Hybrid mesoporous MCM-41 type material containing 1,4-diazobutadiene chelate ligand in the walls

A new organic-inorganic hybrid mesoporous MCM-41 type material has been synthesised by co-condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and 1,4-diazobutadiene (DAB) ligand RNC(Ph)-C(Ph)NR where R = (CH2)3Si(OEt)3, in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as the structure-directing agent. Surfactant extraction using acidified methanol leaves a hybrid mesoporous material with periodical hexagonal channels, large pore volume and high specific surface area. The material was characterised by powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen gas adsorption, 13C and 29Si solid-state NMR, FTIR, elemental and thermogravimetry. The ordered structure and the integrity of the ligand structure are preserved after the extraction step.