In situ construction of metal–organic sulfur-containing heterocycle frameworks

This review outlines three types of in situ methods used for constructing metal–organic sulfur-containing heterocycle frameworks, viz., in situ S–S function reactions, in situ C–S bond cleavage and in situ thiol-S atom reactions. Each method is described in detail in three respects, namely (i) reaction parameters, (ii) the organic transformation and coordination modes involved, and (iii) fascinating structures and functional properties of those in situ-generated metal-coordination compounds.

Research highlights▶ MOFs with sulfur-containing heterocycles have been constructed by three types of in situ methods as (i) in situ S–S function reactions, (ii) in situ C–S bond cleavage, and (iii) in situ thiol-S atom reactions. ▶ 4,4′-dipyridinedisulfide (4-dpds) and 2,2′-dipyridinedisulfide (2-dpds) are mostly investigated for in situ S-S function reactions. ▶ The type of organic ligand, HOOC-CH2-S-Het (Het = heterocycle), is employed mainly for in situ C-S bond cleavage. ▶ In situ thiol-S atom reactions offer a promising tool coupled with the rich sulfur chemistry.