Synthesis of two triarylboron-functionalized metal-organic frameworks: in situ decarboxylic reaction, structure, photoluminescence, and gas adsorption properties.

Two 3D noninterpenetrating porous metal-organic frameworks (PMOFs) [Cd3(L(1))2(DMA)2]·DMA [1, H3L(1) = tris(p-carboxylic acid)tridurylborane] and [Zn3(L(2))3(H2O)2]·5H2O·2EtOH [2, H2L(2) = 4,4'-((2,3,5,6-tetramethylphenyl)boranediyl)bis(2,3,5,6-tetramethylbenzoic acid)] were synthesized by employment of a C3-symmetric ligand (H3L(1)) to assembly with Cd(NO3)2 or Zn(NO3)2. Complex 1 exhibits a (3, 6)-connected topological network based on a Cd3 cluster and Y-shaped trinodal organic linker. Complex 2 shows a 6-connected topology, since in situ decarboxylic reaction of the initial H3L(1) occurred to generate a new ligand, H2L(2), which can be considered as a linear linker. Both 1 and 2 exhibit blue fluorescence. Significantly, complex 1 with larger channels is unstable upon the removal of guest molecules. In contrast, activated 2 exhibits higher stability and permanent porosity.