Dynamic Transformation between Covalent Organic Frameworks and Discrete Organic Cages
Zhen Shan, Xiaowei Wu, Bingqing Xu, You‐lee Hong, Miaomiao Wu, Yuxiang Wang, Yusuke Nishiyama, Junwu Zhu, Satoshi Horike, Susumu Kitagawa, Gen Zhang
Abstract
We propose a dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC)-induced linker exchange strategy for the structural transformation between covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and cages for the first time. Studies have shown that the COF-to-cage and cage-to-COF transformations were realized by using borate bonds and imine bonds, respectively, as linkages. Self-sorting experiments suggested that borate cages and imine COFs are thermodynamic minimum compounds. This research builds a bridge between discrete and polymeric organic scaffolds and broadens the knowledge of chemistry and materials for porous materials science.