Auxiliary Ligand Geometry Control in Metal-Organic Framework Synthesis: V-Shaped Architecture and Properties

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) represent a revolutionary class of crystalline porous materials that have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional structural diversity and multifunctional properties. The precise control of MOF topology and properties through auxiliary ligand geometry has emerged as a critical strategy in rational framework design. This comprehensive review examines the role of V-shaped auxiliary ligands in directing MOF synthesis, with particular emphasis on their influence on framework topology, interpenetration behavior, and resulting functional properties. V-shaped ligands, characterized by their angular geometric configuration, offer unique advantages in creating specific coordination environments that can be systematically exploited to achieve desired structural outcomes. The investigation encompasses various synthetic approaches, structural modifications, and property optimization strategies that leverage V-shaped auxiliary ligands. Through detailed analysis of recent advances in this field, we demonstrate how the geometric constraints imposed by V-shaped ligands can be utilized to control porosity, enhance gas separation efficiency, and optimize catalytic performance. The findings reveal that V-shaped auxiliary ligands serve as powerful tools for achieving non-interpenetrated frameworks with enhanced stability and tailored functional properties, making them invaluable components in next-generation MOF design strategies.