Synthesis of homochiral helical metal–organic frameworks based on lactate derivatives

Abstract

AbstarctA pair of homochiral metal–organic frameworks (HMOFs) based on semi-rigid 5-(1-carboxyethoxy)isophthalic acid (H3CIA), [Zn5((R)-CIA)3(OH)2(H2O)4]·NH2(CH3)2·4.5H2O (1-D) and [Zn5((S)-CIA)3(OH)2(H2O)4]·NH2(CH3)2·4.5H2O (1-L), were synthesized and structurally characterized. They are enantiomers and exhibit 3-D framework structures. In each structure, the CIA ligands link the Zn centers into a homochiral open framework with tetranuclear and trinuclear Zn-clusters. An interesting double helix built from the connectivity between CIA ligands and Zn centers is presented. The chiral nature of 1-D and 1-L was further confirmed by CD spectra. Photoluminescence of 1-D was also investigated in the solid state at room temperature.