Introducing a photo-switchable azo-functionality inside Cr-MIL-101-NH2 by covalent post-synthetic modification

Dalton Trans. 2012 Jul 28;41(28):8690-6. doi: 10.1039/c2dt30672g. Epub 2012 Jun 12.

Abstract

For the first time an azo functionality was covalently introduced into a MOF by post-synthetic modification. The reaction of Cr-MIL-101-NH(2) with p-phenylazobenzoylchloride (1) and 4-(phenylazo)phenylisocyanate (2) as the reactants led to the compounds Cr-MIL-101_amide and Cr-MIL-101_urea, with the azo groups protruding into the mesoporous cages. XRPD and N(2) sorption measurements confirm the intactness of the framework and the successful covalent modification was proven by IR- and NMR-spectroscopy. Furthermore, cis/trans isomerisation upon irradiation with light was demonstrated by UV/Vis spectroscopy. More distinct changes in the UV/Vis spectra were observed for Cr-MIL-101_amide compared to Cr-MIL-101_urea, while the degree of functionalization, i.e. the number of reacted NH(2)-groups, seems to have a less pronounced effect. The variation of the sorption properties due to the cis/trans isomerisation was proven by methane adsorption measurements.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption
  • Amides / chemistry
  • Benzoates / chemistry
  • Chromium Compounds / chemistry*
  • Isocyanates / chemistry
  • Methane / chemistry
  • Organometallic Compounds / chemistry*
  • Ultraviolet Rays
  • Urea / chemistry

Substances

  • Amides
  • Benzoates
  • Chromium Compounds
  • Isocyanates
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • 4-phenylazobenzoyl chloride
  • Urea
  • Methane