF and acetonitrile, showing the changing coordination environment of the Mn species as CO loss proceeds. Using time resolved experiments, we report complementary spectroscopic studies of the photolysis chemistry and characterize the final photolysis product as a possible Mn(ii) entity. These studies inform the chemistry that occurs in MOF-based photoCORMs and where these moieties are employed as catalysts.

Bioinspired Total Synthesis of Hyperireflexolides A and B

Hyperireflexolides A and B were synthesized in six steps via the dearomatization and fragmentation of a simple acylphloroglucinol starting material. The dearomatized acylphloroglucinol undergoes a sequence of oxidative radical cyclization, retro-Dieckmann fragmentation, stereodivergent intramolecular carbonyl-ene reactions, and final α-hydroxy-β-diketone rearrangements to give the target natural products. This sequence is based on a biosynthetic proposal that claims the hyperireflexolides as highly rearranged polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs), which is supported by the structural revision of hyperireflexolide B.

Desymmetrization and Kinetic Resolution of Endoperoxides Using a Bifunctional Organocatalyst

Bifunctional thiourea/amine organocatalysts have been used for the desymmetrization of meso-endoperoxides using the Kornblum-DeLaMare reaction, giving 4-hydroxyketones in 78-98% yields with ≤98:2 enantioselectivity. The influence of the catalyst structure, solvent, and temperature was examined. The most promising catalyst was applied to the kinetic resolution of racemic endoperoxides to give enantioenriched materials (≤99:1 er).

A bioinspired, one-step total synthesis of peshawaraquinone

A concise synthesis of a stereochemically complex meroterpenoid, peshawaraquinone, via the unsymmetrical dimerization of its achiral precursor, dehydro-α-lapachone, is reported. Enabled by reversible oxa-6π-electrocyclizations of 2H-pyran intermediates, the base-catalyzed dimerization sets up an intramolecular (3 + 2) cycloaddition, with the formation of six stereocenters during the cascade. Combining the generation and in situ dimerization of dehydro-α-lapachone allows a one-step total synthesis of peshawaraquinone from lawsone and prenal.

Bioinspired Total Synthesis of Erectones A and B, and the Revised Structure of Hyperelodione D

The field of biomimetic synthesis seeks to apply biosynthetic hypotheses to the efficient construction of complex natural products. This approach can also guide the revision of incorrectly assigned structures. Herein, we describe the evolution of a concise total synthesis and structural reassignment of hyperelodione D, a tetracyclic meroterpenoid derived from a Hypericum plant, alongside some biogenetically related natural products, erectones A and B. The key step in the synthesis of hyperelodione D forms six stereocentres and three rings in a bioinspired cascade reaction that features an intermolecular Diels-Alder reaction, an intramolecular Prins reaction and a terminating cycloetherification.

Templated synthesis of zirconium(IV)-based metal-organic layers (MOLs) with accessible chelating sites

Metal-organic layers (MOLs) are of great interest in heterogeneous catalysis, particularly materials that can accommodate extraneous metal centres. Here, we demonstrate a two-step preorganisation/delamination synthetic strategy using CuI as a template to prepare Zr-based MOLs with accessible 'syn' bis-pyrazolyl chelating sites (named UAM-2·ns) that are poised for quantitative post-synthetic metalation with late transition metals.

Coordination modulated on-off switching of flexibility in a metal-organic framework

Stimuli-responsive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) exhibit dynamic, and typically reversible, structural changes upon exposure to external stimuli. This process often induces drastic changes in their adsorption properties. Herein, we present a stimuli-responsive MOF, 1·[CuCl], that shows temperature dependent switching from a rigid to flexible phase. This conversion is associated with a dramatic reversible change in the gas adsorption properties, from Type-I to S-shaped isotherms. The structural transition is facilitated by a novel mechanism that involves both a change in coordination number (3 to 2) and geometry (trigonal planar to linear) of the post-synthetically added Cu(i) ion. This process serves to 'unlock' the framework rigidity imposed by metal chelation of the bis-pyrazolyl groups and realises the intrinsic flexibility of the organic link.

Influence of the Synthesis and Storage Conditions on the Activity of Candida antarctica Lipase B ZIF-8 Biocomposites

The biomimetic mineralization of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) has been reported as a strategy for enzyme immobilization, enabling the heterogenization and protection of biomacromolecules. Here, we report the preparation of different Candida antarctica lipase B biocomposites (CALB@ZIF-8) formed by altering the concentrations of Zn2+ and 2-methylimidazole (2-mIM). The influence of synthetic conditions on the catalytic activity of the lipase CALB was examined by hydrolysis and transesterification assays in aqueous and organic media, respectively. We demonstrated that for both reactions, activity was retained for the biocomposites formed at low Zn2+/2-mIM ratios but notably almost entirely lost when the ligand concentration used to form the biocomposites was increased. Additionally, phosphate buffer could regenerate the activity of larger particles by degrading the crystal surfaces and releasing encapsulated CALB into solution. Transesterification reactions using CALB@ZIF-8 biocomposites were undertaken in 100% hexane, giving rise to enhanced CALB activity relative to the free enzyme. These observations highlight the fundamental importance of synthetic protocols and operating parameters for developing enzyme@MOF biocomposites with improved activity in challenging conditions.

The biochemical fate of Ag+ ions in Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and biological media

Silver is commonly included in a range of household and medical items to provide bactericidal action. Despite this, the chemical fate of the metal in both mammalian and bacterial systems remains poorly understood. Here, we applied a metallomics approach using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and size-exclusion chromatography hyphenated with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SEC-ICP-MS) to advance our understanding of the biochemical fate of silver ions in bacterial culture and cells, and the chemistry associated with these interactions. When silver ions were added to lysogeny broth, silver was exclusively associated with moderately-sized species (~30 kDa) and bound by thiolate ligands. In two representative bacterial pathogens cultured in lysogeny broth including sub-lethal concentrations of ionic silver, silver was found in cells to be predominantly coordinated by thiolate species. The silver biomacromolecule-binding profile in Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was complex, with silver bound by a range of species spanning from 20 kDa to >1220 kDa. In bacterial cells, silver was nonuniformly colocalised with copper-bound proteins, suggesting that cellular copper processing may, in part, confuse silver for nutrient copper. Notably, in the treated cells, silver was not detected bound to low molecular weight compounds such as glutathione or bacillithiol.

Single-Crystal-to-Single-Crystal Transformations of Metal-Organic-Framework-Supported, Site-Isolated Trigonal-Planar Cu(I) Complexes with Labile Ligands

Transition-metal complexes bearing labile ligands can be difficult to isolate and study in solution because of unwanted dinucleation or ligand substitution reactions. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) provide a unique matrix that allows site isolation and stabilization of well-defined transition-metal complexes that may be of importance as moieties for gas adsorption or catalysis. Herein we report the development of an in situ anion metathesis strategy that facilitates the postsynthetic modification of Cu(I) complexes appended to a porous, crystalline MOF. By exchange of coordinated chloride for weakly coordinating anions in the presence of carbon monoxide (CO) or ethylene, a series of labile MOF-appended Cu(I) complexes featuring CO or ethylene ligands are prepared and structurally characterized using X-ray crystallography. These complexes have an uncommon trigonal planar geometry because of the absence of coordinating solvents. The porous host framework allows small and moderately sized molecules to access the isolated Cu(I) sites and displace the "place-holder" CO ligand, mirroring the ligand-exchange processes involved in Cu-centered catalysis.

Facile Multistep Synthesis of ZnO-Coated β-NaYF4:Yb/Tm Upconversion Nanoparticles as an Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy for Persistent Staphylococcus aureus Small Colony Variants

Antibacterial treatment strategies using functional nanomaterials, such as photodynamic therapy, are urgently required to combat persistent Staphylococcus aureus small colony variant (SCV) bacteria. Using a stepwise approach involving thermolysis to form β-NaYF₄:Yb/Tm upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and surface ligand exchange with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), followed by zeolite imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) coating and conversion to zinc oxide (ZnO), β-NaYF₄:Yb/Tm@ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized. The direct synthesis of β-NaYF₄:Yb/Tm@ZIF-8 UCNPs proved problematic due to the hydrophobic nature of the as-synthesized material, which was shown by zeta potential measurements using dynamic light scattering (DLS). To facilitate deposition of a ZnO coating, the zeta potentials of (i) as-synthesized UCNPs, (ii) calcined UCNPs, (iii) polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and (iv) CTAB-coated UCNPs were measured, which revealed the CTAB-coated UCNPs to be the most hydrophilic and the better-dispersed form in water. β-NaYF₄:Yb/Tm@ZIF-8 composites formed using the CTAB-coated UCNPs were then converted into β-NaYF₄:Yb/Tm@ZnO nanoparticles by calcination under carefully controlled conditions. Photoluminescence analysis confirmed the upconversion process for the UCNP core, which allows the β-NaYF₄:Yb/Tm@ZnO nanoparticles to photogenerate reactive oxygen species (ROS) when activated by near-infrared (NIR) radiation. The NIR-activated UCNPs@ZnO nanoparticles demonstrated potent efficacy against both Staphylococcus aureus (WCH-SK2) and its associated SCV form (0.67 and 0.76 log colony forming unit (CFU) reduction, respectively), which was attributed to ROS generated from the NIR activated β-NaYF₄:Yb/Tm@ZnO nanoparticles.

MOF matrix isolation: cooperative conformational mobility enables reliable single crystal transformations

Obtaining structural information for highly reactive metal-based species can provide valuable insight into important chemical transformations or catalytic processes. Trapping these metal-based species within the cavities of porous crystalline hosts, such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), can stabilise them, allowing detailed structural elucidation by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Previously, we have used a bespoke flexible MOF, [Mn3L2L'] (MnMOF-1, where L = bis-(4-carboxyphenyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)methane and L = L', but L' has a vacant N,N'-chelation site), which has a chelating site capable of post-synthetically binding metal ions, to study organometallic transformations and fundamental isomerisation processes. This manuscript will report the underlying conformational flexibility of the framework, demonstrate the solvent dependency of post-synthetic metalation, and show that the structural flexibility of the linker site and framework are critical to controlling and achieving high levels of metal loading (and therefore site occupancy) during chemical transformations. From these results, a set of design principles for linker-based "matrix isolation" and structure determination in MOFs are derived.

Structural modulation of the photophysical and electronic properties of pyrene-based 3D metal–organic frameworks derived from s-block metals

Materials in which charge delocalization and migration can be tuned are critical for electronic applications.

Elucidating pore chemistry within metal–organic frameworks via single crystal X-ray diffraction; from fundamental understanding to application

The application of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) to diverse chemical sectors is aided by their crystallinity, which permits the use of X-ray crystallography to characterise their pore chemistry and provides invaluable insight into their properties.

A metal-organic framework supported iridium catalyst for the gas phase hydrogenation of ethylene

The mutable structures of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) allow their use as novel supports for transition metal catalysts. Herein we prepare an iridium bis(ethylene) catalyst bound to the neutral N-donors of a MOF structure and show that the compound is a stable gas phase ethylene hydrogenation catalyst. The data illustrate the need to carefully consider the inner sphere (support) and outer sphere (anion) chemistry.

Highly Active Gas Phase Organometallic Catalysis Supported Within Metal-Organic Framework Pores

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can act as a platform for the heterogenization of molecular catalysts, providing improved stability, allowing easy catalyst recovery and a route toward structural elucidation of the active catalyst. We have developed a MOF, 1, possessing vacant N,N-chelating sites which are accessible via the porous channels that penetrate the structure. In the present work, cationic rhodium(I) norbornadiene (NBD) and bis(ethylene) (ETH) complexes paired with both noncoordinating and coordinating anions have been incorporated into the N,N-chelation sites of 1 via postsynthetic metalation and facile anion exchange. Exploiting the crystallinity of the host framework, the immobilized Rh(I) complexes were structurally characterized using X-ray crystallography. Ethylene hydrogenation catalysis by 1·[Rh(NBD)]X and 1·[Rh(ETH)₂]X (X = Cl and BF₄) was studied in the gas phase (2 bar, 46 °C) to reveal that 1·[Rh(ETH)₂](BF₄) was the most active catalyst (TOF = 64 h^-1); the NBD materials and the chloride salt were notably less active. On the basis of these observations, the activity of the Rh(I) bis(ethylene) complexes, 1·[Rh(ETH)₂]BF₄ and 1·[Rh(ETH)₂]Cl, in butene isomerization was also studied using gas-phase NMR spectroscopy. Under one bar of butene at 46 °C, 1·[Rh(ETH)₂]BF₄ rapidly catalyzes the conversion of 1-butene to 2-butene with a TOF averaging 2000 h^-1 over five cycles. Notably, the chloride derivative, 1 [Rh(ETH)₂]Cl displays negligible activity in comparison. XPS analysis of the postcatalysis sample, supported by DFT calculations, suggest that the catalytic activity is inhibited by the strong interactions between a Rh(III) allyl hydride intermediate and the chloride anion.

Isolating reactive metal-based species in Metal-Organic Frameworks - viable strategies and opportunities

Structural insight into reactive species can be achieved via strategies such as matrix isolation in frozen glasses, whereby species are kinetically trapped, or by confinement within the cavities of host molecules. More recently, Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have been used as molecular scaffolds to isolate reactive metal-based species within their ordered pore networks. These studies have uncovered new reactivity, allowed observation of novel metal-based complexes and clusters, and elucidated the nature of metal-centred reactions responsible for catalysis. This perspective considers strategies by which metal species can be introduced into MOFs and highlights some of the advantages and limitations of each approach. Furthermore, the growing body of work whereby reactive species can be isolated and structurally characterised within a MOF matrix will be reviewed, including discussion of salient examples and the provision of useful guidelines for the design of new systems. Novel approaches that facilitate detailed structural analysis of reactive chemical moieties are of considerable interest as the knowledge garnered underpins our understanding of reactivity and thus guides the synthesis of materials with unprecedented functionality.

In Situ MOF-Templating of Rh Nanocatalysts under Reducing Conditions

Manganese-based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) metalated with Rh were used as pre-catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation. Activated insitu (80% H2, 20% CO2, 350°C), the resulting templated catalysts displayed CO2 conversion of up to 20%, with CH4 as the main product. Used catalysts were compared with samples templated in 5% H2/Ar at 350°C using powder X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that under reducing atmosphere Rh0 nanoparticles formed and organic MOF components decomposed, which allowed growth of MnO or MnCO3 and the formation of a mesh of catalytic Rh0 nanoparticles.

ortho-Quinone Methide Cyclizations Inspired by the Busseihydroquinone Family of Natural Products

A series of cascade reactions of o-quinone methides have been developed based on the proposed biosynthesis of busseihydroquinone and parvinaphthol meroterpenoid natural products. The polycyclic framework of the most complex family members, busseihydroquinone E and parvinaphthol C, was assembled by an intramolecular [4 + 2] cycloaddition of an electron-rich chromene substrate. The resultant cyclic enol ether underwent rearrangements under acidic or oxidative conditions, which led to a new total synthesis of rhodonoid D.

Biomimetic Synthesis of Mitchellenes B-H from the Abundant Biological Precursor 14-Hydroxy-6,12-muuroloadien-15-oic Acid

A step-economic biomimetic synthesis of mitchellenes B-H found in Eremophila sturtii has been achieved. Starting from the putative muurolane biological precursor, redox isomerization of the allylic alcohol gave an epimeric mixture of aldehydes, which could be used as a handle for cyclization onto the C6 position, using Bu₃SnH-mediated radical cyclization or NHC-catalyzed Stetter reaction. The NHC-mediated approach was superior as the epimeric mixture underwent a dynamic kinetic resolution during the reaction, and reduction of the mixture with NaBH₄ selectively formed the mitchellene ring system in 56% yield for the three steps. In the campaign to obtain the acid-starting material, two new natural products, mitchellene H and a muurolane aldehyde, were isolated. Synthetic procedures to access this family of natural products will enable further studies on their biological properties.

Solar Energy Storage by Molecular Norbornadiene-Quadricyclane Photoswitches: Polymer Film Devices

Devices that can capture and convert sunlight into stored chemical energy are attractive candidates for future energy technologies. A general challenge is to combine efficient solar energy capture with high energy densities and energy storage time into a processable composite for device application. Here, norbornadiene (NBD)-quadricyclane (QC) molecular photoswitches are embedded into polymer matrices, with possible applications in energy storing coatings. The NBD-QC photoswitches that are capable of absorbing sunlight with estimated solar energy storage efficiencies of up to 3.8% combined with attractive energy storage densities of up to 0.48 MJ kg-1. The combination of donor and acceptor units leads to an improved solar spectrum match with an onset of absorption of up to 529 nm and a lifetime (t 1/2) of up to 10 months. The NBD-QC systems with properties matched to a daily energy storage cycle are further investigated in the solid state by embedding the molecules into a series of polymer matrices revealing that polystyrene is the preferred choice of matrix. These polymer devices, which can absorb sunlight and over a daily cycle release the energy as heat, are investigated for their cyclability, showing multicycle reusability with limited degradation that might allow them to be applied as window laminates.

Synthesis and Characterisation of Helicate and Mesocate Forms of a Double-Stranded Diruthenium(II) Complex of a Di(terpyridine) Ligand

A diruthenium(ii) complex involving the di(terpyridine) ligand 1,2-bis{5-(5″-methyl-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridinyl)}ethane was synthesised by heating an equimolar ratio of RuCl3 and the ligand under reflux conditions in ethylene glycol for 3 days, realising double-stranded helicate and mesocate forms which were chromatographically separated. The two species were obtained in relatively low yield (each ~7–9%) from the reaction mixture. X-Ray structural studies revealed differences in the cavity sizes of the two structures, with the helicate structure having a significantly smaller cavity. Furthermore, the helicate and mesocate forms pack with notably different arrangements of the structures with the helicate having large solvent and anion filled pores. 1D/2D NMR studies revealed rigidity in the mesocate structure relative to that of the helicate, such that the –CH2CH2– signal was split in the former and appeared as a singlet in the latter. In a manner analogous to the behaviour of the parent [Ru(tpy)2]2+ coordination moiety (tpy=2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine), photophysical studies indicated that both the helicate and mesocate forms were non-emissive at ~610nm at room temperature, but at 77K in n-butyronitrile, both isomers showed emission at ~610nm (λex 472nm). However, the temporal emission characteristics were very different: time-resolved studies showed the emission of the helicate species decayed with a dominant emission lifetime of ~10 μs (similar to the emissive properties of free [Ru(tpy)2]2+ under the same conditions), whereas for the mesocate the emission lifetime was at least three orders of magnitude lower (~4 ns).

Tuning Packing, Structural Flexibility, and Porosity in 2D Metal–Organic Frameworks by Metal Node Choice

Understanding the key features that determine structural flexibility in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is key to exploiting their dynamic physical and chemical properties. We have previously reported a 2D MOF material, CuL1, comprising five-coordinate metal nodes that displays exceptional CO2/N2 selectively (L1=bis(4-(4-carboxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazolyl)methane). Here we examine the effect of utilising six-coordinate metal centres (CoII and NiII) in the synthesis of isostructural MOFs from L1, namely CoL1 and NiL1. The octahedral geometry of the metal centre within the MOF analogues precludes an ideal eclipse of the 2D layers, resulting in an offset stacking, and in certain cases, the formation of 2-fold interpenetrated analogues β-CoL1 and β-NiL1. We used a combination of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction (PXRD and SCXRD) to show that desolvation is accompanied by a structural change for NiL1, and complete removal of the coordinated H2O ligands results in a reduction in long-range order. The offset nature of the 2D layers in combination with the structural changes impedes the adsorption of meaningful quantities of gases (N2, CO2), highlighting the importance of a five-coordinate metal centre in achieving optimal pore accessibility for this family of flexible materials.

Protecting-Group-Free Site-Selective Reactions in a Metal-Organic Framework Reaction Vessel

Site-selective organic transformations are commonly required in the synthesis of complex molecules. By employing a bespoke metal-organic framework (MOF, 1·[Mn(CO)₃N₃]), in which coordinated azide anions are precisely positioned within 1D channels, we present a strategy for the site-selective transformation of dialkynes into alkyne-functionalized triazoles. As an illustration of this approach, 1,7-octadiyne-3,6-dione stoichiometrically furnishes the mono-"click" product N-methyl-4-hex-5'-ynl-1',4'-dione-1,2,3-triazole with only trace bis-triazole side-product. Stepwise insights into conversions of the MOF reaction vessel were obtained by X-ray crystallography, demonstrating that the reactive sites are "isolated" from one another. Single-crystal to single-crystal transformations of the Mn(I)-metalated material 1·[Mn(CO)₃(H₂O)]Br to the corresponding azide species 1·[Mn(CO)₃N₃] with sodium azide, followed by a series of [3+2] azide-alkyne cycloaddition reactions, are reported. The final liberation of the "click" products from the porous material is achieved by N-alkylation with MeBr, which regenerates starting MOF 1·[Mn(CO)₃(H₂O)]Br and releases the organic products, as characterized by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Once the dialkyne length exceeds the azide separation, site selectivity is lost, confirming the critical importance of isolated azide moieties for this strategy. We postulate that carefully designed MOFs can act as physical protecting groups to facilitate other site-selective and chemoselective transformations.