An ultralong single-crystalline nanoporous 3D transition metal-oxo framework nanowire family

Exploring metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with specific structures is of great interest in both theoretical studies and practical applications. Herein, using a commercial achiral reagent (nitrilotriacetic acid [H₃NTA]), a nanoporous MOF family, M(II)₃(NTA)₂ (M = Co, Fe, Mn; M-NTA), is discovered in the form of ultralong single-crystalline nanowires. It possesses an extraordinary structure with a very rare seven-coordination pattern (MO₆N) for metal ions and an unprecedented chiral 3D transition metal-oxo framework constructed by edge-shared MO₆N decahedra and MO₆ octahedra. M-NTA shows excellent activity and selectivity in catalytic hydroboration of alkynes, and M−O in MO₆ is the theoretical catalytic active site that is assisted by the possible structural steric effect between the activated MO₆ and two adjacent MO₆N polyhedra. These findings indicate that the M-NTA family not only enriches the structural diversity of MOF materials but that it also shows potential for catalytic organic conversion.