Metal-organic frameworks via emissive metal-carboxylate zwitterion Intermediates

Pyridinemethanol-carboxylate esters form octahedral complexes with Zn(NO3)2 in aqueous DMF that subsequently undergo hydrolysis at elevated temperatures to form metal-carboxylate zwitterions. In situ deprotonation of the hydroxy group leads to thermally robust, neutral MOFs. This stepwise synthesis can be controlled by temperature and is made possible by the subtle difference in reactivity of the functional groups. Emissive intermediates: Pyridinemethanol-carboxylate esters form octahedral complexes with Zn(NO3)2 in aqueous DMF that subsequently undergo hydrolysis at elevated temperatures to form emissive metal-carboxylate zwitterions (see picture). In situ deprotonation of the hydroxy group leads to thermally robust, neutral MOFs.