Metal-Organic Frameworks are crystalline porous materials consisting of metal nodes linked together my organic linkers. Although relatively new, MOFs have quickly become an intensely studied field due to the potential applications in fields such as energy, catalysis or sensor design.
   This project aims to obtain several new organic linkers based on a [2.2]paracyclophane core, which will then be used in the synthesis of [2.2]paracyclophane-based MOFs. The desired linkers will vary in shape (linear vs. angled), length and number of functional groups (ditopic vs. tetratopic). The metals that will be used in this project will come from both the s block (alkaline and earth metals), as well as the d block (3d and 4d metals). Once synthesized, the MOFs will be characterized and their sorption properties will be evaluated using nitrogen as an adsorbate.
   The idea to use [2.2]paracyclophane derivatives in MOF design is a mostly unexplored avenue, therefore successful implementation of this project will deliver new and interesting structures with potential gas storage properties.