The metallocene-based linker molecule
1,1′-ferrocenedicarboxylic acid (H2FcDC) was used
to synthesize four different polymorphs of composition [In(OH)(FeC12H8O4)]. Using conventional solvent-based
synthesis methods and varying the synthetic parameters such as metal
source, reaction temperature, and solvent, two different MOFs and
one 1D-coordination polymer denoted as CAU-43 (1), In-MIL-53-FcDC_a
(2), and In-FcDC (3) were obtained. Furthermore,
thermal treatment of CAU-43 (1) at 190 °C under
vacuum yielded a new polymorph of 2, In-MIL-53-FcDC_b
(4). Both MOFs 2 and 4 crystallize
in a MIL-53 type structure, but in different space groups C2/m for 2 and P1̅ for 4. The structures of the four title compounds
were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD), powder
X-ray diffraction (PXRD), or a combination of three-dimensional electron
diffraction measurements (3D ED) and PXRD. N2 sorption
experiments of 1, 2, and 4 showed
specific surface areas of 355 m2 g–1,
110 m2 g–1, and 140 m2 g–1, respectively. Furthermore, the electronic properties
of the title compounds were characterized via Mössbauer and
EPR spectroscopy. All Mössbauer spectra showed the characteristic
doublet, proving the persistence of the ferrocene moiety. In the cases
of 1, 3, and 4, appreciable
impurities of ferrocenium ions could be detected by electron paramagnetic
resonance spectroscopy. Cyclovoltammetric experiments were performed
to demonstrate the accessible redox activity of the linker molecule
of the title compounds. A redox process of FcDC2– with oxidation (between 0.86 and 0.97 V) and reduction wave (between
0.69 and 0.80 V) was observed.