Hofmann clathrates

In inorganic chemistry, Hofmann clathrates refers to materials with the formula Ni(CN)2(NH3)(C6H6).

These materials are a type of coordination polymer that have properties of inclusion compounds.

On a conceptual level, Hofmann clathrates can be viewed as forerunners to metal–organic frameworks (MOFs).

The second kind of nickel site consists of [Ni(NH3)2]2+ groups that are connected to the Ni-CN nitrogens.

Voids between these sheets, defined by the ammonia ligands, are occupied by benzene molecules.