A Polyoxovanadate–Resorcin[4]arene-Based Porous Metal–Organic Framework as an Efficient Multifunctional Catalyst for the Cycloaddition of CO2 with Epoxides and the Selective Oxidation of Sulfides

Imine bond-directed assembly of polyoxometalate-based metal-organic frameworks

Polyoxometalate-based metal-organic frameworks (POMOFs) are highly effective heterogeneous catalysts that combine the catalytic activity of polyoxometalates (POMs) with the high surface area, tunable porosity, and structural diversity of MOFs. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of a general method to integrate POMs with various transition metal-based building units into POMOFs under mild conditions. In this work, we employed imine bonds to link amino-functionalized Anderson-type POMs with aldehyde-terminated divalent metal clusters, resulting in a series of isostructural POMOFs, M(II)-POMOFs (M = Zn, Co, Mg, or Mn). Furthermore, we used post-synthetic metal exchange and oxidation to transform Zn-POMOF into Fe(III)-POMOF with strong Lewis acidic Fe3+ sites. Notably, both the synthesis and post-synthetic modifications were performed under mild conditions (room temperature, acid-free), preventing the decomposition of the POMs. Compared to M(II)-POMOFs or MOFs without POMs, the combination of Lewis acidic Fe3+ and POMs enhanced its catalytic activity for CO2 cycloaddition with epoxides, enabling efficient synthesis of cyclic carbonates. This versatile synthetic method could broaden the scope of POMOFs, extending their applications in catalysis and beyond.

Modulating the Catalytic Properties of Polyoxovanadates with Transition-Metal-Complex Units for Selective Oxidation of Sulfides

Selective oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides is of great significance in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, desulfurization of fuels, and detoxification of sulfur mustard chemical warfare agents. Designing selective catalysts to achieve the efficient transformation of sulfides to sulfoxides is thus highly desired. Herein, we report three transition metal-complex-functionalized polyoxovanadates, [Zn2(BPB)2][V4O12]·0.5BPB·H2O (1), [Ni(BPB)(H2O)][V2O6]·2H2O (2), and [Co(HBPB)2][V4O12] (3) (BPB = 1,4-bis(pyrid-4-yl)benzene)), and explore their applications for selective oxidation of sulfides using H2O2 as an oxidant. All three compounds were catalytically effective for the oxidation of methyl phenyl sulfide to methyl phenyl sulfoxide, with 1 being best-performing with complete conversion and a selectivity of 96.7%. In the selective oxidation of a series of aromatic and aliphatic sulfides to corresponding sulfoxides, 1 also showed satisfactory performance; in particular, the chemical warfare agent stimulant 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide can be completely and selectively oxidized to the nontoxic 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfoxide within 20 min at room temperature. Catalyst 1 can be recycled and reused at least six times with uncompromised performance. The perfect performance of 1 is attributed to the synergistic effect of coordinatively unsaturated V and Zn sites in bimetallic oxide, as revealed by comparative structural and catalytic studies.

Design and oxidative desulfurization of Ag/Ti heterometallic clusters based on Hard-Soft Acid-Base principle

Hard-Soft Acid-Base (HSAB) principle plays an important guiding role in the design and synthesis of novel clusters and coordination compounds, in which "soft acids prefer to react with soft bases, while hard acids have an affinity for hard bases". Based on HSAB principle, four Ag/Ti heterometallic clusters, including Ag2Ti10, Ag2Ti11 with "Ti-encapsulated Ag" configurations, and two "Ag-encapsulated Ti" structures Ag2Ti2 and Ag2Ti12, were synthesized under solvothermal conditions. In addition, Ag2Ti12 exhibited an efficient and stable catalytic activity for sulfide oxidation. This work provides not only a new structural model for the modulation of the catalytic oxidative desulfurization properties of Ag/Ti heterometallic clusters but also a new insight of the utilization of phosphine-containing ligands to regulate the structure of Ag/Ti heterometallic clusters.

Recent advances in oxidative catalytic applications of polyoxovanadate-based inorganic-organic hybrids

Polyoxovanadates (POVs) have received widespread attention in catalytic applications due to their various structures and remarkable redox properties. By introducing a second transition metal, POV-based inorganic-organic hybrid (POVH) catalysts show increasing stability and more catalytic active sites compared with pure POVs. In this perspective article, POVH materials as oxidative catalysts have been classified into two main categories according to the interactions between transition metal-complex units and POV clusters: (i) hybrids with metal-organic units act as isolated cations and (ii) hybrids with an organic ligand coordinate to the second transition metal, which is further linked to a POV cluster via oxygen bridges directly or indirectly to give zero-, one-, two- or three-dimensional supramolecular structures. The oxidative conversion of organic compounds, including thiophene derivatives, thioethers, alkanes, alcohols, and alkenes, and oxidative detoxification of a sulfur mustard simulant or degradation of lignin, along with the oxidative photo/electrocatalytic transformation of organic compounds catalyzed by POVH materials, are discussed in detail. Furthermore, the challenges and prospects toward the development of POVH catalysts are explored briefly from our perspectives.

Multifunctional Aryl Sulfonium Decavanadates: Tuning the Photochromic and Heterogeneous Oxidative Desulfurization Catalytic Properties Using Salicylaldehyde-type Functional Moieties on Counterions

Multifunctional materials based on polyoxovanadates (POVs) have rarely been reported. Herein, we used aryl sulfonium counterions (ASCIs) bearing a salicylaldehyde-type functionality to tune the properties of decavanadate ([V10O28]6-)-based hybrids for their application in photochromism and heterogeneous oxidative desulfurization (ODS) catalysis. The counterions FHPDS ((3-formyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)dimethylsulfonium), DFHPDS ((3,5-diformyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)dimethylsulfonium), and EFPDS ((4-ethoxy-3-formylphenyl)dimethylsulfonium) were clubbed with the decavanadate cluster to generate the hybrids (FHPDS)4[H2V10O28](H2O)4 (HY1), (DFHPDS)4[H2V10O28](H2O)3 (HY2), and (EFPDS)4[H2V10O28](H2O)6 (HY3). The photochromic properties of these hybrids were tested under 365 nm irradiation, which showed a color change from yellow to green. Different hybrids exhibited different photocoloration half-life (t1/2) values in the range of 0.77-28.38 min, suggesting the dependence of the photocoloration properties upon functional groups on the counterions. The hybrid HY2, having a 2,6-diformyl phenol moiety on the ASCI, exhibited an impressive t1/2 of 0.77 min. UP to 70% reversibility of photocoloration was achieved for the best photochromic hybrid HY2 in 48 h at 70 °C under an oxygen atmosphere. Theoretical and experimental data suggested that some of these aryl sulfonium POVs follow a different e--h+ stabilization mechanism than traditional sulfonium POM hybrids. Further, the salicylaldehyde-type ASCIs control the solubility of the decavanadate hybrids, which enables their application as heterogeneous catalysts for the selective oxidation of various sulfides. The nature of the substituents on the ASCIs also affected their catalytic activities; the counterion that facilitates the reversible V4+/V5+ switching enhances the catalytic ODS efficiency of the hybrids. Using HY2 as the catalyst, up to 99% conversion and 96% selectivity toward sulfones were achieved in dibenzothiophene (DBT) oxidation. The present study suggests a new promising approach for controlling POVs' photoresponsive and catalytic properties by using ASCIs bearing salicylaldehyde-type functional moieties.

Polyoxovanadate-Based Cyclomatrix Polyphosphazene Microspheres as Efficient Heterogeneous Catalysts for the Selective Oxidation and Desulfurization of Sulfides

The [V₆O₁₃]^2- cluster is successfully immobilized to the polymeric framework of cyclomatrix polyphosphazene via the facile precipitation polymerization between the phenol group symmetrically modified [V₆O₁₃]^2- and hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene. The structure of the as-prepared polyoxometalate-containing polyphosphazene (HCCP-V) was characterized by FT-IR, XPS, TGA, BET, as well as SEM and zeta potential. The presence of a rigid polyoxometalate cluster not only supports the porous structure of the polymeric framework but also provides an improved catalytic oxidation property. By using H₂O₂ as an oxidant, the as-prepared HCCP-V exhibited improved catalytic oxidation activity toward MPS, DBT, and CEES, which can achieve as high as 99% conversion. More importantly, the immobilization of POMs in the network of cyclomatrix polyphosphazene also provides better recyclability and stability of the heterogeneous catalyst.

A Porous Metal-Organic Framework as an Electrochemical Sensing Platform for Highly Selective Adsorption and Detection of Bisphenols

The design of artificial receptors with a specific recognition function and enhanced selectivity is highly desirable in the electrochemical sensing field, which can be used for detection of environmental pollutants. In this facet, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) featured adjustable porosities and specific host-guest recognition properties. Especially, the large hydrophobic cavity formed in the porous MOFs may become a potential artificial receptor. We herein designed a new porous MOF [Zn₂(L)(IPA)(H₂O)]·2DMF·2MeOH·3H₂O (Zn-L-IPA) by using a functionalized sulfonylcalix[4]arene (L¹) and isophthalic acid (H₂IPA) (DMF = N,N'-dimethylformamide). The specific pore size and pore shape of Zn-L-IPA made it efficiently selective for absorption of bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol F (BPF), and bisphenol S (BPS). Therefore, a rapid, highly selective, and ultrasensitive electrochemical sensing platform Zn-L-IPA@GP/GCE was fabricated by using Zn-L-IPA as a host to recognize and absorb bisphenol guests (GP = graphite powder, GCE = glassy carbon electrode). Most strikingly, the extremely low detection limits were up to 3.46 and 0.17 nM for BPA and BPF, respectively, using the Zn-L-IPA@GP/GCE electrode. Furthermore, the "recognition and adsorption" mechanism was uncovered by density functional theory with the B3LYP function. This work offered a prospective strategy for selective absorption and detection of harmful bisphenols with the MOF-based porous material.

Triazole-directed fabrication of polyoxovanadate-based metal-organic frameworks as efficient multifunctional heterogeneous catalysts for the Knoevenagel condensation and oxidation of alcohols

By introducing 4-amino-1,2,4-triazole (4-NH2-trz), three new polyoxovanadate-based metal-organic frameworks (PMOFs) [Ni3(4-NH2-trz)6][V6O18]·3H2O (1), [Co3(4-NH2-trz)6][V6O18]·3H2O (2) and [Cu3OH(4-NH2-trz)3H2O][VO3]5·H2O (3) have been synthesized and thoroughly characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SXRD), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and elemental analysis (EA). Among them, PMOFs 1 and 2 had similar structures containing [V6O18]6- clusters; however, PMOF 3 was isolated as a structure containing a [VO3]55- cluster when the amount of the 4-NH2-trz ligand was reduced to half with the other synthesis conditions being the same as those of PMOFs 1 and 2 except for the transition-metal chlorides. Furthermore, the negative charges of polyoxovanadate [V6O18]6- and [VO3]55- anions were balanced by trinuclear complex cations [Ni3(4-NH2-trz)6]6- for 1, [Co3(4-NH2-trz)6]6- for 2 and [Cu3OH(4-NH2-trz)3H2O]5- for 3, respectively. PMOFs 1-3 were further used as heterogeneous catalysts in the Knoevenagel condensation under solvent-free conditions and showed high catalytic activity. PMOF 1 showed moderate catalytic activities in the oxidation of various aromatic alcohols using H2O2 as an oxidant. Moreover, PMOF 1 could be reused at least three times without losing its activity.

Self-Assembly of Polyoxometalate-Resorcin[4]arene-Based Inorganic-Organic Complexes: Metal Ion Effects on the Electrochemical Performance of Lithium Ion Batteries

With their adjustable structures and diverse functions, polyoxometalate (POM)-resorcin[4]arene-based inorganic-organic complexes are a kind of potential multifunctional material. They have potential applications for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). However, the relationship between different coordinated metal ions and electrochemical performance has rarely been investigated. Here, three functionalized POM-resorcin[4]arene-based inorganic-organic materials, [Co₂ (TMR4 A)₂ (H₂ O)₁₀ ][SiW₁₂ O₄₀ ]⋅2 EtOH⋅4.5 H₂ O (1), [Ni₂ (TMR4 A)₂ (H₂ O)₁₀ ][SiW₁₂ O₄₀ ]⋅4 EtOH⋅13 H₂ O (2), and [Zn₂ (TMR4 A)₂ (H₂ O)₁₀ ][SiW₁₂ O₄₀ ]⋅2 EtOH⋅2 H₂ O (3), have been synthesized. Furthermore, to enhance the conductivities of these compounds, 1-3 were doped with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) to give composites 1@RGO-3@RGO, respectively. As anode materials for LIBs, 1@RGO-3@RGO can deliver very high discharge capacities (1445.9, 1285.0 and 1095.3 mAh g^-1 , respectively) in the initial run, and show discharge capacities of 898, 665 and 651 mAh g^-1 , respectively, at a current density of 0.1 A g^-1 over 100 runs. More importantly, the discharge capacities of 319, 283 and 329 mAh g^-1 were maintained for 1@RGO-3@RGO even after 400 cycles at large current density (1 A g^-1 ).

2D metal-organic framework-based materials for electrocatalytic, photocatalytic and thermocatalytic applications

Ultrathin two-dimensional metal-organic frameworks (2D MOFs) have recently attracted extensive interest in various catalytic fields (e.g., electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, thermocatalysis) due to their ultrathin thickness, large surface area, abundant accessible unsaturated active sites and tunable surface properties. Besides tuning the intrinsic properties of pristine 2D MOFs by changing the metal nodes and organic ligands, one of the hot research trends is to develop 2D MOF hybrids and 2D MOF-derived materials with higher stability and conductivity in order to further increase their activity and durability. Here, the synthesis of 2D MOF nanosheets is briefly summarized and discussed. More attention is focused on summaries and discussions about the applications of these 2D MOFs, their hybrids and their derived materials as electrocatalysts, photocatalysts and thermocatalysts. The superior properties and catalytic performance of these 2D MOF-based catalysts compared to their 3D MOF counterparts in electrocatalysis, photocatalysis and thermocatalysis are highlighted. The enhanced activities of 2D MOFs, their hybrids and derivatives come from abundant accessible active sites, a high density of unsaturated metal nodes, ultrathin thickness, and tunable microenvironments around the MOFs. Views regarding current and future challenges in the field, and new advances in science and technology to meet these challenges, are also presented. Finally, conclusions and outlooks in this field are provided.

Microwave-Assisted Air Epoxidation of Mixed Biolefins over a Spherical Bimetal ZnCo-MOF Catalyst

Here, we report the synthesis of spherical bimetal ZnCo-MOF materials by a hydrothermal rotacrystallization method and their catalytic activity on the air epoxidation of mixed biolefins enhanced by microwaves. The structural and chemical properties of the ZnCo-MOF materials were fully characterized by XRD, IR, SEM, TG, XPS, and NH₃-TPD. The morphology of the material exhibited a three-dimensional spherical structure. From an NH₃-TPD test of the ZnCo-MOF catalyst, it could be concluded that the Zn_0.1Co₁-MOF-H-150 rpm material had the highest acidic content and the strongest acidity among the catalysts synthesized by different methods, which gave the best performance in the epoxidation of mixed biolefins. The air epoxidation reaction was carried out under atmospheric pressure and microwave conditions, in the absence of any initiator or coreducing agent. Moreover, the Zn_0.1Co₁-MOF catalyst could be recycled six times without reducing the catalytic activity significantly, which showed the stability of spherical catalyst material under microwaves.

Polyoxometalate-based metal–organic frameworks for heterogeneous catalysis

POM-based MOFs simultaneously possessing the virtues of POMs and MOFs exhibit excellent heterogeneous catalytic properties.

Tandem-like vanadium cluster chains in a polyoxovanadate-based metal–organic framework for efficient catalytic oxidation of sulfides

The vanadium cluster chain in V-Ni-MOF can efficiently catalyze the oxidation of sulfides with hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant, achieving the complete conversion from sulfides to sulfones within 1 hour at 40 °C.

Functionalized resorcin[4]arene-based coordination polymers as heterogeneous catalysts for click reactions

One Cu(i) and two Cd(ii) coordination polymers have been achieved using a 4-mercaptopyridine-functionalized resorcin[4]arene. 1 exhibits predominant efficiency and excellent recyclability for the synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles and β-OH-1,2,3-triazoles.

Co(III)-Salen immobilized cellulose nanocrystals for efficient catalytic CO2 fixation into cyclic carbonates under mild conditions

Searching for green, recyclable and highly efficient catalyst for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO₂ is of great importance because it is profitable for reducing the greenhouse effects and meets the principles of green chemistry. Herein, a series of cellulose nanocrystals, either the pristine or modified ones (TEMPO oxidized and Co(III)salen immobilized), were explored as catalysts for cycloaddition of epoxides and carbon dioxide. The impact of surface properties on the performance of the as-made catalysts was investigated. Co(III)-salen grafted cellulose nanocrystals was proven to be the most effective catalyst in this study, which could afford excellent yield up to 99 % after 24 h even under low CO₂ pressures of 0.1 MPa. They can be easily recovered and reused for at least 4 times, demonstrating their excellent stability. We found that the surface functional groups such as enriched sulfate or carboxylic groups could also account for the enhanced catalytic activity. This work highlights the applications of green and sustainable nanoparticles in a cycloaddition reaction and offers a sustainable solution in industrial catalysis related to CO₂ conversions.

Green Pathway in Utilizing CO2 via Cycloaddition Reaction with Epoxide—A Mini Review

Carbon dioxide (CO2) has been anticipated as an ideal carbon building block for organic synthesis due to the noble properties of CO2, which are abundant renewable carbon feedstock, non-toxic nature, and contributing to a more sustainable use of resources. Several green and proficient routes have been established for chemical CO2 fixation. Among the prominent routes, this review epitomizes the reactions involving cycloaddition of epoxides with CO2 in producing cyclic carbonate. Cyclic carbonate has been widely used as a polar aprotic solvent, as an electrolyte in Li-ion batteries, and as precursors for various forms of chemical synthesis such as polycarbonates and polyurethanes. This review provides an overview in terms of the reaction mechanistic pathway and recent advances in the development of several classes of catalysts, including homogeneous organocatalysts (e.g., organic salt, ionic liquid, deep eutectic solvents), organometallic (e.g., mono-, bi-, and tri-metal salen complexes and non-salen complexes) and heterogeneous supported catalysts, and metal organic framework (MOF). Selection of effective catalysts for various epoxide substrates is very important in determining the cycloaddition operating condition. Under their catalytic systems, all classes of these catalysts, with regard to recent developments, can exhibit CO2 cycloaddition of terminal epoxide substrates at ambient temperatures and low CO2 pressure. Although highly desired conversion can be achieved for internal epoxide substrates, higher temperature and pressure are normally required. This includes fatty acid-derived terminal epoxides for oleochemical carbonate production. The production of fully renewable resources by employment of bio-based epoxy with biorefinery concept and potential enhancement of cycloaddition reactions are pointed out as well.

Inorganic–organic hybrid polyoxovanadates based on [V4O12]4− or [VO3]22− clusters: controllable synthesis, crystal structures and catalytic properties in selective oxidation of sulfides

Three inorganic–organic hybrid polyoxovanadates have been synthesized. Among them, complex [Ni₂(1-vIM)₇H₂O][V₄O₁₂]·H₂O (1) exhibits extraordinary heterogeneous catalytic performance in the selective oxidation of sulfides using H₂O₂ as the oxidant.

Multifunctional Polymolybdate-Based Metal-Organic Framework as an Efficient Catalyst for the CO2 Cycloaddition and as the Anode of a Lithium-Ion Battery

A three-dimensional polymolybdate-based metal-organic framework (POMOF) consisting of Zn-ε-Keggin unit and organic linker, {[PMo₈^VMo₄^VIO₃₇(OH)₃Zn₄][BPE]₂}·[BPE] (1), was successfully obtained by the hydrothermal method. Compound 1 is composed of Zn-ε-Keggin units and BPE ligands, featuring a fascinating 5-fold interpenetrating framework with dia topology. The catalytic performance of compound 1 was investigated, and experiments showed that 1 could effectively facilitate the cycloaddition reaction of CO₂ with epoxides as Lewis acid heterogeneous catalyst. Moreover, compound 1 also was studied as LIBs anode material, and it showed reversible capacity of 546 mA h g^-1 at 100th cycle.

Recent Advances in the Chemical Fixation of Carbon Dioxide: A Green Route to Carbonylated Heterocycle Synthesis

Carbon dioxide produced by human activities is one of the main contributions responsible for the greenhouse effect, which is modifying the Earth’s climate. Therefore, post-combustion CO2 capture and its conversion into high value-added chemicals are integral parts of today’s green industry. On the other hand, carbon dioxide is a ubiquitous, cheap, abundant, non-toxic, non-flammable and renewable C1 source. Among CO2 usages, this review aims to summarize and discuss the advances in the reaction of CO2, in the synthesis of cyclic carbonates, carbamates, and ureas appeared in the literature since 2017.

A 4'-(4-carboxyphenyl)-3,2':6',3''-terpyridine-based luminescent cadmium(II) coordination polymer for the detection of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol

The title coordination polymer, poly[bis[μ3-4-(3,2':6',3''-terpyridin-4'-yl)benzoato]cadmium(II)], [Cd(C₂₂H₁₄N₃O₂)₂]_n or [Cd(3-cptpy)₂]_n, (I), has been synthesized solvothermally and characterized by IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction. The structure is composed of 3-cptpy^- ligands bridging Cd atoms, with each Cd atom coordinated by six ligands and each ligand coordinating to three Cd atoms. Each Cd atom is in a slightly distorted trans-N₂O₄ octahedral environment, forming a two-dimensional layer structure with a (3,6)-connected topology. Layers are linked to each other by π-π stacking, resulting in a three-dimensional supramolecular framework. The strong luminescence and good thermal stability of (I) indicate that it can potentially be used as a luminescence sensor. The compound also shows a highly selective and sensitive response to 2,4,6-trinitrophenol through the luminescence quenching effect.

Cycloaddition of atmospheric CO2 to epoxides under solvent-free conditions: a straightforward route to carbonates by green chemistry metrics

The conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into value-added organic compounds has received more and more attention over recent years, not only because this gas is one of the major anthropogenic greenhouse gases, but also because it has been regarded as an abundant, inexpensive, nontoxic, nonflammable, and renewable one-carbon (C1) resource. Along these lines, the synthesis of five-membered cyclic carbonates employing CO2 as a safe alternative to toxic reagents such as phosgene or its derivatives is of great interest because of their wide range of applications in organic synthesis. However, most of CO2 incorporation reactions into carbonates are carried out in toxic and non-recyclable organic solvents. Furthermore, these transformations usually proceed at elevated pressures or supercritical CO2 conditions. Recently, several catalytic systems have been developed that allow the synthesis of functionalized carbonates from the reaction of atmospheric CO2 with corresponding epoxides under solvent-free conditions. This review is an attempt to summarize the most important advances and discoveries in this interesting research arena. The review is divided into three major sections. The first section will discuss ionic liquid catalyzed coupling reactions. The second will cover organocatalyzed reactions. The third focuses exclusively on metal-catalyzed fixations. Notably, the third section has been classified based on the metal element that carries out the catalysis (i.e. copper, palladium, zinc).

Selective Photooxidation of Amines and Sulfides Triggered by a Superoxide Radical Using a Novel Visible-Light-Responsive Metal-Organic Framework

Photocatalysis is an efficient and sustainable approach to convert solar energy into chemical energy, simultaneously supplying valuable chemicals. In this study, a novel metal-organic framework (MOF) compound is constructed from anthracene-based organic linkers, which shows visible-light absorption and efficient photoinduced charge generation property. It was applied for triggering photooxidation of benzylamines and sulfides in the presence of environmental benign oxidants of molecular oxygen or hydrogen peroxide. Results show that it is a highly selective photocatalyst for oxidation reactions to produce valuable imines or sulfoxides. We further investigate the underlying mechanism for these photocatalytic reactions by recognizing reactive oxygen species in the reactions. It has been demonstrated that the superoxide radical (O₂^•-), generated by electron transfer from a photoexcited MOF to oxidants, serves as the main active species for the oxidations. The work demonstrates the great potential of photoactive MOFs for the transformation of organic chemicals into valuable complexes.