Abstract:
Single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) transformations represent some
of the most fascinating phenomena in chemistry. They are not only
intriguing from a basic science point of view but also provide a means
to modify or tune the properties of the materials via the postsynthetic
introduction of suitable guest molecules or organic functional groups
into their structures. Here, we describe UCY-2, a new flexible Nd3+
metal-organic framework (MOF), which exhibits a unique capability to
undergo a plethora of SCSC transformations with some of them being very
uncommon. These structural alterations involve the replacement of
coordinating solvent molecules of UCY-2 by terminally ligating solvents
and organic ligands with multiple functional groups including -OH, -SH,
-NH-, and -NH2 or their combinations, chelating ligands, anions, and two
different organic compounds. The SCSC coordinating solvent exchange is
thus demonstrated as a powerful method for the functionalization of
MOFs.
