Zinc(II)- and cadmium(II)-organic frameworks with 1-imidazole-containing and 1-imidazole-carboxylate ligands

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are assemblies in which metal ions/clusters and organic linkers are combined through coordination interactions. Accordingly, the design and construction of MOFs depends on two primary interacting components, namely the connectors (metal ions/clusters) and linkers (organic ligands). The judicious selection of organic ligands to coordinate with suitable metal centers is a key factor in determining the structures and properties of MOFs. The donor atom type, coordination mode, rigidity/flexibility, functional and/or substituent groups and the geometry of the organic ligands have a remarkable influence on the structures of MOFs. In this review, we highlight zinc(II) and cadmium(II) MOFs with 1-imidazole-containing and 1-imidazole-carboxylate ligands. The influence of the nature of the organic ligands on the assembly and structural modulation of the MOFs is discussed, so as to provide primary information and insights into the design and assembly of the desired Zn(II) and Cd(II) MOFs.