ABSTRACT
Our research group previously reported a two-dimensional cationic inorganic material (BING-5, Pb(3)F(5)NO(3)) where nitrate resides in the interlamellar space and can be anion exchanged. Investigation of the possible exchange of nitrate for benzoate led to the discovery of a layered metal-organic framework, lead benzoate hydrate [Pb(C(6)H(5)CO(2))(2)(OH(2))]. The compound crystallizes as colourless plates in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c. The two dimensional lead-oxygen layers contain bridging benzoate oxygen atoms, with bridging water molecules further supporting the layers. The benzoate molecules are positioned perpendicular to the layers and form a hydrophobic bilayer region. The material shows basic character when immersed in various solvents suggesting potential as a base catalyst.
