Determination of the dehydration pathway in a flexible metal–organic framework by dynamic in situ x-ray diffraction

Understanding guest exchange processes in metal–organic frameworks is an important step toward the rational design of functional materials with tailor-made properties. The dehydration of the flexible metal-organic framework [Co(AIP)(bpy)0.5(H(2)O)]•2H(2)O was studied by novel in situ dynamic x-ray diffraction techniques. The complex mechanism of dehydration, along with the as-yet unreported metastable structures, was determined. The structural information obtained by the application of these techniques helps to elucidate the important guest–host interactions involved in shaping the structural landscape of the framework lattice and to highlight the importance of utilizing this technique in the characterization of functional framework materials.