Tuning the flexibility in MOFs by SBU functionalization

A new approach for the fine tuning of flexibility in MOFs, involving functionalization of the secondary building unit, is presented. The gate pressure MOF [Zn-3(bpydc)(2)( HCOO)(2)] was used as a model material and SBU functionalization was performed by using monocarboxylic acids such as acetic, benzoic or cinnamic acids instead of formic acid in the synthesis. The resulting materials are isomorphous to [Zn-3(bpydc)(2)(HCOO)(2)] in the as made form, but show different structural dynamics during the guest removal. The activated materials have entirely different properties in the nitrogen physisorption experiments clearly showing the tunability of the gate pressure, at which the structural transformation occurs, by using monocarboxylic acids with varying backbone structure in the synthesis. Thus, increasing the number of carbon atoms in the backbone leads to the decreasing gate pressure required to initiate the structural transition. Moreover, in situ adsorption/PXRD data suggest differences in the mechanism of the structural transformations: from gate opening in the case of formic acid to breathing if benzoic acid is used.