Stable cucurbit[5]uril MOF structures as ‘beaded’ rings built on a p-hydroxybenzoic acid template—a small molecule absorption material

Abstract

p-Hydroxybenzoic acid acts as a template in the presence of KI for the self-assembly of cucurbit[5]uril, which arranges into 6-membered ring structures. These form hexagonal netting sheets, superimposed upon one another to create continuous channels. This solid material is absorbent to volatile organics, ranging in size from methanol to 1,4-dioxane.