Critical factors influencing the structures and properties of metal-organic frameworks

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as an important family of compounds that have fascinating structures and diverse applications. But until now, targeted synthesis of MOFs with desired frameworks is still a challenge. In order to appreciate the properties and to design new frameworks, it is necessary to understand how to rationalize the design and synthesis of MOFs from a fundamental perspective. This highlight review will outline the recent advances in this topic from both our and other groups and provide an overview of the different factors influencing the structures of MOFs. These examples illustrate some of the present trends concerning the design of organic ligands and SBUs, coordination assemblies, and experimental conditions.