In situ conversion of a MOG to a crystalline MOF: a case study on solvent-dependent gelation and crystallization

Abstract

Herein, we report in situ transformation of a metal–organic gel (MOG) to a crystalline metal–organic framework (MOF) and solvent-dependent gelation/crystallization via solvothermal reactions of a tetracarboxylic acid, namely 4,4′-dinitro-2,2′,6,6′-tetracarboxybiphenyl, and ZnSO₄. The results provide structural insights into MOGs at the molecular level and also help in the synthesis of crystalline MOFs that are otherwise difficult to obtain.