Work

Hidden Truchet Architecture in Zinc p -Hydroxybenzoate

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We redetermine the structure of the disordered metal–organic framework Zn(hba) (hba2– = the dianion of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid). Using single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements, we characterize the structured diffuse scattering that is experimentally observed for this material and which is characteristic of strongly correlated disorder. We use geometric and crystal-chemical arguments to propose a general model for correlated disorder in Zn(hba), and then relate this model to a specific realization of so-called Truchet tilings. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we proceed to show that the model so developed is simultaneously consistent with both the average crystal structure solution described previously and the structured diffuse scattering reported here. The existence of ordered analogues with different but related chemistry suggests scope for control over correlated disorder in this family of metal–organic frameworks. Our study illustrates the potential for a Truchet-tile formalism to help describe and understand more generally the correlated disorder that can occur in network structures.

Source: Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.6c15350

Authors: Hunter J. Windsor, Guy Greenbaum, Tristan N. Dolling, Yevheniia Kholina, Andrew L. Goodwin

Institutions: Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry of the Slovak Academy of Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Metal-Organic Frameworks: Synthesis and Applications

Subfield: Inorganic Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500

Funders: Magdalen College, University of Oxford, UK Research and Innovation, Royal Society, Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung