A Microporous Metal‐Organic Framework Supramolecularly Assembled from a CuII Dodecaborate Cluster Complex for Selective Gas Separation

A novel 3D metal‐organic framework BSF‐1 based on the closo‐dodecaborate cluster [B12H12]2− was readily prepared at room temperature by supramolecular assembly of CuB12H12 and 1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)acetylene. The permanent microporous structure was studied by X‐ray crystallography, powder X‐ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and gas sorption. The experimental and theoretical study of the gas sorption behavior of BSF‐1 for N2, C2H2, C2H4, CO2, C3H8, C2H6, and CH4 indicated excellent separation selectivities for C3H8/CH4, C2H6/CH4, and C2H2/CH4 as well as moderately high separation selectivities for C2H2/C2H4, C2H2/CO2, and CO2/CH4. Moreover, the practical separation performance of C3H8/CH4 and C2H6/CH4 was confirmed by dynamic breakthrough experiments. The good cyclability and high water/thermal stability render it suitable for real industrial applications. Selective separation: A 3D metal‐organic framework (BSF‐1) comprised of the closo‐dodecaborate cluster [B12H12]2− has been readily prepared at room temperature by supramolecular assembly of CuB12H12 and 1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)acetylene. BSF‐1 has a permanent microporous structure and exhibits excellent separation selectivities for gaseous mixtures of C3H8/CH4 and C2H6/CH4.