A novel 3D calcium-based metal-organic framework based on a naphthalene diimide chromophore has been synthesized which displays a unique doubly interpenetrated 7-connected net with total point symbol of {3(6)·4(9)·5(6)}. Excellent thermal stability and reversible photochromic properties have been observed in this compound.

The preliminary results would be useful for designing starter cultures to produce sufu with desirable sensory properties, consistent flavour and shorter ripening time. Furthermore, these results will also provide a new insight to improve the flavour quality of traditional fermented soybean food.

Douchiba (DCB), a Chinese traditional soy‐fermented appetizer, is abundantly produced and widely consumed in Guizhou province of southwest China. In this study, an analysis of free amino acid (FAA) profiles, low‐molecular weight peptide fractions (LMWPFs), hydrophobic bitter peptide fractions (HBPFs) and volatile compounds was conducted to understand the changes in taste and odor compounds of DCB during five consecutive manufacturing stages: steamed soybean (SS), 5‐day incubated Koji (Koji), 6‐month fermented Douchi, semifinished Douchiba (sm‐DCB) and 6‐month ripened finished Douchiba (DCB). The total free amino acids (TFAAs) increased significantly from SS to DCB by about 11 times and amounted to 20.1% of the crude protein. Arg, Glu, Phe, Leu and Lys were the most abundant FAA at the end of ripening, and were 64.6% of TFAA. The most abundant taste active FAA classes were the bitter FAA, representing eight‐ and threefold increases over sweet and MSG‐like FAA, respectively. The final values of all bitter and monosodium glutamate‐like (MSG‐like) FAA at DCB stage were significantly higher than their respective thresholds. The ratio of oligopeptides (500∼1000 Da) accounted for 13.8 and 2.5% of LMWPF and HBPF, respectively. However, the taste of DCB was predominated by saltiness, followed by moderate “umami” taste and slight bitterness, likely as a result of the balance and interaction among different taste components. A total of 122 volatile compounds were identified, including alcohols, acids, esters, aldehydes, ketones, phenols, sulfur‐containing compounds, heterocyclic compounds, alkines, benzenes and spice aromatics. The subtle aroma of the finished DCB seemed to depend not only on particular key compounds but also on a “critical balance” or a “weighted concentration ratio” of 60 compounds. These volatile compounds, mainly derived from lipid oxidation, amino acid degradation, carbohydrate fermentation, Maillard reaction and Strecker degradation during the microbial metabolism, enzymatic catalysis and spontaneous reactions.