The solvothermal synthesis of four two-dimensional metal-organic frameworks containing linear dicarboxylic acids as ligands for ZnII centres is described. Zn(BDC)(DMF) [(1) where BDC = benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid; DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide] adopts a common paddlewheel motif leading to a 44 grid network, whereas Zn3(BDC)3(EtOH)2 (2), Zn3(BDC)3(H2O)2·4DMF (3) and Zn3(BPDC)3(DMF)2·4DMF (4) each form networks with the relatively uncommon 36 topology based upon Zn3(O2CR)6 secondary building units. All contain coordinated solvent molecules, namely DMF [(1) and (4)], ethanol (2) or H2O (3). Comparison of structures (2) and (3) illustrates a clay-like flexibility in interplanar spacing which sheds light on the ability of the Zn3(BDC)3 framework to undergo desolvation and uptake of small solvent and gas molecules.
Two-dimensional metal-organic frameworks containing linear dicarboxylates