Porous networks based on iron(ii) clathrochelate complexes

Microporous networks based on boronate ester-capped iron(ii) clathrochelate complexes are described. The networks were obtained by covalent cross-linking of tetrabrominated clathrochelate complexes via Suzuki-Miyaura polycross-coupling reactions with diboronic acids, or by Sonogashira-Hagihara polycross-coupling of clathrochelate complexes with terminal alkyne functions and 1,3,5-tribromobenzene. The networks display permanent porosity with apparent Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface areas of up to SA(BET) = 593 m(2) g(-1). A clathrochelate complex based on an enantiopure dioximato ligand was used to prepare chiral networks. One of these networks was shown to preferentially absorb d-tryptophan over l-tryptophan.