Synthesis of a highly crystalline, covalently linked porous network
Porous networks are described linked by boronates. Also described are processes for producing the porous networks. The porous networks are formed by reacting a polyboronic acid with itself or with a polydiol, a polydiamine, or a polyamino alcohol. The resulting boronate linkage is covalently bonded. The characteristics and properties of the resulting porous material can be varied and altered by changing the reactants and by incorporating functional groups into the reactants. Of particular advantage, the porous materials can be formed at or near atmospheric pressure and at low temperature in the presence of one or more solvents.
1. A process for forming a boroxine linked porous network comprising:
reacting a polyboronic acid or an acyclic boronate ester thereof with itself to form an anhydride porous network.
2. The process as defined in claim 1 , the porous network defining pores having a pore diameter of less than about 200 angstroms.
3. The process as defined in claim 1 , wherein the polyboronic acid or an acyclic boronate ester thereof comprises a triboronic acid or an acyclic boronate ester thereof.
4. The process as defined in claim 3 , wherein the triboronic acid comprises benzene-1,3,5-triboronic acid or an acyclic boronate ester thereof.
5. The process as defined in claim 1 , wherein the polyboronic acid or an acyclic boronate ester thereof comprises a triboronic acid.
6. The process as defined in claim 1 , wherein the polyboronic acid or an acyclic boronate ester thereof comprises:
7. The process as defined in claim 1 , wherein the boroxine has the following structure:
8. The process as defined in claim 1 , wherein the polyboronic acid or an acyclic boronate ester thereof comprises:
or an acyclic boronate ester thereof.