Learn how to use Chem Interaction

Chem Interaction accelerates MOF synthesis by visualizing how metal salts, organic ligands and solvents are used together in literature. Explore interactive networks and search a FAIR-MOF dataset with rich filters.

Example interaction network
An example network showing how frequently solvents connect metals to a chosen ligand.

What Chem Interaction is

Chem Interaction is a practical assistant for MOF chemists. It combines:

  • An interactive network that visualizes how often metals, ligands and solvents appear together.
  • A targeted search across a curated FAIR-MOF dataset using text and numeric filters.
  • Direct links to publications or CCDC search and vendor pages for procurement.
Legend
Ligand
Metal salt
Solvent
Edge thickness and the percentage label indicate how frequently a path appears in literature data.

Three ways to start

Start with a Ligand

Type a ligand name or InChIKey. We resolve names and draw the network around it.

Try ligands
Start with a Metal Salt

Pick a metal salt. See the solvents and ligands it most often appears with.

Try metals
Start with a Solvent

Enter a solvent. We show compatible metals and ligands based on frequency.

Try solvents

The interaction network

Network example
The center node is your selection. Percentages show frequency for each connection.
  • Arrows flow Metal → Solvent → Ligand so you can quickly spot viable solvent choices.
  • Thickness and labels indicate frequency. Higher values point to practical combinations.
  • A table lists the same results with quick “Details” to view chemical properties.
  • We also surface MOFs synthesized with the selected components and link to their publications.

Quick tips

Name resolution

Enter common names or InChIKeys. We normalize inputs and query multiple services so you don’t have to guess exact spellings.

Reading the network

Strong, frequent connections are a fast indicator of workable combinations. Use the table to move from visual to details.

FAQ

It is the observed frequency for that connection within our dataset. Thicker edges and larger numbers indicate combinations that appear more often.

Yes. MOF tables support CSV export and bulk CIF downloads for matching refcodes. The network view can be saved using standard browser tools.

We curate MOF records from the Cambridge Structural Database (CCDC) and text-mine journal articles to extract synthesis conditions. Every crystal structure is mapped to its reported experimental recipe.

We compute a common set of descriptors—PLD, LCD, ASA, AV, density, and void fraction, then deconstruct each structure into its building units (SBUs). Metal centre environments, coordination numbers, and open-metal-site flags are derived directly from the atomic geometry.

Finally, we enrich chemicals with PubChem metadata and normalize names and identifiers. The result is a consistent FAIR-MOF schema that powers the interaction network and the search experience.

Ready to explore?

Pick a starting point. You can switch flows anytime.