Preparation, Adsorption Properties, and Catalytic Activity of 3D Porous Metal–Organic Frameworks Composed of Cubic Building Blocks and Alkali‐Metal Ions

Unexpected catalytic activity for the oxidation of CO to CO2 is exhibited by one of two novel 3D porous metal–organic frameworks in which [Ni8L12]20− (H3L=4,5-imidazoledicarboxylic acid) cubic building blocks (CBBs) are linked by LiI or NaI ions. The clathrating ability towards LiI ions of such CBBs is seen in the X-ray crystal structure, which simulates the potential guest-bonding sites in the building blocks of the MOFs (see picture).