A Sr-based metal–organic framework exhibits an intrinsic low dielectric constant after removing the water molecules. A low dielectric constant and high thermal stability make this compound a candidate for use as a low-k material.

A unique spatial arrangement of amide groups for CO2 adsorption is found in the open-ended channels of a zinc(II)-organic framework {[Zn4(BDC)4(BPDA)4]·5DMF·3H2O}n (1, BDC = 1,4-benzyl dicarboxylate, BPDA = N,N'-bis(4-pyridinyl)-1,4-benzenedicarboxamide). Compound 1 consists of 4(4)-sql [Zn4(BDC)4] sheets that are further pillared by a long linker of BPDA and forms a 3D porous framework with an α-Po 4(12)·6(3) topology. Remarkably, the unsheltered amide groups in 1 provide a positive cooperative effect on the adsorption of CO2 molecules, as shown by the significant increase in the CO2 adsorption enthalpy with increasing CO2 uptake. At ambient condition, a 1:1 ratio of active amide sites to CO2 molecules was observed. In addition, compound 1 favors capture of CO2 over N2. DFT calculations provided rationale for the intriguing 1:1 ratio of amide sorption sites to CO2 molecules and revealed that the nanochamber of compound 1 permits the slipped-parallel arrangement of CO2 molecules, an arrangement found in crystal and gas-phase CO2 dimer.

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Dendrons Gn-Cl and Gn-NH (n = 2-4) and novel dendrimers Gn-N approximately N-Gn (n = 2-4) based on triazine and piperazine units were efficiently prepared in good yields without employing the protection and deprotection processes and are fully characterized by 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopies, elemental analysis, and mass spectroscopy. These compounds are transparent and possess good thermal stability. G4-Cl shows a monotropic columnar phase in a narrow range with a coexisting crystalline phase. Dendron G4-NH shows a rectangular column-phase, and dendrimer G4-N approximately N-G4 exhibits a monotropic hexagonal columnar phase. These identifications were supported by the polarizing optical scope and powder XRD studies.

Three dendrimers, (t-Bu-G 2 N)2, CC(t-Bu-G 1 N)3 and (t-Bu-G 1 N)2, with 3,5-di-tert-butyl amidobenzene as a common peripheral moiety were prepared in 64–83% yields and characterized. The bulk solids had high BET surface areas of 136–138 m2/g, which were similar for the three dendrimers in spite of their different molecular weight (ranging from 1791 to 2890). It was concluded that the peripheral amide groups do not imbed in the interstitial space of neighbouring dendrimer molecules but rather build a supramolecular architecture through strong intermolecular H-bonds. This mode of assembly generates voids in the bulk dendrimers responsible for sorption properties. The X-ray crystal structure analysis of a compound representing the peripheral moiety of the dendrimers and the FT-IR and powder-XRD data for (t-Bu-G 1 N)2 suggest the proposed supramolecular structure. The isosteric heats of CO2 sorption (Q st) for (t-Bu-G 2 N)2 were significantly higher than those for the other two dendrimers, which is consistent with the formation of a different type of voids within the interstitial space of the molecule. It is suggested that the interstitial void space can be designed and tuned to adjust its properties to a particular task, such as the separation of gases or a catalytic reaction facilitated by the dendrimer.

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been intensively studied over the past decade because they represent a new category of hybrid inorganic–organic materials with extensive surface areas, ultrahigh porosity, along with the extraordinary tailorability of structure, shape and dimensions. In this highlight, we summarize the current state of MOF research and report on structure–property relationships for nonlinear optical (NLO) and dielectric applications. We focus on the design principles and structural elements needed to develop potential NLO and low dielectric (low-κ) MOFs with an emphasis on enhancing material performance. In addition, we highlight experimental evidence for the design of devices for low-dielectric applications. These results motivate us to develop better low-dielectric and NLO materials and to perform in-depth studies related to deposition techniques, patterning and the mechanical performance of these materials in the future.

Three unconventional dendrimers that contained rigid NH-triazine linkages and peripheral tert-butyl moieties were prepared by using a convergent approach and characterized by (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. Based on a thermogravimetric analysis study, these dendrimers were observed to display thermal stability at about 300 °C. The NH-triazine moiety, which possessed protonated and proton-free nitrogen sites (like the imidazole unit), displayed the capture of polarizable CO2 molecules through hydrogen-bond and/or dipole-quadrupole interactions. In addition, the adsorption of various amounts of CO2 and N2 at different pressures suggests that the dendritic pores, which arise from the stacking of the middle co-planar and rim protuberant dendrimers, Gn -N∼N-Gn (n=1-3), either swell or shrink at high pressure, thus indicating that these dendrimers may have a breathing ability.

The CN polarity in the linker effectively broadens the mesogenic range and lowers the solidifying temperature of the dendrimer.