Encapsulation of an organometallic cationic catalyst by direct exchange into an anionic MOF

Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are porous crystalline materials that have emerged as promising hosts for the heterogenization of homogeneous organometallic catalysts, forming hybrid materials which combine the benefits of both classes of catalysts. Herein, we report the encapsulation of the organometallic cationic Lewis acidic catalyst [CpFe(CO)2(L)]+ ([Fp-L]+, Cp = η5-C5H5, L = weakly bound solvent) inside the pores of the anionic [Et4N]3[In3(BTC)4] MOF (H3BTC = benzenetricarboxylic acid) via a direct one-step cation exchange process. To conclusively validate this methodology, initially [Cp2Co]+ was used as an inert spatial probe to (i) test the stability of the selected host; (ii) monitor the stoichiometry of the cation exchange process and (iii) assess pore dimensions, spatial location of the cationic species and guest-accessible space by single crystal X-ray crystallography. Subsequently, the quasi-isosteric [Fp-L]+ was encapsulated inside the pores via partial cation exchange to form [(Fp-L)0.6(Et4N)2.4][In3(BTC)4]. The latter was rigorously characterized and benchmarked as a heterogeneous catalyst in a simple Diels-Alder reaction, thus verifying the integrity and reactivity of the encapsulated molecular catalyst. These results provide a platform for the development of heterogeneous catalysts with chemically and spatially well-defined catalytic sites by direct exchange of cationic catalysts into anionic MOFs.

Versatile structures of group 13 metal halide complexes with 4,4′-bipy: from 1D coordination polymers to 2D and 3D metal–organic frameworks

The nature of the group 13 metal halides strongly affects the structure of their complexes with 4,4′-bipy.

A series of coordination polymers based on varied polycarboxylates and different imidazole-containing ligands: syntheses, crystal structures and physical properties

To investigate the effect of organic ligands on the coordination frameworks, seven nickel(ii) coordination polymers, based on varied polycarboxylates and different imidazole-containing ligands, are synthesized under hydrothermal method.

A series of d10metal coordination polymers based on a flexible bis(2-methylbenzimidazole) ligand and different carboxylates: synthesis, structures, photoluminescence and catalytic properties

Six d¹⁰metal coordination polymers have been prepared and characterized. Complexes possess structural diversities with interesting topologies and high catalytic activities for the degradation of methyl orange.

Magnetic and luminescent properties of lanthanide coordination polymers with asymmetric biphenyl-3,2′,5′-tricarboxylate

An asymmetric ligand was employed to construct eight (3,6)-connected lanthanide complexes exhibiting slow magnetization relaxation behaviour and characteristic luminescent properties.

Structures and properties of coordination polymers involving asymmetric biphenyl-3,2′,5′-tricarboxylate

The conformation stability and coordination modes of an asymmetric polycarboxylate ligand (H₃bptc) and the properties of its compounds have been investigated.