Isomer of linker for NU-1000 yields a new she-type, catalytic, and hierarchically porous, Zr-based metal–organic framework

Abstract

The well-known MOF (metal–organic framework) linker tetrakis(p-benzoate)pyrene (TBAPy⁴⁻) lacks steric hindrance between its benzoates. Changing the 1,3,6,8-siting of benzoates in TBAPy⁴⁻ to 4,5,9,10-siting introduces substantial steric hindrance and, in turn, enables the synthesis of a new hierarchically porous, she-type MOF Zr₆(μ₃-O)₄(μ₃-OH)₄(C₆H₅COO)₃(COO)₃(TBAPy-2)_3/2 (NU-601), where TBAPy-2⁴⁻ is the 4,5,9,10 isomer of TBAPy⁴⁻. NU-601 shows high catalytic activity for degradative hydrolysis of a simulant for G-type fluoro-phosphorus nerve agents.