MOF-808 as a recyclable catalyst for the photothermal acetalization of aromatic aldehydes

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) show promise for catalysis applications due to their porosity, high internal surface area, and structural adaptability. Typical acetalization reactions of aldehydes require elevated temperatures and excess alcohol to drive the reactions to completion. In this current work, MOF-808 is used as a heterogeneous catalyst for acetylation of aldehydes in methanol using a mild photothermal process. Optimized conditions gave 72% yield of 2-(dimethoxymethyl)naphthalene in the presence of 10 mol% MOF-808 at 45 °C using only a fluorescent lamp. MOF-808 can be recycled up to 5 times with no loss in catalytic activity. A proof-of-principle substrate scope demonstrates the potential utility for aromatic and aliphatic substrates.