Protection strategies for directionally-controlled synthesis of previously inaccessible metal-organic polyhedra (MOPs): the cases of carboxylate- and amino-functionalised Rh(ii)-MOPs.

Herein we report that strategic use of protecting groups in coordination reactions enables directional inhibition that leads to synthesis of highly functionalised metal-organic polyhedra (MOPs), rather than of the extended coordination networks. Using this approach, we functionalised two new porous cuboctahedral Rh(ii)-based MOPs with 24 peripheral carboxylic acid groups or 24 peripheral amino groups.