Oxygen‐Rich Zn‐Vitamin C Framework Enabling Specific Host‐Guest Recognition for Selective Hydrocarbon Separation and Dual‐Mode Fruit Preservation

ABSTRACT Tailored host‐guest interactions are essential for developing multifunctional adsorbents, yet integrating distinct adsorption roles into a single robust framework remains rare. Herein, we represent a green, biocompatible Zn‐based metal–organic framework (ZnVc) constructed from edible‐grade vitamin C ligands. The resulting oxygen‐decorated pores deliver strong, selective guest binding through multiple hydrogen‐bonding interactions. ZnVc exhibits inverse hydrocarbon selectivity with high affinity for C ₂ H ₂ and C ₂ H ₆ over C ₂ H ₄ , enabling one‐step C ₂ H ₄ purification from ternary C2 mixtures under ambient conditions. Theoretical modeling and in situ spectroscopy reveal that synergistic hydrogen‐bonding and electrostatic interactions govern this selectivity. Beyond hydrocarbon separation, the oxygen‐rich sites impart dual functionality in real fruit storage: efficient C ₂ H ₄ scavenging couple with humidity regulation, markedly prolongs postharvest freshness. This work exemplifies how rational coordination chemistry and sustainable ligand choice can unite industrial and agricultural functions within a single adsorbent platform.