Open Zn-URJC-13 efficient catalyst for mild CO2 transformation using bulky epoxides

In CO2 cycloaddition reactions with epoxides that have bulky or long-chain substituents, the yield significantly decreases when using heterogeneous catalysts, including MOFs, with micropores smaller than 14 Å. In this study, a new MOF material called Zn-URJC-13 is reported. This MOF combines different features such as that it contains acid and basic Lewis sites based on Zn and -NH2 groups, exhibits permanent porosity with a bimodal porous system centered at 11 and 17 Å suitable for the diffusion of cycloaddition reaction species, and it is chemically stable in various common organic solvents. The aim of this material is to improve the textural properties of other MOFs with similar chemical compositions, making it suitable as a catalyst for CO2 cycloaddition reactions with epoxides even bulky. This novel material exhibits high affinity to CO2 molecules, with a Qst of 62 kJ/mol. The Zn-URJC-13 catalyst demonstrates efficient performance in CO2 cycloaddition reactions using a wide range of epoxides, including those with long-chain and bulky substituents such as allyl glycidyl ether and styrene oxide. It can achieve an epoxide conversion as high as 84% and selectivity to carbonate products above 90% for the bulkiest styrene oxide. When compared to other Zn-based MOF materials with similar or different structures but without amino groups, the new material exhibits superior catalytic performance. Furthermore, Zn-URJC-13 can be reused in five consecutive reaction cycles while maintaining its efficient catalytic behavior and crystalline structure. These findings highlight the notable potential of Zn-URJC-13 for CO2 cycloaddition transformation routes.