Enhanced Stability And Colorimetric Detection On Ag(I) Ions Of A Methylthio-Functionalized Zn(Ii) Metal-Organic Framework

A tripodal linker with six pendant methylthio (-SCH3) groups was crystallized with Zn(ii) ions to provide metal-organic framework (MOF) crystals, namely NOTT-6SMe-Zn, bearing three types of cage-like pores. NOTT-6SMe-Zn gives a highly distinguished color (dark brown) upon the introduction of Ag(i) ions, while it is insensitive towards other noble and transition metal ions. It exhibits a distinctly improved colorimetric detection of Ag(i) ions (e.g. as low as 30 ppm) and stability than that of non-methylthio functionalized NOTT-Zn. Better sensitivity is ascribed to the facile combination of soft sulfur atom and Ag(i) ions.