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A series of tripodal imidazole frameworks (TIFs) are reported based on a tripodal, cavity-containing tris(imidazole) derivative. In the case of Co(3)Cl(6)(1)(2)·n(solvent) (TIF-1) which possesses a doubly interpenetrated framework structure, the material exhibits rigid, permanent porosity and selectively absorbs CO(2). The non-interpenetrated Co(1)(2)(H(2)O)(2)Cl(2)·4H(2)O (TIF-2) also absorbs gases and vapours fully reversibly exhibiting a reversible phase change in the process and considerable conditioning and hysteresis. The very highly hydrated Co(1)(2)Cl(2)·22H(2)O (TIF-3) irreversibly dehydrates to the layered structure Co(1)(2)Cl(2)·H(2)O (TIF-4). A nickel analogue Ni(1)(2)Cl(2)·22H(2)O (TIF-5) closely related to TIF-3 is also reported along with two isostructural, non-porous materials MCl(2)(1) (M = Mn, TIF-6; M = Cd, TIF-7) based on d(5) and d(10) Mn(II) and Cd(II). Some of the materials may be prepared by mechanochemical as well as solution based methods. We liken TIF-1 to a gas cylinder, TIF-2 to a sponge and TIF-3 to a fragile soda can that is crushed on emptying to give TIF-4.
Willans et al. (Tue,) studied this question.