Covalent Organic Framework as a Heterogeneous Ligand for the Regioselective Oxidative Heck Reaction

A simple imine-based covalent organic framework (COF) as heterogeneous ligand for Pd^II-promoted Heck reaction is reported. Good regioselectivity for a wide range of electronically unbiased olefins is obtained (linear/branched >100:1 in most cases). Related tests and density functional theory calculations are used to explore the reason underlying the high selectivity. This research opens a route for COF as an intriguing platform to control regioselectivity catalysis.