The synthesis, characterization,
and single–crystal–to–single–crystal
(SCSC) exchange reactions of a new 3D Cu2+ MOF based on
5-aminoisophthalic acid (H2AIP), [Cu6(μ3-ΟΗ)3(ΑΙΡ)4(HΑΙΡ)]
n
·6nDMF·nH2O - UCY-16·6nDMF·nH2O, are reported. It exhibits a 3D structure based on two [Cu4(μ3–OH)2]6+ butterfly–like
secondary building units, differing in their peripheral ligation,
bridged through HAIP–/AIP2– ligands.
This compound displays the capability to exchange the coordinating
ligand(s) and/or guest solvent molecules through SCSC reactions. Interestingly,
heterogeneous reactions of single crystals of UCY-16·6nDMF·nH2O with primary
alcohols resulted not only in the removal of the lattice DMF molecules
but also in an unprecedented structural alteration that involved the
complete or partial replacement of the monoatomic bridging μ3–OH– anion(s) of the [Cu4(μ3–OH)2]6+ butterfly
structural core by various alkoxy groups. Similar crystal-to-crystal
exchange reactions of UCY-16·6nDMF·nH2O with long-chain aliphatic
alcohols (C
x
H2x+1OH, x = 8–10, 12, 14, and 16) led to analogues
containing fatty alcohols. Notably, the exchanged products with the
bulkier alcohols UCY-16/
n-C
x
H2x+1OH·S′
(x = 6–10, 12, 14, and 16) do not mix with
H2O being quite stable in this solvent, in contrast to
the pristine MOF, and exhibit a hydrophobic/superhydrophobic surface
as confirmed from the investigation of their water contact angles
and capability to remove hydrophobic pollutants from aqueous media.