Single crystal to single crystal (SC-to-SC) transformation from a nonporous to porous metal-organic framework and its application potential in gas adsorption and Suzuki coupling reaction through postmodification.

Abstract

A new amino-functionalized strontium-carboxylate-based metal-organic framework (MOF) has been synthesized that undergoes single crystal to single crystal (SC-to-SC) transformation upon desolvation. Both structures have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The desolvated structure shows an interesting 3D porous structure with pendent -NH2 groups inside the pore wall, whereas the solvated compound possesses a nonporous structure with DMF molecules on the metal centers. The amino group was postmodified through Schiff base condensation by pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde and palladium was anchored on that site. The modified framework has been utilized for the Suzuki cross-coupling reaction. The compound shows high activity towards the C-C cross-coupling reaction with good yields and turnover frequencies. Gas adsorption studies showed that the desolvated compound had permanent porosity and was microporous in nature with a BET surface area of 2052 m(2) g(-1). The material also possesses good CO2 (8 wt %) and H2 (1.87 wt %) adsorption capabilities.