Homochiral, helical metal–organic framework structures organized by strong, non-covalent π–π stacking interactions

Abstract

A new trifunctional ligand, L_ala, containing a carboxylate donor group, a homochiral center derived from L-alanine and a strong π–π stacking, 1,8-naphthalimide synthon, has been used to prepare the copper(II) complex [Cu(L_ala)₂(4,4′-bipy)(H₂O)₂]·4.25H₂O that has a homochiral, helical, supramolecular metal–organic framework 3-D structure, organized in one dimension solely by strong non-covalent forces.