Synthesis of a Zr-Based Metal–Organic Framework with Spirobifluorenetetrabenzoic Acid for the Effective Removal of Nerve Agent Simulants

A new microporous Zr­(IV)-based metal–organic framework (MOF) containing 4,4′,4″,4‴-(9,9′-spirobi­[fluorene]-2,2′,7,7′-tetrayl)­tetrabenzoic acid (Spirof-MOF) was synthesized, characterized, and size-controlled for the adsorption and decomposition of a nerve agent simulant, dimethyl 4-nitrophenylphosphate (DMNP). Spirof-MOF showed a hydrolysis half-life (<i>t</i>_1/2) of 7.5 min to DMNP, which was confirmed by using in situ ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. Additionally, size-controlled Spirof-MOFb (∼1 μm) exhibited a half-life of 1.8 min and 99% removal within 18 min for DMNP. The results show that Spirof-MOF is a new active material in removing nerve agent simulants by adsorption and hydrolytic decomposition