Solvent-induced single-crystal to single-crystal transformation of a 2D coordination network to a 3D metal–organic framework greatly enhances porosity and hydrogen uptake

Exposure to CH2Cl2 at room temperature induces single-crystal to single-crystal transformation of the 2D coordination network [Zn2L(DMF)4]·2DMF·4H2O to the 3D metal–organic framework [Zn2L(H2O)2]·xsolv viadimerization of the metal-connecting points, leading to significant enhancement in framework stability, porosity, and H2 uptake capacity.