Synthesis of Two Triarylboron-Functionalized Metal–Organic Frameworks: In Situ Decarboxylic Reaction, Structure, Photoluminescence, and Gas Adsorption Properties

Two 3D noninterpenetrating porous metal–organic frameworks (PMOFs) [Cd₃(<b>L</b>¹)₂­(DMA)₂]·DMA [<b>1</b>, H₃<b>L</b>¹ = tris­(p-carboxylic acid)­tridurylborane] and [Zn₃(<b>L</b>²)₃­(H₂O)₂]·5H₂O·2EtOH [<b>2</b>, H₂<b>L</b>² = 4,4′-((2,3,5,6-tetramethylphenyl)­boranediyl)­bis­(2,3,5,6-tetramethylbenzoic acid)] were synthesized by employment of a <i>C</i>₃-symmetric ligand (H₃<b>L</b>¹) to assembly with Cd­(NO₃)₂ or Zn­(NO₃)₂. Complex <b>1</b> exhibits a (3, 6)-connected topological network based on a Cd₃ cluster and Y-shaped trinodal organic linker. Complex <b>2</b> shows a 6-connected topology, since in situ decarboxylic reaction of the initial H₃<b>L</b>¹ occurred to generate a new ligand, H₂<b>L</b>², which can be considered as a linear linker. Both <b>1</b> and <b>2</b> exhibit blue fluorescence. Significantly, complex <b>1</b> with larger channels is unstable upon the removal of guest molecules. In contrast, activated <b>2</b> exhibits higher stability and permanent porosity