Tuning the moisture stability of metal-organic frameworks by incorporating hydrophobic functional groups at different positions of ligands.

The introduction of hydrophobic groups (e.g. methyl) at the most adjacent sites of each and every coordinating nitrogen atom of the bipyridine pillar linker in a carboxylate-based bridging MOF could shield the metal ions from attack by water molecules, and thus enhance the water resistance of the MOF structure significantly.