Subtle metal(ii) effects of 2D coordination networks on SCSC guest exchange

Abstract

Self-assembly of late-transition metal M(NO₃)₂ (M²⁺ = Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Zn²⁺) with a C₃-symmetric tridentate donor, tri(isoquinolin-5-yl)benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate (L), produces single crystals with multi-channels consisting of 2-D networks G@[M(NO₃)₂L] (G = tetrahydrofuran and dioxane). The multi-channel crystals are an unusually efficient, tolerant, reproducible and practical matrix offering reversible adsorption/desorption of a wide range of guest molecules in the single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) mode without skeletal destruction at room temperature. The innovative multi-channels behave in a guest-dependent response manner, and thus should be considered to be promising molecular materials for adsorption/recognition of a wide range of guest chemicals.