Conspectus
Developments in strategies for the synthesis of oxo–hydroxo
lanthanide (Ln) clusters during the past few decades have resulted
in abundant relevant crystalline materials that exhibit attractive
structures and interesting properties. The combination of these oxo–hydroxo
Ln clusters and organic ligands has led to the formation of new extended
arrays of Ln cluster organic frameworks (LnCOFs). In contrast to metal–organic
frameworks, the incorporation of particular characteristics of clusters
provides the opportunity to develop performances not available in
single-metal compounds. Even with steady advances in oxo–hydroxo
Ln clusters, progress in LnCOFs is less developed.
To obtain
LnCOFs, one premise is to induce the oxophilic Ln ions
undergoing aggregation. Meanwhile, the organic ligands should have
extra coordination sites for further expansion. Multidentate organic
ligands like pyrazinecarboxylic acid and pyridinecarboxylic acid containing
O and N donors will meet these two requirements. Their carboxyl groups
will induce the aggregation of Ln ions, while the N donors can serve
as potential extension sites. To make more open frameworks or if the
oxo–hydroxo Ln clusters fail to be congregated or connected,
then a second ligand is necessary. The introduction of the suitable
second ligand may occupy a partial coordination sphere of Ln ions
and ultimately benefit the connection process.
In this Account,
we introduce the origin and evolution of the induced
aggregation and synergistic coordination strategy. According to the
attributes of the organic ligands in the documented LnCOFs, we classify
them into linear and nonlinear groups in the second and third parts.
From the aspect of ligand-induced aggregation, isonicotinic acid (HIN)
and lengthened 4-(4-pyridyl)benzoic acid (HPBA) ligands as well as
their nonlinear analogues are settled as typical models. From the
aspect of synergistic coordination, chelating ligands like 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic
acid (1,2-H2BDC) and acetic acid (HOAc) play significant
roles. Moreover, three types of synergistic coordination are discussed
in detail: synergistic coordination between two types of organic ligands,
synergistic coordination between organic and inorganic ligands, and
simultaneous synergistic coordination of aforementioned two types.
From the aspect of LnCOF products, in addition to traditional pure
LnCOFs, new types of heterometallic frameworks containing two types
of cluster building units have been developed.
Although this
Account focuses on the nuclearity and coordination
aspects of LnCOFs, we anticipate that it will stimulate more efforts
in the further study of their properties beyond the exploratory synthesis.
More importantly, synergistic coordination may be applied to other
systems and inspire crystal design and targeted assembly of new functional
materials.