We have developed
a simple strategy allowing molecular guests to
be trapped within MOF-5 using carboxylic acids bearing sterically
demanding substituents as capping reagents. We demonstrate that introducing
triphenylacetic acid or diphenylacetic acid onto the surface of crystals
of MOF-5 loaded with crystal violet (CV) prevents CV from escaping
by blocking the openings of pores. In this study, MOF-5 was capped
with four carboxylic acids and two 3° amines, and diffusion of
CV out of capped MOFs was monitored using UV–vis spectroscopy
to assess how variation in the steric demand of substituents affected
retention of CV.
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