Facile synthesis of an ultra-stable metal–organic framework with excellent acid and base resistance

A novel ultra-stable metal–organic framework, MCIF-1, [Cu2(DCI)2](MeCN), based on dicyanoimidazole and Cu(I), has been synthesized at room temperature successfully. MCIF-1 shows excellent water stability and can retain crystallinity after soaking in water for about one week. In addition, MCIF-1 also shows exceptional resistance under both acidic and basic conditions within a large pH range from 0 to 13.5. What is more, after modifying the synthesis procedure slightly, we can produce this material in a large scale during a very short time. Mild synthesis conditions, excellent stability and ease of large scale production give MCIF-1 great potential for practical use.