Photochemistry of framework-supported M(diimine)(CO)3X complexes in three-dimensional lithium carboxylate metal-organic frameworks: monitoring the effect of framework cations

The structures and photochemical behaviour of two new metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are reported. Reaction of Re(2,2'-bipy-5,5'-dicarboxylic acid)(CO)3Cl or Mn(2,2'-bipy-5,5'-dicarboxylic acid)(CO)3Br with LiCl or LiBr, respectively, produces single crystals of {Li2(DMF)2 [(2,2'-bipy-5,5'-dicarboxylate)Re(CO)3Cl]}n ( RELI: ) or {Li2(DMF)2[(2,2'-bipy-5,5'-dicarboxylate)Mn(CO)3Br]}n ( MNLI: ). The structures formed by the two MOFs comprise one-dimensional chains of carboxylate-bridged Li(I) cations that are cross-linked by units of Re(2,2'-bipy-5,5'-dicarboxylate)(CO)3Cl ( RELI: ) or Mn(2,2'-bipy-5,5'- dicarboxylate)(CO)3Br ( MNLI: ). The photophysical and photochemical behaviour of both RELI: and MNLI: are probed. The rhenium-containing MOF, RELI: , exhibits luminescence and the excited state behaviour, as established by time-resolved infrared measurements, is closer in behaviour to that of unsubstituted [Re(bipy)(CO)3Cl] rather than a related MOF where the Li(I) cations are replaced by Mn(II) cations. These observations are further supported by density functional theory calculations. Upon excitation MNLI: forms a dicarbonyl species which rapidly recombines with the dissociated CO, in a fashion consistent with the majority of the photoejected CO not escaping the MOF channels.This article is part of the themed issue 'Coordination polymers and metal-organic frameworks: materials by design'.