Carboxylate MOFs

SBU Secondary building unit in the context of coordination polymer network synthesis (reticular chemistry) refers to the geometry of metal coordination cluster fragments units as defined by the points of extension (such as the carboxylate C atoms in most carboxylate MOFs). 

Fig. 16 Functionalization of iron-carboxylate MOF with an optical imaging contrast agent (BODIPY) and a prodrug of cisplatin (ESCP) through postsynthetic modifications. Reprinted with the permission from [87]. Copyright 2009, American Chemical Society...

Photoluminescence may be quenched in the presence of heavy metals, and in these examples, Hg(II) or Hg(0) uptake can be monitored by emission spectra as the fluorescence of the Zn-carboxylate or Zr-carboxylate MOFs is quenched in the presence of mercury. This suggests potential applications for these materials in monitoring the presence of mercury contamination and in its removal. 

The different SBUs in carboxylate MOF structures. From RowsellJLQ Ya iOM. Micropor Mesopor Mater 2004 73 3-14 with permission. 

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