Structures and Sorption Properties of 2-Methylbenzimidazolate-Based Zn(II) Frameworks

Abstract

The syntheses and crystal structures of a three-dimensional (3D) coordination network [Zn-4(2-mBIM)(5)(C2H6NCOO)(HCOO)(mu-OH)]center dot DMF (1 center dot DMF; 2-mBIM = 2-methylbenzimidazolate) and a two-dimensional (2D) layer [Zn-2(2-mBIM)(3)(HCOO)(H2O)]center dot DMF (2 center dot DMF) are reported. Different structures were produced depending on the ratio of reactants. Structurally, 1 illustrates the formation of a unique framework based on a 2-mBIM bridge with the side group on an imidazole ring, while 2 possesses a honeycomb layer built up purely from imidazolates. For gas sorption, CO2 is adsorbed on the activated phase of 1 but N-2 is not taken up.