Terminology of metal–organic frameworks and coordination polymers (IUPAC Recommendations 2013)

TLDR

Coordination networks are a subset of coordination polymers, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a further subset that must contain potential voids, though no physical porosity measurements are required. A set of terms, definitions, and recommendations is provided for use in the classification of coordination polymers, networks, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). The authors recommend a hierarchical terminology with coordination polymer as the most general term and advocate using topology and topology descriptors to enhance the description of crystal structures of MOFs and 3D coordination polymers.

Abstract

A set of terms, definitions, and recommendations is provided for use in the classification of coordination polymers, networks, and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). A hierarchical terminology is recommended in which the most general term is coordination polymer. Coordination networks are a subset of coordination polymers and MOFs a further subset of coordination networks. One of the criteria an MOF needs to fulfill is that it contains potential voids, but no physical measurements of porosity or other properties are demanded per se. The use of topology and topology descriptors to enhance the description of crystal structures of MOFs and 3D-coordination polymers is furthermore strongly recommended.