An investigation of the catalytic activity in a series of isoreticular Zn(II)-based metal-organic frameworks

•Four isoreticular MOFs were easily prepared via facile mechanosynthesis method.•The effect of N-donor pillar ligands resulting different characteristics are investigated.•The catalyst reactivity was evaluated in Knovenagel reaction.

The catalyst operation of four metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), [Zn(oba)(4-bpmb)0.5]n·(DMF)1.5 (TMU-6), [Zn(oba)(R-4-bpmb)0.5]n·(DMF)1.5 (R-TMU-6), [Zn(oba)(4-bpmn)0.5]n·(DMF)1.5 (TMU-21) and [Zn(oba)(R-4-bpmn)0.5]n·(DMF)1.5 (R-TMU-21) containing phenyl and naphthyl derivatives, respectively, is discussed. These compounds were easily prepared via mechanosynthesis and utilized for catalysis of the Knoevenagel reaction. The effect of reduction and nature of N-donor pillar ligands resulting different characteristics are investigated on the catalytic performance of the MOFs. Using various aromatic aldehydes, the catalytic activity seems to be enhanced by increased N-donor ligands basicity. Results show that among the four compounds, R-TMU-21 with the most basic center reaction bearing naphtyl-containing pillar has the highest catalytic activity.

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