Synthesis of –CN– linked covalent organic frameworks via the direct condensation of acetals and amines

We demonstrate herein a facile approach for constructing -C[double bond, length as m-dash]N- linked COFs from acetals. Three new COFs (imine-linked LZU-20, hydrazone-linked LZU-21, and azine-linked LZU-22) were synthesized by the direct condensation of dimethyl acetals and amines. All the synthesized COFs are highly crystalline and exhibit good thermal stability.