Encapsulation of discrete (H(2)O)(12) clusters in a 3D three-fold interpenetrating metal-organic framework host with (3,4)-connected topology.

A unique discrete cage-like (H(2)O)(12) cluster guest containing six fused five-membered rings has been observed in a novel metal-organic framework host [Cu(3)(L)(3)(BTC)(2)](3n) [L = N,N'-bis(4-pyridinecarboxamide)-1,4-benzene, BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate anion], which represents a (3,4)-connected topology with the new type of (6(3))(6(4) x 10(2)) presently known for three-fold interpenetrating systems.