Synthesis of Two Triarylboron-Functionalized Metal–Organic Frameworks: In Situ Decarboxylic Reaction, Structure, Photoluminescence, and Gas Adsorption Properties

Two 3D noninterpenetrating porous metal–organic frameworks (PMOFs) [Cd3(L1)2­(DMA)2]·DMA [1, H3L1 = tris­(p-carboxylic acid)­tridurylborane] and [Zn3(L2)3­(H2O)2]·5H2O·2EtOH [2, H2L2 = 4,4′-((2,3,5,6-tetramethylphenyl)­boranediyl)­bis­(2,3,5,6-tetramethylbenzoic acid)] were synthesized by employment of a C3-symmetric ligand (H3L1) to assembly with Cd­(NO3)2 or Zn­(NO3)2. Complex 1 exhibits a (3, 6)-connected topological network based on a Cd3 cluster and Y-shaped trinodal organic linker. Complex 2 shows a 6-connected topology, since in situ decarboxylic reaction of the initial H3L1 occurred to generate a new ligand, H2L2, which can be considered as a linear linker. Both 1 and 2 exhibit blue fluorescence. Significantly, complex 1 with larger channels is unstable upon the removal of guest molecules. In contrast, activated 2 exhibits higher stability and permanent porosity.