Histidine-Controlled Homochiral and Ferroelectric Metal–Organic Frameworks

• Published in: Crystal growth & design 2015-02, Vol.15 (2), p.687-694
• Main Authors: Yu, Lei, Hua, Xiu-Ni, Jiang, Xi-Jie, Qin, Lan, Yan, Xiao-Zhi, Luo, Lai-Hui, Han, Lei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1528-7483; 1528-7505
• DOI: 10.1021/cg5013796

A new multifunctional enantiopure ligand, (S)-2-(1,8-naphthalimido)-3-(4-imidazole)propanoate (s-nip), containing a homochiral center derived from l-histidine and a strong π···π stacking 1,8-naphthalimide synthon, has been used to prepare three novel metal–organic frameworks. The frameworks of [Zn(s-nip)2] n (1) and {[Co(s-nip)2]·(H2O)0.5} n (2) are isostructural three-dimensional (3D) homochiral supramolecular structures organized one-dimensional (1D) ribbons by strong hydrogen bonds and π···π interactions, which display ferroelectric behavior at room temperature. The complex [Cu(nia)2·(H2O)5] n (3) was constructed under a hydrothermal in situ ligand synthesis reaction, in which the new ligand 2-(1,8-naphthalimido)-3-(4-imidazole)acrylate (nia) was formed from the s-nip ligand via a dehydrogenation reaction. The two-dimensional network of 3 stacks into a 3D structure via π···π interactions resulting in 1D hydrophilic channels.