Discrete Hf18 Metal-oxo Cluster as a Heterogeneous Nanozyme for Site-Specific Proteolysis

The selective hydrolysis of proteins by non-enzymatic catalysis is difficult to achieve, yet it is crucial for applications in biotechnology and proteomics. Herein, we report that discrete hafnium metal-oxo cluster [Hf₁₈O₁₀(OH)₂₆(SO₄)₁₃⋅(H₂O)₃₃] ( Hf₁₈ ), which is centred by the same hexamer motif found in many MOFs, acts as a heterogeneous catalyst for the efficient hydrolysis of horse heart myoglobin (HHM) in low buffer concentrations. Among 154 amino acids present in the sequence of HHM, strictly selective cleavage at only 6 solvent accessible aspartate residues was observed. Mechanistic experiments suggest that the hydrolytic activity is likely derived from the actuation of Hf^IV Lewis acidic sites and the Brønsted acidic surface of Hf₁₈ . X-ray scattering and ESI-MS revealed that Hf₁₈ is completely insoluble in these conditions, confirming the HHM hydrolysis is caused by a heterogeneous reaction of the solid Hf₁₈ cluster, and not from smaller, soluble Hf species that could leach into solution.     

Metal‐Free Boron‐Containing Heterogeneous Catalysts

Metal‐free catalysts have distinct advantages over metal and metal oxide catalysts, such as lower cost as well as higher reliability and sustainability. Among the nonmetal compounds used in catalysis, boron‐containing compounds with a few unique properties have been developed. In this Minireview, the recent advances in the field of boron‐containing metal‐free catalysts are presented, including binary and ternary boron‐containing catalytic materials. Additionally, the three main applications in catalysis are considered, namely, electrocatalysis, thermal catalysis, and photocatalysis, with the role of boron discussed in depth for each specific catalytic application. Boron‐containing compounds could have a substantial impact on the field of metal‐free catalysts in the future.     

A Polyoxometalate‐Encapsulating Cationic Metal–Organic Framework as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for Desulfurization

A new cationic triazole‐based metal–organic framework encapsulating Keggin‐type polyoxometalates, with the molecular formula [Co(BBPTZ)₃][HPMo₁₂O₄₀]?24 H₂O [compound 1 ; BBPTZ=4,4′‐bis(1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐ylmethyl)biphenyl] is hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The structure of compound 1 contains a non‐interpenetrated 3D CdSO₄ (cds)‐type framework with two types of channels that are interconnected with each other; straight channels that are occupied by the Keggin‐type POM anions, and wavelike channels that contain lattice water molecules. The catalytic activity of compound 1 in the oxidative desulfurization reaction indicates that it is not only an effective and size‐selective heterogeneous catalyst, but it also exhibits distinct structural stability in the catalytic reaction system.     

Textile/Metal–Organic‐Framework Composites as Self‐Detoxifying Filters for Chemical‐Warfare Agents

The current technology of air‐filtration materials for protection against highly toxic chemicals, that is, chemical‐warfare agents, is mainly based on the broad and effective adsorptive properties of hydrophobic activated carbons. However, adsorption does not prevent these materials from behaving as secondary emitters once they are contaminated. Thus, the development of efficient self‐cleaning filters is of high interest. Herein, we report how we can take advantage of the improved phosphotriesterase catalytic activity of lithium alkoxide doped zirconium(IV) metal–organic framework (MOF) materials to develop advanced self‐detoxifying adsorbents of chemical‐warfare agents containing hydrolysable P? F, P? O, and C? Cl bonds. Moreover, we also show that it is possible to integrate these materials onto textiles, thereby combining air‐permeation properties of the textiles with the self‐detoxifying properties of the MOF material.     

Detoxification of Chemical Warfare Agents Using a Zr6‐Based Metal–Organic Framework/Polymer Mixture

Owing to their high surface area, periodic distribution of metal sites, and water stability, zirconium‐based metal–organic frameworks (Zr₆‐MOFs) have shown promising activity for the hydrolysis of nerve agents GD and VX, as well as the simulant, dimethyl 4‐nitrophenylphosphate (DMNP), in buffered solutions. A hurdle to using MOFs for this application is the current need for a buffer solution. Here the destruction of the simulant DMNP, as well as the chemical warfare agents (GD and VX) through hydrolysis using a MOF catalyst mixed with a non‐volatile, water‐insoluble, heterogeneous buffer is reported. The hydrolysis of the simulant and nerve agents in the presence of the heterogeneous buffer was fast and effective.     

Oxidation of an Oligonucleotide‐Bound CeIII/Multiphosphonate Complex for Site‐Selective DNA Scission

Oligodeoxyribonucleotide conjugates of ethylenediamine‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetrakis(methylenephosphonic acid) (EDTP) have been used to place a Ce^III/EDTP complex in close proximity to predetermined phosphodiester linkages of a complementary target oligonucleotide. In the presence of atmospheric oxygen, the Ce^III is oxidized into Ce^IV which, in turn, efficiently cleaves the target phosphodiester linkage. No cleavage occurs at the other single‐stranded regions, which suggests that the catalytic Ce species is strictly localized next to the target phosphodiester linkage. No decrease in the reaction rate is observed upon introduction of scavengers for hydroxyl radicals (such as DMSO or MeOH) or singlet oxygen (such as NaN₃) to the system; this indicates that the reaction proceeds via a hydrolytic pathway. Any significant contribution by an oxidative pathway is further ruled out by the observation that nucleosides remain intact after incubation with Ce^IV/EDTP complex for extended periods.     

The Synthesis of Quinazolinones from Olefins,CO, and Amines over a Heterogeneous Ru‐clusters/Ceria Catalyst

Quinazolinones, an important class of heterocyclic compounds, have been widely used in pharmaceuticals because of their biological activity. However, the efficient and economical synthesis of quinazolinones has remained a challenge. A novel synthetic approach has now been developed to produce quinazolinones from olefins, CO, and amines over heterogeneous Ru‐clusters/ceria catalyst in the absence of acids, bases, and oxidants. Furthermore, H₂O is generated as the only by‐product. A series of quinazolinones with aromatic or non‐aromatic substituents can be obtained in yields of up to 99 %. The Ru‐clusters/ceria can be reused at least four times. The analysis of the E‐factor (environmental impact factor) for the synthesis of 2‐ethyl quinazolinone suggests that this system is more environmentally friendly than other processes reported previously.     

Graphenes as Efficient Metal‐Free Fenton Catalysts

Reduced graphene oxide exhibits high activity as Fenton catalyst with HO^. radical generation efficiency over 82 % and turnover numbers of 4540 and 15023 for phenol degradation and H₂O₂ consumption, respectively. These values compare favorably with those achieved with transition metals, showing the potential of carbocatalysts for the Fenton reaction.     

Functionalization of Zirconium‐Based Metal–Organic Layers with Tailored Pore Environments for Heterogeneous Catalysis

Intriguing properties and functions are expected to implant into metal–organic layers (MOLs) to achieve tailored pore environments and multiple functionalities owing to the synergies among multiple components. Herein, we demonstrate a facile one‐pot synthetic strategy to incorporate multiple functionalities into stable zirconium MOLs via secondary ligand pillaring. Through the combination of Zr₆‐BTB (BTB=benzene‐1,3,5‐tribenzoate) layers and diverse secondary ligands (including ditopic and tetratopic linkers), 31 MOFs with multi‐functionalities were systematically prepared. Notably, a metal–phthalocyanine fragment was successfully incorporated into this Zr‐MOL system, giving rise to an ideal platform for the selective oxidation of anthracene. The organic functionalization of two‐dimensional MOLs can generate tunable porous structures and environments, which may facilitate the excellent catalytic performance of as‐synthesized materials.     

Nanoparticles as Semi‐Heterogeneous Catalyst Supports

Nanoparticles can serve as semi‐heterogeneous supports since they readily disperse in common solvents and combine high surface area with excellent accessibility. Reversible agglomeration through solvent changes and magnetic separation provide technically attractive alternatives to classical catalyst filtration. This account places emphasis on recent developments in this emerging area.     

The Origin of the Selectivity and Activity of Ruthenium‐Cluster Catalysts for Fuel‐Cell Feed‐Gas Purification: A Gas‐Phase Approach

Gas‐phase ruthenium clusters Ru_n⁺ (n=2–6) are employed as model systems to discover the origin of the outstanding performance of supported sub‐nanometer ruthenium particles in the catalytic CO methanation reaction with relevance to the hydrogen feed‐gas purification for advanced fuel‐cell applications. Using ion‐trap mass spectrometry in conjunction with first‐principles density functional theory calculations three fundamental properties of these clusters are identified which determine the selectivity and catalytic activity: high reactivity toward CO in contrast to inertness in the reaction with CO₂; promotion of cooperatively enhanced H₂ coadsorption and dissociation on pre‐formed ruthenium carbonyl clusters, that is, no CO poisoning occurs; and the presence of Ru‐atom sites with a low number of metal–metal bonds, which are particularly active for H₂ coadsorption and activation. Furthermore, comprehensive theoretical investigations provide mechanistic insight into the CO methanation reaction and discover a reaction route involving the formation of a formyl‐type intermediate.     

Development of High Performance Heterogeneous Catalysts for Selective Cleavage of C−O and C−C Bonds of Biomass‐Derived Oxygenates

The environmental impact of CO₂ emissions via the use of fossil resources as chemical feedstock and fuels has stimulated research to utilize renewable biomass feedstock. The biogenic compounds such as polyols are highly oxygenated and their valorization requires the new methods to control the oxygen to carbon ratio of the chemicals. The catalytic cleavage of C?O bonds and C?C bonds is promising methods, but the conventional catalyst systems encounter the difficulty to obtain the high yields of the desired products. This review describes our recent development of the high performance heterogeneous catalysts for the valorization of the biogenic chemicals such as glycerol, furfural, and levulinic acid via selective cleavage of C?O bonds and C?C bonds in the liquid‐phase. Selective C?O bond cleavage by hydrogenolysis enables production of various diols useful as engineering plastics, antifreeze, and cosmetics in high yields. The success of the selective C?C bond scission of levulinic acid can be applied to a wide range of the biogenic oxygenates such as carboxylic acids, esters, lactones, and primary alcohols, in which the selective C?C bond scission at adjacent to the oxygen functional groups are achieved. Furthermore, valorization of glycerol by selective acetylation and acetalization, and of levulinic acid by hydrogenation is described. Our catalysts show excellent performance compared to the reported catalysts in the aforementioned valorization.     

Instantaneous Hydrolysis of Nerve‐Agent Simulants with a Six‐Connected Zirconium‐Based Metal–Organic Framework

A nerve‐agent simulant based on a phosphate ester is hydrolyzed using a MOF‐based catalyst. Suspensions of MOF‐808 (6‐connected), a material featuring 6‐connected zirconium nodes, display the highest hydrolysis rates among all MOFs that have been reported to date. A plug‐flow reactor was also prepared with MOF‐808 (6‐connected) as the active layer. Deployed in a simple filtration scheme, the reactor displayed high hydrolysis efficiency and reusability.     

Comparison of Cu‐ZSM‐5 Zeolites and Cu‐MOF‐505 Metal‐Organic Frameworks as Heterogeneous Catalysts for the Mukaiyama Aldol Reaction: A DFT Mechanistic Study

The density functional theory (DFT) model ONIOM(M06L/6‐311++G(2df,2p):UFF was employed to reveal the catalytic activity of Cu^II in the paddle‐wheel unit of the metal‐organic framework (MOF)‐505 material in the Mukaiyama aldol reaction compared with the activity of Cu‐ZSM‐5 zeolites. The aldol reaction between a silyl enol ether and formaldehyde catalyzed by the Lewis acidic site of both materials takes place through a concerted pathway, in which the formation of the C? C bond and the transfer of the silyl group occurs in a single step. MOF‐505 and Cu‐ZSM‐5 are predicted to be efficient catalysts for this reaction as they strongly activate the formaldehyde carbonyl carbon electrophile, which leads to a considerably lower reaction barrier compared with the gas‐phase system. Both MOF‐505 and Cu‐ZSM‐5 catalysts stabilize the reacting species along the reaction coordinate, thereby lowering the activation energy, compared to the gas‐phase system. The activation barriers for the MOF‐505, Cu‐ZSM‐5, and gas‐phase system are 48, 21, and 61 kJ mol^?1, respectively. Our results show the importance of the enveloping framework by stabilizing the reacting species and promoting the reaction.     

Synthesis of Catechol‐, Pinacol‐, and Neopentylglycolborane through the Heterogeneous Catalytic B?B Hydrogenolysis of Diboranes(4)

A new synthetic approach to hydroboranes catechol‐, pinacol‐, and neopentylglycolborane has been developed. Starting from diboranes(4) B₂cat₂, B₂pin₂, or B₂neop₂, the respective boranes were obtained by heterogeneously catalyzed cleavage of the B? B bond in the respective diboranes with hydrogen. Group 10 metals were found to be effective catalysts for this reaction.     

Metal–Organic Frameworks as Efficient Heterogeneous Catalysts for the Regioselective Ring Opening of Epoxides

An iron‐based metal–organic framework, [Fe(BTC)] (BTC: 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylate) is an efficient catalyst in the ring opening of styrene oxide with alcohols and aniline under mild reaction conditions. Out of the various alcohols tested for ring opening of styrene oxide, methanol was found to be the most reactive in terms of percentage conversion and reactivity. The rate of the ring‐opening reaction of styrene oxide decreases as the size of the alcohol is increased, suggesting the location of active sites in micropores. [Fe(BTC)] was a truly heterogeneous catalyst and could be reused without loss of activity. The analogous compound [Cu₃(BTC)₂] was also found to be effective, although with somewhat lower activity than [Fe(BTC)]. The present heterogeneous protocol is compared with a homogeneous catalyst to give an insight into the reaction mechanism.     

Encapsulation of Silver Nanoparticles in an Amine‐Functionalized Porphyrin Metal–Organic Framework and Its Use as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for CO2 Fixation under Atmospheric Pressure

A new porphyrin‐based compound, [Zn₃(C₄₀H₂₄N₈)(C₂₀H₈N₂O₄)₂(DEF)₂](DEF)₃ ( 1 ; DEF=N,N‐diethylformamide), has been synthesized by employing 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(4‐pyridyl)porphyrin, 1,2‐diamino‐3,6‐bis(4‐carboxyphenyl)benzene, and Zn²⁺ salt at 100 °C under solvothermal conditions. The structure, as determined by single‐crystal XRD studies, is three‐dimensional with threefold interpenetration. The usefulness of free −NH₂ groups in the ligand was exploited for anchoring silver nanoparticles through a simple solution‐based route. The silver‐loaded sample, Ag@ 1 , was characterized by powder XRD, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, high‐resolution TEM, SEM, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma MS analysis, which clearly indicated that silver nanoparticles with a size of 3.83 nm were uniformly distributed within the metal–organic framework (MOF). The Ag@ 1 sample was evaluated for possible catalytic activity for the carboxylation of a terminal alkyne by employing CO₂ under atmospheric pressure; this gave excellent results. The Ag@ 1 catalyst was found to be robust, active, and recyclable. The present studies suggest that porphyrin MOFs not only exhibit interesting structures, but also show good heterogeneous catalytic activity towards the fixation of CO₂.