How metal ions link in metal–organic frameworks: dots, rods, sheets, and 3D secondary building units exemplified by a Y(iii) 4,4′-oxydibenzoate

Abstract

In the field of metal–organic frameworks, the use of yttrium(III) cations and the formation of 3D inorganic building units are rather rare. Here we report an yttrium(III) metal–organic framework based on the V-shaped ditopic linker 4,4′-oxydibenzoate, oba²⁻: [Y₁₆(μ-OH₂)(μ₃-OH)₈(oba)₂₀(dmf)₄]·7H₂O·7dmf, 1, which was solvothermally prepared, with single crystal X-ray diffraction revealing an unusual 3D metal secondary building unit. When activated at 200 °C, 1 desolvated to form compound 2, [Y₁₆(μ-OH₂)(μ₃-OH)₈(oba)₂₀]·6H₂O, retaining the same structure with a 3% shrinkage in unit cell volume.