Stable Multiresponsive Luminescent MOF for Colorimetric Detection of Small Molecules in Selective and Reversible Manner

Abstract

A novel Cu(I)-based two-dimensional (2D, 44 net) metal–organic framework (MOF) [Cu(L)(I)]2n·2nDMF·nMeCN (1); L = 4′-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4,2′:6′,4″-terpyridine; DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide, MeCN = acetonitrile) has been synthesized and found to behave as a colorimetric detector for the widest variety of small molecules such as different solvents, halobenzenes, N-heterocycles, amine, and nitroaromatic explosives all in vapor phase through a single crystal to single crystal (SCSC) transformation. The 2D 44 nets are interdigitated with each other to form a supramolecular 3D MOF having 1D pore. The interdigitated layers are stabilized by π···π interactions and CH···π interactions and provide extreme stability up to 380 °C. Interestingly, all guest exchange and encapsulation processes are reversible without loss of structural integrity. Positions of the guest molecules in the host–guest complex have been identified from the crystal structure and found to involve weak interactions with the framework. Notably, this...