Tunable anisotropic thermal expansion of a porous zinc(II) metal-organic framework.

A novel three-dimensional metal-organic framework (MOF) that displays anisotropic thermal expansion has been prepared and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCD) and thermal analysis. The as-prepared MOF has one-dimensional channels containing guest molecules that can be removed and/or exchanged for other guest molecules in a single-crystal to single-crystal fashion. When the original guest molecules are replaced there is a noticeable effect on the host mechanics, altering the thermal expansion properties of the material.