MOF-5 as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for Friedel-Crafts alkylation reactions

A highly porous metal-organic framework (MOF-5) was synthesized by a solvothermal method, and used as an efficient heterogeneous acid catalyst for Friedel-Crafts alkylation reactions. The solid acid catalyst was characterized using a variety of different techniques, including X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), and nitrogen physisorption measurements. Quantitative conversion was achieved under mild conditions without the need for an inert atmosphere. The MOF-5 catalyst could be facilely separated from the reaction mixture, and could be reused several times without significant degradation in catalytic activity. Furthermore, no contribution from homogeneous catalysis of active acid species leaching into reaction solution was detected. (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.