Herein, we report ap re-synthetic pore environment design strategy to achieve stable methyl-functionalized metalorganic frameworks (MOFs) for preferential SO 2 binding and thus enhanced low (partial) pressure SO 2 adsorption and SO 2 / CO 2 separation. The enhanced sorption performance is for the first time attributed to an optimal pore sizeb yi ncreasing methyl group densities at the benzenedicarboxylate linker in [Ni 2 (BDC-X) 2 DABCO] (BDC-X = mono-, di-, and tetramethyl-1,4-benzenedicarboxylate/terephthalate;D ABCO = 1,4-diazabicyclo[2,2,2]octane). Monte Carlo simulations and first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate the key role of methyl groups within the pore surface on the preferential SO 2 affinity over the parent MOF. The SO 2 separation potential by methyl-functionalized MOFs has been validated by gas sorption isotherms,i deal adsorbed solution theory calculations,s imulated and experimental breakthrough curves,and DFT calculations.