Dative and covalent-dative postsynthetic modification of a two-fold interpenetration pillared-layer MOF for heterogeneous catalysis: A comparison of catalytic activities and reusability

•Two heterogeneous catalysts based MOF was synthesized via Postsynthetic modification.•The catalytic activity of two catalysts was studied in the alkenes oxidation.•Mo(VI) based MOF catalysts show good selectivity toward epoxide.•Covalent functionalization generates reusable and robust heterogeneous catalyst.

Two MOF-supported Mo(VI) oxidation catalysts bearing N,O-chelating ligand were synthesized via dative and covalent-dative postsynthetic modifications of a two-fold interpenetration pillared-layer amine-functionalized MOF known as TMU-16-NH2. These post-functionalized catalysts were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, ICP and X-ray powder diffraction techniques. The Mo(VI)-containing MOFs exhibit both epoxide selectivity and fully reusability for alkenes epoxidation by tert-butylhydroperoxide (TBHP).

Graphical abstractAn amine-functionalized two-fold interpenetration metal-organic framework has been modified by postsynthetic modification with molybdenum (VI) complex for selective catalytic epoxidation of alkenes.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide