Facile synthesis of a highly crystalline, covalently linked porous boronate network

A covalent organic framework (COF-18 angstrom) based on poly( boronate ester) s has been successfully synthesized through a facile dehydration process in 85-95% isolated yield. Spectroscopic characterization confirms formation of the intended ester linkages as the key structural motif forming infinite 2D hexagonally porous sheets. Powder X-ray diffraction studies were used to determine the stacking orientation between the ester-linked sheets, such that atoms in adjacent layers lie directly over each other, resulting in a hexagonal array of 1D, 18 angstrom pores. COF-18 angstrom exhibits rigid, thermally stable (to 500 degrees C) pores with high surface area (1260 m(2)/g) and a micropore volume of 0.29 cm(3)/g.