Modulated synthesis is a concept that can be used to control the crystalline dimensions of a metalorganic framework. It is based on the addition of acids and bases to the reaction mixture, which affect the protonation of the linker molecules, thus giving control over the nucleation of the MOF. Furthermore, monocarboxylic acids (i.e. formic acid, acetic acid, benzoic acid) can be used in the synthesis of carboxylate-based MOFs, where they act as coordination modulators. Figure 1 a) SEM image of the reproduced synthesis of MIL-116(Ga) from literature Benzoic acid for instance, works as a competitor over coordination centres for -COOH groups , and its use usually results in improved crystallinity and large MOF crystals. Furthermore, modulators can block certain lattice planes leading to facetted crystalline growth and thus to particle shape variations. We investigated the influence of different modulators on the synthesis of MIL-116(Ga) (see Figures ).