In Situ Monitoring and Mechanism of the Mechanochemical Formation of a Microporous MOF-74 Framework

Mechanochemistry provides a rapid, efficient route to metal-organic framework Zn-MOF-74 directly from a metal oxide and without bulk solvent. In situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction monitoring of the reaction course reveals two new phases and an unusual stepwise process in which a close-packed intermediate reacts to form the open framework. The reaction can be performed on a gram scale to yield a highly porous material after activation.