Interplay of metal node and amine functionality in NH2-MIL-53: modulating breathing behavior through intra-framework interactions.

A series of amino-functionalized MIL-53 with different metals as nodes has been synthesized. By determining adsorption properties and spectroscopic characterization, we unequivocally show that the interaction between the amines of the organic linker and bridging μ(2)-OH of the inorganic scaffold modulates metal organic framework (MOF) flexibility. The strength of the interaction has been found to correlate with the electropositivity of the metal.