A layered, covalent, triazine-based framework (CTF) was synthesized via the condensation of 2,6-naphthalenedicarbonitrile under ionothermal conditions. The polytrimerization of this bi functional carbon nitrile in zinc chloride at lower temperatures yields a well-ordered, close-packed framework. At elevated temperatures an amorphous, yet porous solid is obtained, which shows remarkable thermal stability (640 degrees C) and a high surface area (2255 m(2) g(-1) and 1.51 cm(3) g(-1)).