An Amide-Functionalized Dynamic Metal-Organic Framework Exhibiting Visual Colorimetric Anion Exchange and Selective Uptake of Benzene over Cyclohexane

A novel porous metal-organic framework (MOF) architecture is formed by a neutral amide-functionalized ligand and copper(II). Upon desolvation, this compound undergoes a dynamic structural transformation from a one-dimensional (1D) porous phase to a two-dimensional (2D) non-porous phase that shows selective uptake of benzene over cyclohexane. The as-synthesized compound also acts as a visual colorimetric anion sensor for thiocyanate.