Crystal-to-crystal transformation from a 3D interpenetrated-type MOF {[Cu(BF(4))(2)(bpy)(H(2)O)(2)] (bpy)} (1) to a 2D square-grid-type [Cu(BF(4))(2)(bpy)(2)] (2) (bpy = 4,4'-bipyridine) was observed. It was derived from dehydration and confirmed by in situ FT-IR, TG, and elemental analysis. Moreover, we elucidate the novel expansion/shrinkage dynamic modulation of 2 triggered by clathrate formation with gas molecules.

The synthesis, structural changes, and nitrogen gas sorption isotherm of a porous metal−organic framework (PMOF) comprising stacked two-dimensional sheets are reported. This compound easily loses guest molecules and shrinks its interlayer distance. The guest-free species show a unique double-step sorption isotherm. Sorption and X-ray structural analyses have clarified that the first uptake is a micropore filling, while the second uptake originates from a clathrate formation. This explains the total sorption amount corresponding to about the double of the original void volume of the crystals.