Selective guest inclusion of linear C6 hydrocarbons in a Zn(II) 1D coordination polymer

Trapping of volatile unbranched C6 hydrocarbons (hexane, 1-hexene, and 1-hexyne) in a 1D coordination polymer is reported. The guest inclusion was studied quantitatively by 1H-NMR analysis and thermogravimetric measurements, while synchrotron single-crystal diffraction data allowed advancing the view of their confinement into linear CP channels. Adsorption experiments performed through solid/vapour processes on microcrystals of CP 1 showed a certain degree of selectivity for 1-hexyne, which could be rationalized by its larger dipole moment.