Photochemistry of framework-supported M(diimine)(CO) 3 X 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.