A rare (3,4,5)-connected metal-organic framework featuring an unprecedented 1D + 2D → 3D self-interpenetrated array and an O-atom lined pore surface: structure and controlled drug release.

A rare (3,4,5)-connected self-interpenetrated metal-organic framework with an O-atom lined pore surface has been constructed from Zn(II) and H4L (H4L = 5,5'-(1,3,6,8-tetraoxobenzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-2,7(1H,3H,6H,8H)diyl)-diisophthalic acid), which features an unprecedented 1D + 2D → 3D self-interpenetrated array and shows good controlled drug release properties.