Topological Analysis and Symbol for 2D- and 3D-Networks

Abstract

In the past decade, the number of publications dealing with 2D- and 3D-network structures in metal organic frameworks (MOF), porous coordination polymers (PCP), metal organic polyhedra (MOP) and zeolites has increased rapidly, owing to recent developments of methodologies of synthesis and X-ray structure analysis.“Topological symbol”is a useful method for describing and categorizing the net structures based on their structural features. Some topological symbols with different definitions were designed to describe a wide variety of the net structures. However, the definitions are quite complicated for understanding and using them correctly. Indeed, confusion and wrong applications of the topological symbols have been found in recent publications very often. Herein, the definitions of five kinds of topological symbols, Wells, Schläfli, vertex, point, and face descriptions, were summarized. “ToposPro”, a software for topological analysis, is also introduced.