MgTi(cat)3, a promising precursor for the preparation of Ti–MOFs?

A new Ti(IV) triscatecholate complex was prepared in aqueous conditions. Its crystal structure was solved, and the complex was fully characterized by multiple techniques, including thermogravimetric analysis, temperature dependent powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), as well as NMR and UV-visible spectroscopies. Thanks to liquid-state NMR, it is shown that such a complex is simultaneously stable enough in water to avoid the hydrolysis of the Ti(IV) ion, while still being able to undergo ligand exchange. Eventually, preliminary experiments suggest that this precursor is suitable for the preparation of new MOFs built up from polycatecholate ligands in aqueous media.