Metal–organic-framework-derived copper-based catalyst for multicomponent C–S coupling reaction

Copper-based metal-organic frameworks (Cu-MOFs) are a promising multiphase catalyst for catalyzing C—S coupling reactions by virtue of their diverse structures and functions. However, the unpleasant odour and instability of the organosulfur, as well as the mass-transfer resistance that exists in multiphase catalysis, have often limited the catalytic application of Cu-MOFs in C—S coupling reactions. In this paper, a Cu-MOFs catalyst modified by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was designed to enhance mass transfer by increasing the adsorption of organic substrates using the long alkanes of CTAB. Concurrently, elemental sulfur was used to replace organosulfur to achieve a highly efficient and atom-economical multicomponent C—S coupling reaction.