A three‐dimensional (3D) manganese (II) coordination polymer: Synthesis,structure and catalytic activities

A new Mn (II)‐containing coordination polymer, Mn₆(Ipa)₆(ad)?6H₂O] ( 1 ; Ipa = isophthalate ligand; ad = adenine), was synthesized by reacting hydrated manganese nitrate with isophthalic acid and adenine under solvothermal reaction conditions. Polymer 1 was characterized using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis and other techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analyses and powder X‐ray diffraction. The solid‐state structure of 1 confirmed the formation of a three‐dimensional framework structure based on Mn₆ secondary building units. Phase purity of bulk 1 and its thermal stability were investigated. Polymer 1 was evaluated for its performance as a heterogeneous catalyst for the Henry (nitroaldol) reaction of nitromethane with several aldehydes. The recyclability of 1 and heterogeneity of the reaction were also explored. A plausible mechanism for such reaction is proposed. To the best of our knowledge, polymer 1 represents the first example of a Mn (II)‐ and adenine‐containing coordination polymer as well as the first example of a Mn (II)‐containing coordination polymer that has been employed for the Henry reaction.