Paal–Knorr reaction catalyzed by metal–organic framework IRMOF-3 as an efficient and reusable heterogeneous catalyst

A highly porous metal–organic framework (IRMOF-3) was synthesized from the reaction of zinc nitrate hexahydrate and 2-amino-1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid by solvothermal method. Physical characterizations of the material were achieved by using a variety of different techniques, including X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), and nitrogen physisorption measurements. The IRMOF-3 was used as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the Paal–Knorr reaction of benzyl amine with 2,5-hexanedione. Excellent conversions were obtained under mild conditions in the presence of 3 mol% catalyst. The IRMOF-3 catalyst could be reused several times without a significant degradation in catalytic activity.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (113 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► IRMOF-3 was synthesized and characterized. ► IRMOF-3 was used as catalyst for the Paal–Knorr reaction. ► High conversions were achieved using catalytic amounts of the IRMOF-3. ► The catalyst could be reused.