Mechanical properties of a metal-organic framework containing hydrogen-bonded bifluoride linkers

We report the mechanical properties of a framework structure, [Cu2F(HF)(HF2)(pyz)(4)][(SbF6)(2)](n) (pyz = pyrazine), in which [Cu(pyz)(2)](2+) layers are pillared by HF2- anions containing the exceptionally strong F-H center dot center dot center dot F hydrogen bonds. Nanoindentation studies on single-crystals clearly demonstrate that such bonds are extremely robust and mechanically comparable with coordination bonds in this system.