An aliphatic copper metal-organic framework as versatile shape selective adsorbent in liquid phase separations

• Fast room temperature synthesis of an aliphatic copper metal-organic framework.
• Rotation of aliphatic linkers alter the pore size of the one-dimensional channels.
• Shape selective adsorption of dimethylbenzene and dihydroxybenzene isomers is observed.
• Adsorptive separations performed in both organic and aqueous media.

Shape selective adsorption of organics on the metal-organic framework Cu(CDC) is demonstrated in both organic and aqueous media. Molecular sieving in the one-dimensional channels is responsible for the pronounced para-selectivity observed in the separation of C8 alkylaromatics as well as in the adsorption of dihydroxybenzene isomers from water. This pronounced selectivity for linear compounds in both organic and aqueous media is further proven in the selective adsorption of the linear n-butanol over branched butanol isomers out of water. Moreover, the framework is extremely stable towards water and in a pH range between 2 and 12. This high stability, combined with a facile, multigram scalable room temperature synthesis in water, make Cu(CDC) a very promising adsorbent material for liquid phase separations.

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