The modulator 2-fluorobenzoic acid (2-fba) is widely used to prepare RE clusters in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). In contrast to known RE MOF structures containing hydroxide bridging groups, we report for the first time the possible presence of fluoro bridging groups in RE MOFs. In this report we discuss the synthesis of a holmium-UiO-66 analogue as well as a novel holmium MOF, where evidence of fluorinated clusters is observed. The mechanism of fluorine extraction from 2-fba is discussed as well as the implications that these results have for previously reported RE MOF structures.

There is growing interest in Holmium carriers for radiotherapeutic applications. In this work, a holmium-based metal-organic framework (MOF) using the 4,4′-biphenyldicarboxylic acid (H2BPDC) linker was synthesized and characterized to explore its potential as a radiotherapeutic carrier. The 3D MOF [Ho(BPDC)2]·(CH3)2NH2 was characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, FTIR, TGA and PXRD. A challenge to overcome in lanthanide-based MOFs is the deformation or collapse of the framework that can occur after evacuation of the pores. This structure displays high thermal stability and no collapse was observed when the molecules confined in the pores were removed. The coordination around the holmium center (CN = 8) is the key to this stability since only the organic linker and no solvent molecules coordinate to the metallic center. The porosity of the material was confirmed by high-pressure carbon dioxide (CO2) adsorption–desorption analysis. The stability of the MOF, its holmium content (28 wt%) and its porosity are features that make this material a potential holmium carrier for radiotherapeutic applications.

The efficacy and specificity of protein, DNA, and RNA-based drugs make them popular in the clinic; however, these drugs are often delivered via injection, requiring skilled medical personnel, and producing...

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