Modulator Driven Formation of a Very Complex Self-Catenated Zinc Metal–Organic Framework

Solvothermal reaction of N,N′-bis(5-isophthalic acid)naphthalenediimide (H₄BINDI) with zinc(II) nitrate hexahydrate in dimethylformamide (DMF) in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid as a modulator gives rise to a self-catenated Metal–organic framework (MOF) termed BINDI-ZnSC of unprecedented topological complexity. Using the “all node” method, the topology is assigned as a six-nodal net with point symbol {4.10²}₂{4.12²}{4.6.8}{4².6.8.10⁶}{6.10²}. In contrast to interpenetrated and other self-catenated MOFs that often exhibit limited pore volume, BINDI-ZnSC exhibits a total of 3730 ų (62.5% of the unit cell) of solvent-filled channels per unit cell, suggesting that the material is potentially capable of encapsulating not only single molecules but also molecular clusters of some small molecules.

A self-catenated MOF of unprecedented topological complexity exhibits a 6-nodal net with point symbol {4.10²}₂{4.12²}{4.6.8}{4².6.8.10⁶}{6.10²}. In contrast to interpenetrated and other self-catenated MOFs that often exhibit limited pore volume, 62.5% of the structure comprises solvent-filled channels.