Development of a new Lindqvist-like Fe6 cluster secondary building unit for MOFs

Abstract

This work demonstrates a new Lindqvist-like [Fe^III₆(μ₆-O)L₄Cl₆]²⁻ (Fe₆, L = 2-(hydroxymethyl)-2-(pyridin-4-yl)-1,3-propanediol) cluster for the construction of a novel class of Fe-cluster organic frameworks. The novel Fe₆ cluster can be used to build not only a homometallic MOF, but also a heterometallic MOF by introducing copper halide clusters to the reaction system. In particular, the heterometallic MOF achieved a skillful combination of Fe₆ SBU and cuprous–halide clusters for the first time. Our synthesis strategy opens up an effective avenue to novel Fe-cluster-based MOF materials.