A novel 3D twofold interpenetrating microporous metal-organic framework containing 1D water tapes with cyclic pentamer units

The self-assembly of Cu2+ ions with malate and 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane (bpp) affords a 3D coordination polymer {[Cu(Hmal)(bpp) · 6H2O]}n (1) (malic acid = H3mal). The metal ions were interconnected by α- and β-carboxylate of malate produce infinite [Cu(C4H4O5)]n layers, which were further pillared by bridging ligand bpp molecules to form a 3D interpenetrating network. Of further interest, lattice water molecules form 1D infinite water tapes in 1D open cavities.