Crystalline Coordination Networks of Zero-Valent Metal Centers: Formation of a 3-Dimensional Ni(0) Framework with <i>m</i>-Terphenyl Diisocyanides

Abstract

A permanently porous, three-dimensional metal-organic material formed from zero-valent metal nodes is presented. Combination of ditopic m-terphenyl diisocyanide, [CNAr^Mes2]₂, and the d¹⁰ Ni(0) precursor Ni(COD)₂, produces a porous metal-organic material featuring tetrahedral [Ni(CNAr^Mes2)₄]_n structural sites. X-ray absorption spectroscopy provides firm evidence for the presence of Ni(0) centers, whereas gas-sorption and thermogravimetric analysis reveal the characteristics of a robust network with a microdomain N₂-adsorption profile.