Multi-directional Ligand for Metal-Organic Hybrid Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current metal-organic hybrid structures lack the structural expandability and functional versatility needed for advanced applications such as porosity, electrical conductivity, and electrochromism.

Innovation Solution

A multi-directional polydentate ligand, represented by Chemical Formula 1, is developed, which can form bidirectional or multidirectional metal-organic hybrid structures through coordination with metal ions, enabling two-dimensional or three-dimensional network structures and facilitating charge transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional monodentate or simple polydentate ligands are used, then the metal-organic hybrid structure can be formed, but the structural expandability and functional versatility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural expandabilityVSAvoidligand structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ligand is designed with multiple coordination sites that can bind metal ions in different spatial directions, transitioning from simple planar coordination to three-dimensional network formation. The bisSchiff base structure with multiple imine groups enables bidirectional or multidirectional extension of the metal-organic framework, achieving structural expandability through spatial dimensionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The ligand incorporates multiple functional groups (imine, hydroxyl, carboxyl) that can coordinate with different metal ions and participate in various interactions (coordination bonding, hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking). This multi-functionality allows a single ligand design to support diverse metal centers and achieve multiple functions including porosity, electrical conductivity, and catalytic activity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the ligand structure is simplified, then the synthesis is easier, but the electrical conductivity and photoelectronic properties are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidligand structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ligand combines multiple functional moieties (Schiff base imine groups, hydroxyl groups, carboxyl groups) into a single integrated structure that simultaneously provides coordination capability and electronic conjugation. The bisSchiff base architecture creates a composite functional system where different groups contribute to different properties: imine groups for coordination and electron delocalization, hydroxyl groups for hydrogen bonding and structural stabilization, and carboxyl groups for additional coordination and electrostatic interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The ligand design optimizes electronic parameters by incorporating electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups at specific positions to tune the HOMO-LUMO gap and electron density distribution. The conjugation length and orbital overlap are adjusted through the molecular structure to enhance electrical conductivity and photoelectronic properties while maintaining structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-generated harmful factors

If traditional coordination chemistry approaches are used, then metal complexes can be formed, but the porosity and access to metal sites are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveporosityVSAvoidnetwork structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ligand is designed as a modular bisSchiff base structure with distinct functional segments (imine arms, hydroxyl groups, carboxyl groups) that can independently coordinate with metal ions. This segmentation allows the formation of open porous networks where the ligand acts as a spacer, creating channels and cavities that facilitate substrate access to metal sites while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The ligand enhances electrical conductivity and introduces new electrical properties by facilitating bidirectional charge transfer and forming stable metal-organic frameworks or gels with improved catalytic activity and optical properties.

Implementation Method 1

facilitating bidirectional charge transfer and forming stable metal-organic frameworks or gels with improved catalytic activity and optical properties

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCharge transfer: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The nitrogen donor atom has both nucleophilicity and Lewis basicity, and could simultaneously exhibit a π-acceptor property as well

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoordination bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

A Schiff base involved in π-conjugation also exhibits various photoelectronic properties

Methodology Applied
Scientific Effectπ-conjugation: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3406601B1Multi-directional ligand for organometallic complex
Publication Date: 2022.04.20 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP3406601B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3406601B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3406601B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A compound represented by Chemical Formula 1 according to the present invention can coordinate with metal ions to form a bidirectional or multidirectional metal-organic hybrid structure. Thus, the present invention can synthesize various ligands using amine-aldehyde condensation, and synthesize metal-organic materials using the same.