Zeolite-like Metal−Organic Framework Based on a Flexible 2-(1H-benzimidazol-2-ylthio)acetic Ligand: Synthesis, Structures, and Properties

Abstract

A zeolite-like metal−organic framework (ZMOF) has been successfully constructed by using a flexible ligand, 2-(1H-benzimidazol-2-ylthio)acetic acid (H2L). Under different conditions, four new compounds, [Zn2(HL)4]·(DMF)2·(H2O)2 (1), [Zn2(HL)4]n (2), [Cu(HL)2]n (3), and [Co(L)]n (4), have been synthesized and characterized with this ligand. Complex 1 exhibits a binuclear macrocyclic structure, while 2 is a two-dimensional (2D) (4,4) amphiphilic layer further forming a 3D network via van der Waals interactions between the hydrophobic sides and C−H···O interactions between hydrophilic sides. In 3, the 2D (4,4) layers are linked by C−H···C interaction to form a three-dimensional framework, and complex 4 shows a zeolite sodalite (SOD) topology, which represents the first ZMOF from flexible ligands. The fluorescent emissions of 1 and 2, and the magnetic properties of 4 have also been studied.