Oxidation catalysis of microporous metal carboxylate complexes

Metal-organic frameworks: versatile heterogeneous catalysts for efficient catalytic organic transformations

Novel catalytic materials are highly demanded to perform a variety of catalytic organic reactions. MOFs combine the benefits of heterogeneous catalysis like easy post reaction separation, catalyst reusability, high stability and homogeneous catalysis such as high efficiency, selectivity, controllability and mild reaction conditions. The possible organization of active centers like metallic nodes, organic linkers, and their chemical synthetic functionalization on the nanoscale shows potential to build up MOFs particularly modified for catalytic challenges. In this review, we have summarized the recent research progress in heterogeneous catalysis by MOFs and their catalytic behavior in various organic reactions, highlighting the key features of MOFs as catalysts based on the active sites in the framework. Examples of their post functionalization, inclusion of active guest species and metal nanoparticles have been discussed. Finally, the use of MOFs as catalysts for asymmetric heterogeneous catalysis and stability of MOFs has been presented as separate sections.

Catalysis at the Metallic Nodes of MOFs

The intrinsically high metal content of MOFs makes them appealing for use in catalysis. Over the past few years, a wide variety of MOFs has been intensively studied as catalysts in various liquid phase organic reactions. The most intriguing class of MOF catalysts is that in which the structural nodes themselves act as the catalytic centres. This chapter will give an overview of some research on MOF catalysts in which the metal ions are the active sites. The examples given show that this class of materials offers a unique opportunity to finely tune the active site with tools previously only available in homogeneous complexes. This aspect, combined with their facile recycling, raises high expectations that MOFs can be applied by industry in the near future.

Metal-organic frameworks: opportunities for catalysis

The role of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in the field of catalysis is discussed, and special focus is placed on their assets and limits in light of current challenges in catalysis and green chemistry. Their structural and dynamic features are presented in terms of catalytic functions along with how MOFs can be designed to bridge the gap between zeolites and enzymes. The contributions of MOFs to the field of catalysis are comprehensively reviewed and a list of catalytic candidates is given. The subject is presented from a multidisciplinary point of view covering solid-state chemistry, materials science, and catalysis.

Industrial applications of metal-organic frameworks

New materials are prerequisite for major breakthrough applications influencing our daily life, and therefore are pivotal for the chemical industry. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) constitute an emerging class of materials useful in gas storage, gas purification and separation applications as well as heterogeneous catalysis. They not only offer higher surface areas and the potential for enhanced activity than currently used materials like base metal oxides, but also provide shape/size selectivity which is important both for separations and catalysis. In this critical review an overview of the potential applications of MOFs in the chemical industry is presented. Furthermore, the synthesis and characterization of the materials are briefly discussed from the industrial perspective (88 references).

Recent advances in immobilized metal catalysts for environmentally benign oxidation of alcohols

One of the most significant organic transformations in catalyst technology is the selective oxidation of alcohols. The acceleration of catalyst discovery in this field contributes to the economic and environmental impact in the production of useful materials. Heterogeneous catalysts combined with environmentally benign oxidants, such as molecular oxygen and hydrogen peroxide, are major challenges of exploratory research in the oxidation of alcohols. A wide range of recoverable catalysts has now emerged for these oxidation reactions. In this Focus Review, we present an overview of recent developments in immobilized metal catalysts and evaluate the potential of transition metals in the heterogeneously catalyzed oxidation of alcohols.