Polyaromatic Carboxylate Ligands Based Zn(II) Coordination Polymers for Ultrasound-Assisted One-Pot Tandem Deacetalization–Knoevenagel Reactions

Solvothermal reactions between the polyaromatic group containing carboxylic acid pro-ligands 5-{(pyren-1-ylmethyl)amino}isophthalic acid (H2L1) and 5-{(anthracen-9-ylmethyl)amino}isophthalic acid (H2L2) with Zn(NO3)2·6H2O led to the formation of the new 1D coordination polymer [Zn(L1)(NMF)]n (1) and four other coordination polymers, [Zn(L1)(DMF)]n (2), [Zn(L1)(4,4′-Bipy)]n (3), [Zn(L2)(DMF)(H2O)2]n·n(H2O) (4) and [Zn2(L2)2(DMF)(CH3OH)]n (5), which were previously reported by our group. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that the CP 1 has a one-dimensional (1D) double-chain-type structure similar to that of CP 2. For CP 3, the assembly of the Zn(II) ion with a deprotonated L12− ligand and 4,4′-bipyridine produces a 3D network. CP 4 and 5 exhibit 1D linear and 2D layered-type structures. The ultrasound-assisted tandem reactions promoted by CPs have not yet been well studied. Thus, in the present work, we have investigated the catalytic activities of the newly synthesized CP 1, as well as of the other CPs 2–5, towards the tandem deacetalization–Knoevenagel condensation reactions of various acetals under ultrasonic irradiation. They proved to be highly efficient, with special emphasis on catalyst 1, which completely converted the substrate (benzaldehyde dimethyl acetal) into the desired product (2-benzylidenemalononitrile) after 2 h. The stability of the catalysts, namely regarding the action of ultrasonic radiation, was demonstrated by their reuse, where only a slight loss of activity was observed after four cycles. Heterogeneity was also demonstrated, and no leaching was detected over the various cycles.

Vectorial Catalysis in Surface-Anchored Nanometer-Sized Metal-Organic Frameworks-Based Microfluidic Devices

Vectorial catalysis-controlling multi-step reactions in a programmed sequence and by defined spatial localization in a microscale device-is an enticing goal in bio-inspired catalysis research. However, translating concepts from natural cascade biocatalysis into artificial hierarchical chemical systems remains a challenge. Herein, we demonstrate integration of two different surface-anchored nanometer-sized metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in a microfluidic device for modelling vectorial catalysis. Catalyst immobilization at defined sections along the microchannel and a two-step cascade reaction was conducted with full conversion after 30 seconds and high turnover frequencies (TOF≈105  h-1 ).

Enhanced Fungicidal Efficacy by Co-Delivery of Azoxystrobin and Diniconazole with Cauliflower-Like Metal-Organic Frameworks NH2-Al-MIL-101

Long-term use of a single fungicide increases the resistance risk and causes adverse effects on natural ecosystems. Controlled release formulations of dual fungicides with different modes of action can afford a new dimension for addressing the current issues. Based on adjustable aperture and superhigh surface area, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are ideal candidates as pesticide release carriers. This study used Al3+ as the metal node and 2-aminoterephthalic acid as the organic chain to prepare aluminum-based metal-organic framework material (NH2-Al-MIL-101) with "cauliflower-like" structure and high surface area of 2359.0 m2/g. Fungicides of azoxystrobin (AZOX) and diniconazole (Dini) were simultaneously encapsulated into NH2-Al-MIL-101 with the loading content of 6.71% and 29.72%, respectively. Dual fungicide delivery system of AZOX@Dini@NH2-Al-MIL-101 demonstrated sustained and pH responsive release profiles. When the maximum cumulative release rate of AZOX and Dini both reached about 90%, the release time was 46 and 136 h, respectively. Furthermore, EC50 values as well as the percentage of inhibition revealed that AZOX@Dini@NH2-Al-MIL-101 had enhanced germicidal efficacy against rice sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani), evidenced by the synergistic ratio of 1.83. The present study demonstrates a potential application prospect in sustainable plant protection through co-delivery fungicides with MOFs as a platform.

1D Zn(II) Coordination Polymers as Effective Heterogeneous Catalysts in Microwave-Assisted Single-Pot Deacetalization-Knoevenagel Tandem Reactions in Solvent-Free Conditions

The new 1D CPs [Zn(L1)(H2O)4]n.nH2O (1) and [Zn(L2)(H2O)2]n (2) [L1 = 1,1′-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridine-3-carboxylic acid); L2 = 1,1′-(propane-1,3-diyl)bis(6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridine-3-carboxylic acid)] were prepared from flexible dicarboxylate pro-ligands (H2L1 and H2L2). Both CPs 1 and 2 were characterized by elemental, FTIR, and powder X-ray diffraction analysis. Their geometry and the structural features were unveiled by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The underlying topology of the CPs was illustrated by the topological analysis of the H-bonded structure of CP 1, which revealed a 3,4,6-connected trinodal net. On the other hand, topological analysis on the hydrogen-bonded network of CP 2 showed a 2,3,3,4,6,7-connected hexanodal net. The thermal stability of the CPs was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. CPs 1 and 2 act as heterogeneous catalysts in one-pot tandem deacetalization–Knoevenagel condensation reactions under environmentally mild conditions. CPs 1 exhibits a yield of ca. 91% in a microwave-assisted solvent-free medium, whereas a slightly lower yield was obtained for CP 2 (87%) under the same experimental protocol. The recyclability of catalyst 1 was also assessed. To our knowledge, these are the first Zn(II)-based CPs to be applied as heterogeneous catalysts for the above tandem reactions under environmentally friendly conditions.

Synthesis and catalytic activities of a Zn(ii) based metallomacrocycle and a metal-organic framework towards one-pot deacetalization-Knoevenagel tandem reactions under different strategies: a comparative study

Solvothermal reactions between a pyridine based amide functionalized dicarboxylic acid, 4,4'-{(pyridine-2,6-dicarbonyl)bis(azanediyl)}dibenzoic acid (H2L), and zinc(ii) nitrate in the absence and presence of a base produced the binuclear metallomacrocyclic compound [Zn2(L)2(H2O)4]·2(H2O)·6(DMF) (1) and the metallomacrocyclic based two dimensional MOF [Zn5(L)4(OH)2(H2O)4]n·8n(DMF)·4n(H2O) (2), respectively. Compound 1 bears two tetrahedral Zn(ii) centres, whereas the 2D framework 2 includes a penta-nuclear Zn(ii) cluster as a secondary building block unit, with two of the metal cations assuming a tetrahedral type geometry and the remaining three an octahedral type geometry. The topological analyses reveal that compound 1 has a 2-connected uninodal net and framework 2 has a 2, 8-connected binodal net. These compounds heterogeneously catalyse the tandem deacetalization-Knoevenagel condensation reactions carried out under conventional heating, microwave irradiation or ultrasonic irradiation. Comparative studies show that ultrasonic irradiation (final product yield of 99% after 2 h of reaction time) provides the most favourable method (e.g., microwave irradiation leads to a final product yield of 91% after 3 h of reaction time). Moreover, the catalysts can be reused at least for five consecutive cycles without losing activity significantly.

Highly Efficient Bifunctional Amide Functionalized Zn and Cd Metal Organic Frameworks for One-Pot Cascade Deacetalization-Knoevenagel Reactions

A pyridine-based amide functionalized tetracarboxylic acid, 5,5'-(pyridine-2, 6-dicarbonyl)bis(azanediyl)}diisophthalic acid (H₄L), was synthesized and its coordination chemistry toward zinc(II) and cadmium(II) ions was studied. The reactions of H₄L with Zn(NO₃)₂.6H₂O and Cd(NO₃)₂.4H₂O led to its full or partial deprotonation, respectively, and the formation of the 2D coordination polymers [Zn₂(L)(H₂O)₄]_n.4n(H₂O) (1) and [Cd₃(HL)₂(DMF)₄]_n.4n(DMF) (2) (DMF = N,N'-dimethylformamide), respectively. They were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, photoluminescence, thermogravimetry, and single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction. In 1, the L^4- ligand is planar with every carboxylate anion binding a Zn(II) cation and giving rise to a 2D grid with the metals with tetrahedral environments. In 2, the combination of bridging HL^3- and dimethylformamide to form trinuclear Cd(II) clusters engenders secondary building block units and generates a layer-type 2D network with the metals with octahedral and pentagonal bipyramid coordination geometries. The topological analyses of 1 and 2 reveal 2,4-connected and 3,6-connected binodal nets, respectively. On account of the presence of Lewis acid (Zn or Cd centers) as well as basic (uncoordinated pyridine and amide groups) sites, 1 and (to a much lower extent) 2 effectively catalyze the one-pot cascade deacetalization-Knoevenagel condensation reactions under quite mild conditions. They act as heterogeneous catalysts, being easy to recover and recycle without losing activity.

A novel acid-base bifunctional catalyst (ZSM-5@Mg3Si4O9(OH)4) with core/shell hierarchical structure and superior activities in tandem reactions

A hierarchically core/shell structured base-acid bifunctional catalyst, ZSM-5@Mg₃Si₄O₉(OH)₄, was successfully prepared through a simple hydrothermal reaction between the silica species on the ZSM-5 crystal surface and the Mg²⁺ source in basic solution. The obtained catalyst showed superior activity and stability in one-pot deacetalization-Knoevenagel condensation reaction.

Metal-organic and covalent organic frameworks as single-site catalysts

Heterogeneous single-site catalysts consist of isolated, well-defined, active sites that are spatially separated in a given solid and, ideally, structurally identical. In this review, the potential of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) as platforms for the development of heterogeneous single-site catalysts is reviewed thoroughly. In the first part of this article, synthetic strategies and progress in the implementation of such sites in these two classes of materials are discussed. Because these solids are excellent playgrounds to allow a better understanding of catalytic functions, we highlight the most important recent advances in the modelling and spectroscopic characterization of single-site catalysts based on these materials. Finally, we discuss the potential of MOFs as materials in which several single-site catalytic functions can be combined within one framework along with their potential as powerful enzyme-mimicking materials. The review is wrapped up with our personal vision on future research directions.

Multifunctional metal–organic framework catalysts: synergistic catalysis and tandem reactions

Various active sites incorporated into metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are suitable for synergistic catalysis and tandem reactions.

Fe3O4@HKUST-1 and Pd/Fe3O4@HKUST-1 as magnetically recyclable catalysts prepared via conversion from a Cu-based ceramic

A Fe₃O₄/Cu- ceramic system converted into a magnetic HKUST-1 composite was used as a recyclable catalyst for one-pot cascade and hydrogenation reactions.

Synthesis of bimetallic Zr(Ti)-naphthalendicarboxylate MOFs and their properties as Lewis acid catalysis

Bimetallic Zr(Ti)-NDC based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been prepared by incorporation of titanium(iv) into zirconium(iv)-NDC-MOFs (UiO family).

An efficient and sensitive fluorescent pH sensor based on amino functional metal–organic frameworks in aqueous environment

In this work, an amino group functionalized MOF (Al-MIL-101-NH₂), which shows strong blue luminescence, is used as pH sensor. Due to the protonated amino group, the fluorescence intensity of Al-MIL-101-NH₂almost increases with increasing pH and gives a good linear relationship (R²= 0.99688) with the pH value.

The first chiral diene-based metal-organic frameworks for highly enantioselective carbon-carbon bond formation reactions

The first chiral rhodium-diene-based metal–organic frameworks are highly active and enantioselective catalysts for C–C bond formation reactions.

We have designed the first chiral diene-based metal–organic framework (MOF), E₂-MOF, and postsynthetically metalated E₂-MOF with Rh(i) complexes to afford highly active and enantioselective single-site solid catalysts for C–C bond formation reactions. Treatment of E₂-MOF with [RhCl(C₂H₄)₂]₂ led to a highly enantioselective catalyst for 1,4-additions of arylboronic acids to α,β-unsaturated ketones, whereas treatment of E₂-MOF with Rh(acac)(C₂H₄)₂ afforded a highly efficient catalyst for the asymmetric 1,2-additions of arylboronic acids to aldimines. Interestingly, E₂-MOF·Rh(acac) showed higher activity and enantioselectivity than the homogeneous control catalyst, likely due to the formation of a true single-site catalyst in the MOF. E₂-MOF·Rh(acac) was also successfully recycled and reused at least seven times without loss of yield and enantioselectivity.

Design and fabrication of mesoporous heterogeneous basic catalysts

Recent advances in mesoporous solid bases were reviewed, and fundamental principles of how to fabricate efficient basic catalysts were highlighted.

Application of basic isoreticular nanoporous metal–organic framework: IRMOF-3 as a suitable and efficient catalyst for the synthesis of chalcone

IRMOF-3 is found to be an effective, reusable and heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of chalcones through Claisen–Schmidt reaction.

Synthesis and bifunctional catalysis of metal nanoparticle-loaded periodic mesoporous organosilicas modified with amino groups

The present article describes the development of a periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO)-based bifunctional catalyst that includes both oxidative and base catalytic activities.

Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks as heterogeneous catalysts for a one-pot P–C bond formation reaction via Knoevenagel condensation and phospha-Michael addition

ZIF-8 promotes a sequential one-pot reaction efficiently to produce organophosphorus compounds via Knoevenagel condensation and phospha-Michael addition.

Cascade reactions catalyzed by metal organic frameworks

Cascade or tandem reactions where two or more individual reactions are carried out in one pot constitute a clear example of process intensification, targeting the maximization of spatial and temporal productivity with mobilization of minimum resources. In the case of catalytic reactions, cascade processes require bi-/multifunctional catalysts that contain different classes of active sites. Herein, we show that the features and properties of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) make these solids very appropriate materials for the development of catalysts for cascade reactions. Due to composition and structure, MOFs can incorporate different types of sites at the metal nodes, organic linkers, or at the empty internal pores, allowing the flexible design and synthesis of multifunctional catalysts. After some introductory sections on the relevance of cascade reactions from the point of view of competitiveness, sustainability, and environmental friendliness, the main part of the text provides a comprehensive review of the literature reporting the use of MOFs as heterogeneous catalysts for cascade reactions including those that combine in different ways acid/base, oxidation/reduction, and metal-organic centers. The final section summarizes the current state of the art, indicating that the development of a first commercial synthesis of a high-added-value fine chemical will be a crucial milestone in this area.