A Ru-Complex Tethered to a N-Rich Covalent Triazine Framework for Tandem Aerobic Oxidation-Knoevenagel Condensation Reactions.

Geert Watson,Pascal Van Der Voort,Parviz Gohari Derakhshandeh,Sara Abednatanzi,Johannes Schmidt,Karen Leus

doi:10.3390/molecules26040838

Geert Watson, Pascal Van Der Voort + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26040838

Copy DOI

Abstract

Herein, a highly N-rich covalent triazine framework (CTF) is applied as support for a RuIII complex. The bipyridine sites within the CTF provide excellent anchoring points for the [Ru(acac)2(CH3CN)2]PF6 complex. The obtained robust RuIII@bipy-CTF material was applied for the selective tandem aerobic oxidation-Knoevenagel condensation reaction. The presented system shows a high catalytic performance (>80% conversion of alcohols to α, β-unsaturated nitriles) without the use of expensive noble metals. The bipy-CTF not only acts as the catalyst support but also provides the active sites for both aerobic oxidation and Knoevenagel condensation reactions. This work highlights a new perspective for the development of highly efficient and robust heterogeneous catalysts applying CTFs for cascade catalysis.

Highlights

The focus in heterogeneous catalysis lies in the development of novel and efficient porous supports with tailor-made functionalities rather than prefabricated materials for targeted liquid phase reactions [4,5]
We introduce here an efficient catalytic system for the tandem aerobic oxidationKnoevenagel condensation reaction
Our results indicate that the synergistic effects between the N-rich bipy-covalent triazine framework (CTF) and the RuIII complex are beneficial to obtaining a highly active and selective catalyst for tandem catalysis in the absence of any co-oxidant

Summary

Introduction

The focus in heterogeneous catalysis lies in the development of novel and efficient porous supports with tailor-made functionalities rather than prefabricated materials for targeted liquid phase reactions [4,5]. The recently emerging porous materials, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have led to excellent progress in the field [6]. These materials possess a large surface area with regular and accessible pores, and an adjustable skeleton, making them attractive for several purposes of interest [7]. CTFs are formed through a trimerization reaction followed by the subsequent oligomerization of aromatic nitriles [11]

Methods

Results

Conclusion