Structural‐Deformation‐Energy‐Modulation Strategy in a Soft Porous Coordination Polymer with an Interpenetrated Framework

Abstract To achieve unique molecular‐recognition patterns, a rational control of the flexibility of porous coordination polymers (PCPs) is highly sought, but it remains elusive. From a thermodynamic perspective, the competitive relationship between the structural deformation energy ( E def ) of soft PCPs and the guest interaction is key for selective a guest‐triggered structural‐transformation behavior. Therefore, it is vital to investigate and control E def to regulate this competition for flexibility control. Driven by these theoretical insights, we demonstrate an E def ‐modulation strategy via encoding inter‐framework hydrogen bonds into a soft PCP with an interpenetrated structure. As a proof of this concept, the enhanced E def of PCP enables a selective gate‐opening behavior toward CHCl 3 over CH 2 Cl 2 by changing the adsorption‐energy landscape of the compounds. This study provides a new direction for the design of functional soft porous materials.