The discovery of new inorganic building units for metal−organic framework (MOF) synthesis remains challenging. We hypothesized that incorporation of X-type halogen capping ligands on indium-building units would yield a series of previously unknown frameworks and the placement of the halogen could lead to framework isomerism. Herein we report the synthesis of three new MOFs; two (YCM-31 and YCM-32) contain an [In(CO 2 R) 3 Cl] − secondary building unit (SBU) and are framework isomers of each other. A third new MOF, ZJU-28′, contains an [In(CO 2 R) 4 ] − SBU and is a framework isomer of the known MOF ZJU-28. The conditions to control the syntheses of these isomers through ammonium-cation templation, along with the rationale for their formation are discussed.

Mutations in the cytochrome P450-1B1 (Cyp1b1) gene is a common genetic predisposition associated with various human glaucomas, most prominently in primary congenital glaucoma (PCG). The role of Cyp1b1 in the eye is largely unknown, however, its absence appears to drive the maldevelopment of anterior eye structures responsible for aqueous fluid drainage in murine models. Nevertheless, vision loss in glaucoma ultimately results from the structural and functional loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Cyp1b1’s influence in the development and support of retinal ganglion cell structure and function under normal conditions or during stress, such as elevated ocular pressure; the most common risk factor in glaucoma, remains grossly unknown. Thus, to determine the role of Cyp1b1 in normal retinal projection development we first assessed the strucutrual integrity of RGCs in the retina, optic nerve, and superior colliculus in un-manipulated (naïve) Cyp1b1-knockout (Cyp1b1–/–) mice. In addition, in a separate cohort of Cyp1b1–/– and wildtype mice, we elevated and maintained intraocular pressure (IOP) at glaucomatous levels for 5-weeks, after which we compared RGC density, node of Ranvier morphology, and axonal transport between the genotypes. Our results demonstrate that naïve Cyp1b1–/– mice develop an anatomically intact retinal projection absent of overt glaucomatous pathology. Following pressure elevation, Cyp1b1–/– accelerated degradation of axonal transport from the retina to the superior colliculus and altered morphology of the nodes of Ranvier and adjacent paranodes in the optic nerves. Together this data suggests the absence Cyp1b1 expression alone is insufficient to drive murine glaucomatous pathology, however, may increase the vulnerability of retinal axons to disease relevant elevations in IOP.

The mechanism of formation of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is an emerging field, where each new discovery propels the field forward. Often, studies focus on studying nucleation events with advanced spectroscopy and microscopy techniques. Efforts to synthetically understand the molecular intermediates involved and their role in self-assembly are less common. Herein we report the synthesis of a MOF, YCM-41 (YCM = Youngstown Crystalline Material), that contains two different In-nodes: one the standard [In­(CO2R)4]− and the second of [In­(CO2R)3Cl]−. We hypothesize that the [In­(CO2R)3Cl]− is a mechanistic intermediate in the synthesis of [In­(CO2R)4]−. Additionally, we report the isolation of 1-D coordination polymer, YCM-42, containing the previously unreported [In­(CO2R)2Cl2]− building unit. The 1-D herringbone structure of YCM-42 can be found in YCM-41. Finally, attempts to synthesize an isoreticular version of these structures led to the synthesis of the 1-D coordination polymer YCM-51, which contains a [In­(CO2R)2Cl2F]2– center.