Bismuth-Polyoxocation Coordination Networks: Controlling Nuclearity and Dimension-Dependent Photocatalysis.

Bismuth-oxocluster nodes for metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and coordination networks/polymers are less prolific than other families featuring zinc, zirconium, titanium, lanthanides, etc. However, Bi is non-toxic, it readily forms polyoxocations, and its oxides are exploited in photocatalysis. This family of compounds provides opportunity in medicinal and energy applications.

Bismuth Coordination Polymers with Fluorinated Linkers: Aqueous Stability, Bivolatility, and Adsorptive Behavior.

Bismuth metal-organic frameworks and coordination polymers (CP) are challenging to synthesize, given the poor solubility of bismuth precursors and asymmetric and labile ligation of Bi due to its intrinsic lone pair. Here, we synthesize and structurally characterize three Bi-CPs, exploiting a tetrafluoroterephtalate (FBDC) linker to determine the effect of high acidity on these synthesis and coordination challenges. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction characterization showed that pi-pi stacking of linkers directs framework arrangement and generally deters open porosity in the three structures, respectively featuring Bi chains ( ), Bi dimers ( ) linked into chains, and Bi tetramers ( ).

Solvent-Driven Transformation of Zn/Cd-Deoxycholate Assemblies.

Deoxycholic acid (DOC) is a unique, biologically derived surfactant with facial amphiphilicity that has been exploited, albeit minimally, in supramolecular assembly of materials. Here, we present the synthesis and structural characterization of three hybrid metal (Zn and Cd)-DOC compounds. Analysis by single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals the many interactions that are possible between these facial surfactants and the influence of solvent molecules that drive the assembly of materials.