Gated channels in a honeycomb-like zinc-dicarboxylate-bipyridine framework with flexible alkyl ether side chains

Covalent functionalization of 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate (bdc) with methoxyethoxy groups induces conformational freedom in this molecule. Applying these 2,5-disubstituted bdc derivatives in metal-organic framework synthesis together with 4,4′-bipyridine as coligand yields novel honeycomb-like structures. The cylindrical channels of these materials are populated with flexible groups, which act as molecular gates for guest molecules. This allows highly selective sorption of CO₂ over N₂ and CH ₄.