In Situ Construction of Three Anion-Dependent Cu(I) Coordination Networks as Promising Heterogeneous Catalysts for Azide–Alkyne “Click” Reactions

Copper-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) as an Emerging Catalytic Framework for Click Chemistry

In the extensive terrain of catalytic procedures for the synthesis of organic molecules, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as heterogenous catalysts have been investigated in a variety of chemical processes, including Friedel–Crafts reactions, condensation reactions, oxidations, and coupling reactions, and utilized owing to their specific properties such as high porosity, tuneability, extraordinary catalytic activity, and recyclability. The eminent copper-tailored MOF materials can be exceptionally dynamic and regioselective catalysts for click reactions (1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction). Considering the fact that Cu(I)-catalyzed alkyne–azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) reactions can be catalyzed by several other copper catalysts such as Cu (II)-β-cyclodextrin, Cu(OAc)2, Fe3O4@SiO2, picolinimidoamide–Cu(II) complex, and Cu(II) porphyrin graphene, the properties of sorption and reusability, as well as the high density of copper-MOFs, open an efficient and robust pathway for regimented catalysis of this reaction. This review provides a comprehensive description and analysis of the relevant literature on the utilization of Cu-MOFs as catalysts for CuAAC ‘click’ reactions published in the past decade.

A hydrostable Zn2+ coordination polymer for multifunctional detection of inorganic and organic contaminants in water

From the perspective of human health and environmental safety, the development of hydrostable fluorescent sensors for the detection of heavy metal ions and nitroaromatics is an important but a challenging issue. To this end, a water-stable Zn²⁺ coordination polymer formulated as {[Zn(H₂L)]·2DMF·3H₂O}_n (ZnCP) was prepared elaborately by a solvothermal method using a multidentate ligand (H₄L) with 2,6-pyridine-dicarboxylic acid spaced by para-substituted benzene. Single-crystal analysis shows that the new ZnCP exhibits one-dimensional chain structural features, which further promoted to afford a wrinkled two-dimensional network structure via inter-chain hydrogen bonding. Powder X-ray diffraction and fluorescence measurements show that it can maintain crystallinity and structural integrity under harsh acidic and alkaline conditions with the pH ranging from 4 to 11. Notably, the bright blue-emissive ZnCP showed selective fluorescence quenching effects for Fe³⁺ and picric acid (PA), which makes it an excellent chemical sensor for Fe³⁺ and picric acid (PA) with low detection limits of 0.41 and 0.26 μM in water. The recognition mechanism of Fe³⁺ could be attributed to UV absorption competition and resonance energy transfer in the aid of weak electrostatic interactions, while the recognition mechanism of PA is considered to be a multi-quenching mechanism dominated by absorption competition and PET effects with the assistance of hydrogen bonding. In addition, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films doped with ZnCP (ZnCP@PMMA) were developed to provide better sensing performance and portability for practical applications.

Single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations among three Mn-MOFs containing different water molecules induced by reaction time: crystal structures and proton conductivities

Three Mn-MOFs {[Mn₃(μ₄-L)₂(H₂O)₇]·4H₂O}_n (1), {[Mn₃(μ₅-L)₂(H₂O)₆]·4H₂O}_n (2) and {[Mn₃(μ₇-L)₂(H₂O)₂]}_n (3) (H₃L = 5-(6-carboxypyridin-3-yl)isophthalic acid) were obtained under different reaction times and temperatures. Interestingly, induced by reaction time, compound 1 can lose one water molecule and SC-SC transform into compound 2. Similarly, compound 2 can also SC-SC transform into 3. Studies on two SC-SC transformation processes were carried out and the transformation mechanisms were deduced, which were verified by TG analyses. Different numbers of water molecules in the three compounds resulted in different coordination environments of the metal cation, coordination modes of the L^3- ligand, continuities of hydrogen bonds, dimensions of framework and porosities. The AC impendence spectra studies revealed that compounds 1-3 can enhance the proton conductivities of the Nafion composite membrane to about 47.77%, 36.88% and 21.28%, respectively. It is speculated that the highest proton conductivity of compound 1 may be due to its continuous hydrogen bond chain and highest water uptake, which were mainly decided by the number of water molecules.

Three Resorcin[4]arene-Based Two-Dimensional Zn(II) Supramolecular Isomers Synthesized via a Structure-Directing Strategy for Knoevenagel Condensation

Herein, in the presence of three structure-directing agents (SDAs), a family of imidazole-functionalized resorcin[4]arene-based coordination polymers (CPs), [Zn(TIC4R)(HCOO)]·HCOO·0.5DMF·1.5H₂O (1), [Zn(TIC4R)(CN)]·HCOO·DMF·2.5H₂O (2), and [Zn(TIC4R)(H₂O)]·2HCOO·2H₂O (3), were assembled under solvothermal conditions [TIC4R = tetra(imidazole) resorcin[4]arene]. 1 exhibits a double-layer structure with rectangle windows, and 2 and 3 display monolayer structures. The layers of CPs 2 and 3 are slides with different offsets along the a-axis. In addition, three CPs were used as catalysts to catalyze Knoevenagel condensations. Strikingly, all CPs exhibit remarkable catalytic performance for several substrates. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a small organic acid as SDA was used in the syntheses of resorcin[4]arene-based supramolecular isomers.

Template-Induced {Mn2}-Organic Framework with Lewis Acid-Base Canals as a Highly Efficient Heterogeneous Catalyst for Chemical Fixation of CO2 and Knoevenagel Condensation

The target for the self-assembly of functional microporous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) could be realized by employing ligand-directed and/or template-induced strategies, which prompted us to explore the synthetic technique of d¹⁰ secondary-building-unit-based nanoporous frameworks. Here, the exquisite combination of a paddle-wheel [Mn₂(CO₂)₆(OH₂)₂] cluster and a TDP^6- ligand contributes one robust honeycomb framework of {(Me₂NH₂)₂[Mn₂(TDP)(H₂O)₂]·3H₂O·3DMF}_n (NUC-31; DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide), whose activated state with the removal of associated aqueous molecules characterizes the outstanding physicochemical properties of nanochannels, penta- and tetracoordinated Mn²⁺ serving as highly open metal sites, rich Lewis base sites (rows of C═O groups and N_pyridine atoms), and excellent thermal stability. Moreover, it is worth mentioning that Lewis acid-base sites on the inner surface of the channels in activated NUC-31 successfully form one unprecedented canal-shaped acid-base confined space with evenly distributed open metal sites of Mn²⁺ and N_pyridine atoms as the canal bottom as well as two rows of C═O groups serving as dyke dams. Catalytic experiments displayed that activated NUC-31 could serve as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the chemical fixation of CO₂ with epoxides into cyclic carbonates under mild conditions. Furthermore, NUC-31 could effectively catalyze the reaction Knoevenagel condensation, which should be ascribed to the synergistic polarization effect aroused from its plentiful Lewis base sites in the confined channel space. Hence, these results demonstrate that the employment of ligand-directed and template-dependent strategies could overcome the self-assembled barriers of functional microporous MOFs and achieve unexpected frameworks.

V═O Functionalized {Tm2}-Organic Framework Designed by Postsynthesis Modification for Catalytic Chemical Fixation of CO2 and Oxidation of Mustard Gas

In terms of recently documented references, the introduction of V═O units into porous MOF/COF frameworks can greatly improve their original performance and expand their application prospects due to a change in their electronegativity. In this work, by a cation-exchange strategy, a consummate combination of separate 4f [Tm₂(CO₂)₈] SBUs and 3d [V^IVO(H₂O)₂] units generated the functionalized porous metal-organic framework {(Me₂NH₂)₂[VO(H₂O)][Tm₂(BDCP)₂]·3DMF·3H₂O}_n (NUC-11), in which [Tm₂(CO₂)₈] SBUs constitute the fundamental 3D host framework of {[Tm₂](BDCP)₂}_n along with [V^IVO(H₂O)₂] units being further docked on the inner wall of channels by covalent bonds. Significantly, NUC-11 represents the first example of V═O modified porous MOFs, in which uncoordinated carboxylic groups (-CO₂H) further grasp the functional [V^IVO(H₂O)₂] units on the initial basic skeleton along with the formation of covalent bonds as fixed ropes. Furthermore, activated samples of NUC-11 displayed a good catalytic performance for the chemical synthesis of carbonates from related epoxides and CO₂ with high conversion rate. Moreover, by employing NUC-11 as a catalyst, a simulator of mustard gas, 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide, could be quickly and efficiently oxidized into low-toxicity products of oxidized sulfoxide (CEESO). Thus, this study offers a brand new view for the design and synthesis of functional-units-modified porous MOFs, which could be potentially applied as an excellent candidate in the growing field of efficient catalysis.

Nanochannel-based heterometallic {ZnIIHoIII}-organic framework with high catalytic activity for the chemical fixation of CO2

The exquisite combination of ZnII and HoIII generated the highly robust [ZnHo(CO2)6(OH2)]-based heterometallic framework of {[ZnHo(TDP)(H2O)]·5H2O·3DMF} n (NUC-30, H6TDP = 2,4,6-tri(2',4'-dicarboxyphenyl)pyridine), which featured outstanding physicochemical properties, including honeycomb nanochannels, high porosity, large specific surface area, the coexistence of highly open Lewis acid-base sites, good thermal and chemical stability, and resistance to most organic solvents. Due to its extremely unsaturated metal tetra-coordinated Zn(ii) ions, hepta-coordinated Ho(iii) and high faveolate void volume (61.3%), the conversion rate of styrene oxide and CO2 into cyclic carbonates in the presence of 2 mol% activated NUC-30 and 5 mol% n-Bu4NBr reached 99% under the mild conditions of 1.0 MPa and 60 °C. Furthermore, the luminescence sensing experiments proved that NUC-30 could be used as a fast, sensitive and highly efficiency sensor for the detection of Fe3+ in aqueous solution. Therefore, these results prove that nanoporous MOFs assembled from pyridine-containing polycarboxylate ligands have wide applications, such as catalysis and as luminescent materials.

One Robust Microporous TmIII-Organic Framework for Highly Catalytic Activity on Chemical CO2 Fixation and Knoevenagel Condensation

In terms of documented references, multifunctional MOFs with high catalytic performance could be constructed from the combination of metal cations and polycarboxyl-pyridine ligands, which could efficiently endow crystallized porous frameworks with the coexisting Lewis acid-base properties. Thus, by employing a ligand-directed synthetic strategy, the exquisite combination of wave-like inorganic chains of [Tm(CO₂)₃(OH₂)]_n and mononuclear units of [Tm(CO₂)₄(OH₂)₂] with the aid of the specially designed ligand of 2,6-bis(2,4-dicarboxylphenyl)-4-(4-carboxylphenyl)pyridine (H₅BDCP) generates one highly robust microporous framework of {(Me₂NH₂)[Tm₃(BDCP)₂)(H₂O)₃]·4DMF·H₂O}_n (simplified as NUC-25), which contains near-rectangular nanochannels and large solvent-residing voids. Furthermore, the activated state of NUC-25 with the removal of associated water molecules is a rarely reported bifunctional heterogeneous catalyst due to the coexistence of Lewis acid-base sites including 6-coordinated Tm³⁺ ions, uncoordinated carboxyl oxygen atoms, and N_pyridine atoms. Just as expected, NUC-25 exhibits greatly high catalytic activity for the cycloaddition reaction of epoxides with CO₂ into alkyl cyclic carbonates under bland solvent-free conditions, which should be ascribed to the polarity of nitrogen-containing pyridine heterocycles as Lewis base sites on the inner surface of nano-caged voids except for recognized Lewis acid sites of rare earth cations. Moreover, the excellent pore-size-dependent catalytic property for Knoevenagel condensation reactions confirms that NUC-25 can be viewed as a recyclable bifunctional heterogeneous catalyst. Therefore, these results strongly demonstrate that microporous MOFs assembled from pre-designed polycarboxyl-heterocyclic ligands display better catalytic performance not only for chemical CO₂ fixation but also for Knoevenagel condensation reactions.

Defect engineering: an effective tool for enhancing the catalytic performance of copper-MOFs for the click reaction and the A3 coupling

A series of Cu(i)-enriched and Lewis basic site-containing defect-engineering MOFs was investigated for significantly enhanced catalytic performance in the click reaction and the A³ coupling.

A novel copper(i) metal–organic framework as a highly efficient and ultrasensitive electrochemical platform for detection of Hg(ii) ions in aqueous solution

A novel copper(i) metal–organic framework was constructed and used to modify a glassy carbon electrode, and exhibits excellent electrochemical sensing of Hg(ii) ions.

Soluble imidazolium-functionalized coordination cages for efficient homogeneous catalysis of CO2 cycloaddition reactions

The soluble metal–organic cage ImBDC-Co can be employed as a homogeneous catalyst for the CO₂ cycloaddition reaction, and shows higher catalytic activity than its heterogeneous counterparts. Moreover, the soluble cage can realize recovery and reuse without activity loss.

A water-stable zinc(ii)–organic framework as an “on–off–on” fluorescent sensor for detection of Fe3+ and reduced glutathione

A zinc(ii) metal–organic framework exhibits fluorescence on–off–on behaviour for Fe³⁺ and reduced glutathione in PBS solution and in real samples.

Ultra-trace level detection of Cu2+ in an aqueous medium by novel Zn(ii)-dicarboxylato–pyridyl coordination polymers and cell imaging with HepG2 cells

Fluorescent 1D Zn(ii) coordination polymers are aggregated via noncovalent interactions. The emission of the CPs is exclusively quenched by Cu²⁺ and the LOD is at μM range. In aqueous medium internalization CPs within HepG2 cells is detected by microscopic cell image using Cu²⁺.

Gold-like Thiolate-Protected Ultrasmall Cubic Copper Nanocluster-Based Metal-Organic Framework as a Selective Catalyst for Stepwise Synthesis of Unsymmetric Bistriazole by Click Reaction

We report a facile synthesis of a thiolate-protected water-soluble ultrasmall cubic copper nanocluster-based metal-organic framework (CuMOF) as an efficient and chemoselective catalyst for the azide-alkyne click reaction. Interestingly, the diffuse reflectance spectra of CuMOFs exhibit three discrete plasmon bands at 463, 505, and 674 nm, which are similar to those corresponding to the fingerprint region of thiolate-protected atomically precise Au₂₅ nanoclusters; hence, CuMOFs are termed as gold-like ultrasmall cubic copper nanoclusters. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirm the cubic morphology of CuMOFs with nanoclusters showing particle size distribution of ∼2-12 nm. The matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) spectrum of CuMOFs is attributed to the individual particles consisting of few Cu_n(SR)_m with Cu(0) core atoms and Cu(I)SR staples, i.e., Cu₂(SR)₄, Cu(SR)₆, Cu₃(SR)₇, and Cu₄(SR)₈. To our surprise, the unsymmetric bistriazoles resulting from the click reaction of bifunctional azides and alkynes in the presence of CuMOFs were achieved by step-by-step conversion of the terminal azide selectively with maximum yield in the range of 70-88%. The nitrogen adsorption-desorption studies confirm the size-dependent surface area, pore volume, and pore size for the CuMOFs prepared by varying metal-to-ligand ratios. The plausible mechanism for the selective mono-click at CuMOFs suggests the existence of bifunctional terminal interactions via thiol and sulfonate groups that might have provided the site-isolation-based active sites for selective catalysis. The easy recovery of CuMOFs and their reusability up to 5 times without significant loss of activity are very promising for the selective organic conversions in pharmaceutical and industrial formulations.

Homocoupling Reactions of Azoles and Their Applications in Coordination Chemistry

Pyrazole, a member of the structural class of azoles, exhibits molecular properties of interest in pharmaceuticals and materials chemistry, owing to the two adjacent nitrogen atoms in the five-membered ring system. The weakly basic nitrogen atoms of deprotonated pyrazoles have been applied in coordination chemistry, particularly to access coordination polymers and metal-organic frameworks, and homocoupling reactions can in principle provide facile access to bipyrazole ligands. In this context, we summarize recent advances in homocoupling reactions of pyrazoles and other types of azoles (imidazoles, triazoles and tetrazoles) to highlight the utility of homocoupling reactions in synthesizing symmetric bi-heteroaryl systems compared with traditional synthesis. Metal-free reactions and transition-metal catalyzed homocoupling reactions are discussed with reaction mechanisms in detail.

Bonded- and discreted-Lindqvist hexatungstate-based copper hybrids as heterogeneous catalysts for the one-pot synthesis of 2-phenylquinoxalines via 2-haloanilines with vinyl azides or 3-phenyl-2H-azirines

One bonded- and one discreted-Lindqvist hexatungstate-based copper hybrids (Cu-POMs) ([Cu2(O)OH(phen)2]2[W6O19]·6H2O (1) and [Cu2(phen)4Cl] [HW6O19]·2H2O (2) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline)) were controllably synthesized and routinely characterized. Cu-POMs 1-2 consisted of identical [W6O19] unit and similar copper-phen complexes, the two units are bonded via four Cu-O chemical bonds in compound 1; however, compound 2 is discreted and stabilized by intermolecular electrostatic interactions. Importantly, these Cu-POMs catalysts were first applied in the novel reaction for the preparation of 2-phenylquinoxalines via the one-pot coupling and oxidation reactions of 2-haloanilines with vinyl azides or 3-phenyl-2H-azirines under mild conditions, and Cu-POMs 1 showed higher catalytic performance in good yields (79-84%). The reactions exhibit some functional group tolerance and allow for the preparation of a number of 2-phenylquinoxalines.

Highly Stable Copper(I)-Thiacalix[4]arene-Based Frameworks for Highly Efficient Catalysis of Click Reactions in Water

Environmentally friendly metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained considerable attention for their potential use as heterogeneous catalysts. Herein, two Cu^I -based MOFs, namely, [Cu₄ Cl₄ L]⋅CH₃ OH⋅1.5 H₂ O (1-Cl) and [Cu₄ Br₄ L]⋅DMF⋅0.5 H₂ O (1-Br), were assembled with new functionalized thiacalix[4]arenes (L) and halogen anions X^- (X=Cl and Br) under solvothermal conditions. Remarkably, catalysts 1-Cl and 1-Br exhibit great stability in aqueous solutions over a wide pH range. Significantly, MOFs 1-Cl and 1-Br, as recycled heterogeneous catalysts, are capable of highly efficient catalysis for click reactions in water. The MOF structures, especially the exposed active Cu^I sites and 1D channels, play a key role in the improved catalytic activities. In particular, their catalytic activities in water are greatly superior to those in organic solvents or even in mixed solvents. This work proposes an attractive route for the design and self-assembly of environmentally friendly MOFs with high catalytic activity and reusability in water.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of urea-containing zirconium metal–organic frameworks for heterogeneous catalysis of Henry reactions

A urea-containing UiO-68 isoreticular zirconium metal–organic framework with mixed dicarboxylate struts can work as an efficient hydrogen-bond-donating heterogeneous catalyst for Henry reactions of benzaldehydes and nitroalkanes.

Supramolecular Assembly of a Zn(II)-Based 1D Coordination Polymer through Hydrogen Bonding and π···π Interactions: Crystal Structure and Device Applications

A new mixed-ligand divalent one-dimensional coordination polymer (1D CP) [Zn(adc)(4-nvp)₂(H₂O)₂] _n , (1) [H₂adc = acetylenedicarboxylic acid and 4-nvp = 4-(1-naphthylvinyl)pyridine] has been synthesized and well characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectrum, single-crystal X-ray crystallography, powder X-ray diffraction pattern, and thermogravimetric analysis. The compound 1 constructs a 3D supramolecular network by the combination of hydrogen bonding, C-H···π, and π···π interactions. Interestingly, the material shows Schottky behavior which is exclusively analyzed with the help of thermionic emission and space charge-limited current theory. In addition, the Schottky barrier diode parameters for compound 1 demonstrate better device performance after light soaking. Hence, the compound has applicability in the fabrication of optoelectronic devices.

Capturing the Organic Species Derived from the C-C Cleavage and in Situ Oxidation of 1,2,3,4-Tetra(pyridin-4-yl)cyclobutane by [CuCN] n-Based MOFs

The solvothermal cycloreversion and in situ oxidation of 1,2,3,4-tetra(pyridin-4-yl)cyclobutane (tpcb) within [CuCN] _n-based MOFs were investigated. The radical mechanism for the cycloreversion of tpcb ligands was supported by capturing a 1,3-butadiene species 1,2,3,4-tetra(4-pyridyl)-1,3-butadiene (tpyb) into {[Cu₁₈(μ-CN)₁₈(tpcb)₄(tpyb)₂]·H₂O} _n in the presence of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO). Without TEMPO, a furan-based ligand 2,3,4,5-tetra(4-pyridyl)furan (tpyf) was generated within {[Cu₄(μ-CN)₄(tpyf)]·4MeCN} _n via the C-C cleavage, followed by in situ oxidation in acidic condition.