Design and synthesis of 3d-4f metal-based zeolite-type materials with a 3D nanotubular structure encapsulated "water" pipe.

A nanotubular 3D heterometallic zeolitic polymer, {[Yb(PDA)3Mn1.5(H2O)3].1.5H2O}n (2), was designed and synthesized by simply tuning the amount of coordinated water on the Mn ion in the molecular ladder polymer {[Yb(PDA)3Mn1.5(H2O)6].6H2O}n (1). 1 and 2 were structurally and magnetically characterized. The water molecules capsulated within the nanotube were arrayed into an unprecedented "water" pipe. The robust 2 retained intact networks after the removal of guest water trapped in the nanotubes and even after methanol replaced guest water.