In Situ Synthesis of an Imidazolate‐4‐amide‐5‐imidate Ligand and Formation of a Microporous Zinc–Organic Framework with H2‐and CO2‐Storage Ability

Narrow channels with polar walls are the structural and functional features responsible for the high capacity of a zinc–organic framework based on an imidazolate–amide–imidate ligand for the uptake of H2 and CO2 (see structure: orange Zn, blue N, red O, dark gray C, light gray H). The rigid and stable chelating ligand was synthesized in situ by partial hydrolysis of a dicyanoimidazole compound.