Development of new chemistry to simultaneously
meet the demands
for topology, connectivity, and functionality is highly desired in
the research area of covalent organic frameworks (COFs). We explore
herein the isocyanide chemistry so as to establish a facile paradigm
to integrate functionality and ultrastability in COFs. Using the representative
Groebke–Blackburn–Bienaymé (GBB) reaction based
on isocyanide chemistry, we are able to construct a series of pyrimidazole-based
COFs in one step from isocyanide, aminopyridine, and aldehyde monomers.
Diversified functionalities have been bottom-up integrated by the
simple replacement of readily available 2-aminopyridine monomers.
Meanwhile, the ubiquitous formation of fused imidazole rings within
the frameworks has guaranteed their ultrastability. In view of the
rich synthetic possibilities provided by isocyanide chemistry, we
expect that this contribution opens up a new avenue toward the divergent
construction of robust COFs for practical applications.