A molecular world full of holes
Figure 2. The preferred route to functional MOFs uses a new strategy based on bidentate linkers, carboxylates in particular.
The carboxylate linkers form M–C–O clusters, a key factor in the construction of rigid secondary building units (SBUs).
These SBUs lock the carboxylates and the benzene links into posi tion in the extended structure, forming a robust molecular architecture.