Transformation of a Cluster-Based Metal–Organic Framework to a Rod Metal–Organic Framework

A highly stable and rigid rod metal–organic framework (MOF) is obtained by the single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation of a Zr6 cluster-based MOF with highly interconnected but geometrically mismatched building blocks. The transformation results in a significant framework contraction, which comes from the formation of infinite chains of carboxylate- and aquo-linked Zr6 clusters as a one-dimensional rod secondary building unit. The permanently microporous rod MOF is stable in a variety of solvents, including H2O, and even under very harsh conditions, such as strongly acidic and basic aqueous solutions at 100 °C.