A three-dimensional metal–organic framework based on hexanuclear copper units with unsaturated CuII centers

A new metal–organic framework based on hexanuclear copper units, Cu6(μ3-O)(μ3-OH)(pz)6(btc) (pz = pyrazolate, btc = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate) 1, has been prepared by the hydrothermal reaction of Cu2 + ions, Hpz and H3btc ligands in a methanolic solution. The hexanuclear copper building unit in 1 is composed of two triangular Cu3O(H)(pz)3 units bridged by carboxyl groups, in which each Cu center is coordinatively unsaturated with open coordination sites. The photocatalytic investigation indicates that compound 1 exhibits a higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Rhodamine B.

A new MOF based on hexanuclear copper units was synthesized and structurally characterized as a (3,3)-connected network.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► A new MOF based on hexanuclear copper units was synthesized and characterized.
► The first example of MOFs based on Cu6 unit constructed by two Cu3(μ3-O) units.
► Each copper center is coordinatively unsaturated with open coordination sites.
► Compound 1 exhibits higher photocatalytic activity for the degradation of RhB.