An Unusual 2D → 3D Metal-organic Framework Directed by Rigid and Flexible Co-Ligands.

Self-assembly of rigid dicarboxylate and flexible N-donor co-ligands in the presence of divalent metal ion affords a new polymer of [Cu(bpea)(bib)] ( 1) (bpea = biphenyle-thene-4,4′-dicarboxylate and bib = 1,4-bis(2-methyl-imidazol-1-yl)butane). The structure of 1 exhibits an unusual 2D → 3D motif with sql topology. Graphical Abstract: An interesting 3D polycatenane metal-organic framework was obtained from the assembly of mixed rigid and flexible in the presence of transition metal. The structure reported herein demonstrates that backbone of organic acid play the central role of a structure-directing unit[Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]