Beyond Molecules: Mesoporous Supramolecular Frameworks Self-Assembled from Coordination Cages and Inorganic Anions†
This work is financially supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program, 2012CB821706 and 2013CB834803), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (91222202, 21171114, 21101103, and 21371113), Guangdong Natural Science Funds for Distinguished Young Scholar, (2014A030306042), The Training Program for Excellent Young College Teachers of Guangdong Province, and Shantou University.
Graphical Abstract
Caught in the middle: A series of diamond-like supramolecular frameworks featuring mesoporous cavities have been assembled through multiple interactions (covalent bonds, dative bonds, and weak CH⋅⋅⋅X (X=O, F, and π) hydrogen bonds) between metal-imidazolate coordination cages and various anions. The mesoporous cavities are large enough to trap organic dye molecules, coordination cages, and vitamin B12.
Abstract
Biological function arises by the assembly of individual biomolecular modules into large aggregations or highly complex architectures. A similar strategy is adopted in supramolecular chemistry to assemble complex and highly ordered structures with advanced functions from simple components. Here we report a series of diamond-like supramolecular frameworks featuring mesoporous cavities, which are assembled from metal-imidazolate coordination cages and various anions. Small components (metal ions, amines, aldehydes, and anions) are assembled into the hierarchical complex structures through multiple interactions including covalent bonds, dative bonds, and weak CH⋅⋅⋅X (X=O, F, and π) hydrogen bonds. The mesoporous cavities are large enough to trap organic dye molecules, coordination cages, and vitamin B12. The study is expected to inspire new types of crystalline supramolecular framework materials based on coordination motifs and inorganic ions.
