Two enantiomorphic 3D Zn(ii)–carboxylate MOFs with double helical structures serving as a chiral source induced by hydrogen bonding

Two enantiomorphic 3D Zn(ii)-carboxylate metal-organic frameworks [Zn(bpydc)(H sub(2)O) sub(2)] (1M and 1P) (H sub(2)bpydc = 2,2'-bipyridyl-5,5'-dicarboxylic acid) have been synthesized. They both contain an elegant double helix, self-organized through hydrogen bonds between the coordinated water molecules and uncoordinated carboxylate oxygen atoms. This double helical structure serves as a chiral source which transmits chiral information over the whole 3D framework.