Multifunctional 3-Fold Interpenetrated Porous Metal–Organic Frameworks Composed of Unprecedented Self-Catenated Networks

A 3-fold interpenetrating porous metal–organic framework, namely, Zn­(bdc)­(L)·solvents (1, L = N4,N4′-di­(pyridin-4-yl)­biphenyl-4,4′-dicarboxamide, H2bdc = terephthalic acid), composed of self-catenated nets with unprecedented hxg-d-4-Fddd topology is reported. Upon removal of guest molecules, the crystal lattice is unaffected, and the resulting permanent porosity can be applied for gas chromatography separation of various organic molecules. Furthermore, remarkable tunable photoluminescence and direct white emission dependent on excitation wavelength, as well as visible light photocatalytic activity, are also observed, creating a new multifunctional material antetype.