Multivariate sodalite zeolitic imidazolate frameworks: a direct solvent-free synthesis

• Published in: Chemical science (Cambridge) Vol. 13; no. 3; pp. 842 - 847
• Main Authors: López-Cabrelles, Javier, Miguel-Casañ, Eugenia, Esteve-Rochina, María, Andres-Garcia, Eduardo, Vitórica-Yrezábal, Iñigo J, Calbo, Joaquín, Mínguez Espallargas, Guillermo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Royal Society of Chemistry 19.01.2022; The Royal Society of Chemistry
• Subjects: Chemistry; Iron; Ligands; Metal-organic frameworks; Sodalite; Solvents; Topology; Zeolites; Zinc
• ISSN: 2041-6520; 2041-6539
• DOI: 10.1039/d1sc04779e

Different mixed-ligand Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs) with sodalite topology, i.e. isoreticular to ZIF-8 , unachievable by conventional synthetic routes, have been prepared using a solvent-free methodology. In particular, the versatility of this method is demonstrated with three different metal centres (Zn, Co and Fe) and binary combinations of three different ligands (2-methylimidazole, 2-ethylimidazole and 2-methylbenzimidazole). One combination of ligands, 2-ethylimidazole and 2-methylbenzimidazole, results in the formation of SOD frameworks for the three metal centres despite this topology not being obtained for the individual ligands. Theoretical calculations confirm that this topology is the lowest in energy upon ligand mixing. Different mixed-ligand Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs) with sodalite topology, i.e. isoreticular to ZIF-8 , unachievable by conventional synthetic routes, have been prepared using a solvent-free methodology.