A procedure for making covalently linked organometallic complexes within the pores of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) has been described. An N-heterocyclic carbene precursor containing link L0 was prepared and then constructed into a MOF-5-type structure (IRMOF-76). Attempts to produce covalently bound organometallic complexes in IRMOF-76 were unsuccessful. An alternative way of linking the first metalated link, L1, into the desired metalated MOF structure, IRMOF-77, was successful. IRMOF-76 and -77 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray studies. Demonstration of permanent porosity and successful substitution of the pyridine coligand in IRMOF-77 are also described.