Interior decoration of metal-organic frameworks through a thermolabile protecting group strategy : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand

Abstract

Metal-organic frameworks are porous nanomaterials of modular construction that have shown themselves amenable to different modes of functionalization. Thermolytic deprotection (thermolysis) of incorporated thermolabile protecting groups (TPGs) has been one of these methods applied to tune the chemistry of MOFs and their material properties, accessing otherwise unattainable MOF topologies with enhanced porosity and reactive functionalities of particular interest in gas storage and separation and catalytic applications. In this thesis the TPG post-synthetic modification (PSM) technique is expanded upon in two ways. Firstly, through investigation of mono-and dual-functionalization within a flexible pillar-layer MOF family: localization of the TPG, influence on framework topology and gas sorption characteristics. Secondly, in synthesis of a set of novel ketene-protecting TPG ligands: ligand characterization, and endeavours at MOF incorporation.