Intercalation of heterocyclic compounds in alfa-zirconium phosphate: imidazole, benzimidazole, histamine and histidine

The intercalation of imidazole and some organic species containing the imidazole ring, between the layers of crystalline zirconium phosphate has been investigated. Fourteen new, well-ordered intercalation compounds are obtained with the batch procedure at r.t. and/or 60°C. A mechanism of formation of the various compounds is proposed on the basis of the interaction between the guest molecules (with their dimensions and geometries) and the free PO3OH groups available between the layers of the host. The new phases have been characterized by TG and X-ray methods