title: Pd uptake and H2S sensing by an amphoteric metal-organic framework with a soft core and rigid side arms.
abstract: Molecular components of opposite character are often incorporated within a single system, with a rigid core and flexible side arms being a common design choice. Herein, molecule L has been designed and prepared featuring the reverse design, with rigid side arms (arylalkynyl) serving to calibrate the mobility of the flexible polyether links in the core. Crystallization of this molecule with Pb(II)  ions led to a dynamic metal-organic framework (MOF) system that not only exhibits dramatic, reversible single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations, but combines distinct donor and acceptor characteristics, allowing for substantial uptake of PdCl2 and colorimetric sensing of H2 S in water.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong (China).
authors.forename: Jieshun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cui
authors.forename: Yan-Lung
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zeller
authors.forename: Allen D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Hunter
authors.forename: Zhengtao
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Xu
keywords: donor-acceptor systems; host-guest systems; metal uptake; metal-organic frameworks; sensors