Metal-organic frameworks MOFs chirality

In this chapter we briefly review the recent progresses in the design and synthesis of metal-organic frameworks as a new class of materials with potential for NLO application. The noncentrosymmetric MOFs, discussed herein are synthesized by using either chiral ligands or unsymmetrical ligands to assemble with suitable metal ions under hydro(solvo)thermal conditions. Additionally, incorporation of alkali or alkaline earth ions into Cd carboxylate frameworks is also an effective way to produce noncentrosymmetric MOFs. 

MOFs have also been widely explored in catalysis, starting from the earlier state of MOF development [21]. For example, in 2000, Seo et al. [54] reported homo-chiral MOF, POST-1 (Zn3(tL3-0)(L3i-H)6), which exhibited an interesting catalytic activity for an asymmetric chemical reaction based on the special organic groups on the pore surface of the MOF. Following that, the asymmetric catalysis promoted by metal ions on a MOF framework was reported in 2001 by Lin s group [55]. 

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