A novel 2D Cu(II)-MOF as a heterogeneous catalyst for the cycloaddition reaction of epoxides and CO2 into cyclic carbonates

Abstract

A new 2D Cu(II)-based metal-organic framework, [(Cu2BPDSDC·4DMF)·2DMF]n (namely 1), was constructed by a linker biphenyl-3,3′-disulfonyl-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid (H4BPDSDC) and Cu(II) ion with success. The resultant crystals possess two different coordination modes of Cu(II), which are further linked with carboxylic acids from H4BPDSDC to generate 1D Cu(II) chains. The obtained sample 1 has been accurately characterized and investigated in detail by single crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis of C, H, and N, Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), powder X-ray diffractions and thermogravimetric analysis. Due to lots of open Cu(II) metal sites in 1, it is able to be implemented as a heterogeneous Lewis acid catalyst for the solvent-free cycloaddition reaction of epoxides and CO2 into valued cyclic carbonates. More importantly, the resultant sample can be easily separated and reused at least four times almost without any significant activity reduction.