Assembly of Three 2D Metal‐Organic Frameworks (MOFs) Derived from Flexible Ligands, 1,4‐bis(3‐pyridyl)‐2,3‐diaza‐1,3‐butadiene (3‐bpd) and/or 1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethane (dpe)

Three coordination polymers, {[Cd(3‐bpd)₂(NCS)₂]×C₂H₅OH}_n ( 1 ), {[Cd(3‐bpd)(dpe)(NO₃)₂]×(3‐bpd)}₂ ( 2 ), {[Cd(dpe)₂(NCS)₂]×3‐bpd×2H₂O}_n ( 3 ) (3‐bpd = 1,4‐bis(3‐pyridyl)‐2,3‐diaza‐1,3‐butadiene; dpe = 1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethane), were prepared and structurally characterized by a single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction method. In compound 1 , each Cd(II) ion is six‐coordinate bonded to six nitrogen atoms from four 3‐bpd and two NCS^? ligands. The 3‐bpd acts as a bridging ligand connecting the Cd(II) ion to generate a 2D layered metal‐organic framework (MOF) by using a rhomboidal‐grid as the basic building units with the 4⁴ topology. In compound 2 , the Cd(II) ion is also six‐coordinate bonded to four nitrogen atoms of two 3‐bpd, two dpe and two oxygen atoms of two NO₃^? ligands. The 3‐bpd and dpe ligands both adopt bis‐monodentate coordination mode connecting the Cd(II) ions to generate a 2D layered MOF by using a rectangle‐grid as the basic building units with the 4⁴ topology. In compound 3 , two crystallographically independent Cd(II) ions are both coordinated by four nitrogen atoms of dpe ligands in the basal plane and two nitrogen atom of NCS^? in the axial sites. The dpe acts as a bridging ligand to connect the Cd(II) ions forming a 2D interpenetrating MOFs by using a square‐grid as the basic unit with the 4⁴ topology. All of their 2D layered MOFs in compounds 1 ‐ 3 are then arranged in a parallel non‐interpenetrating ABAB—packing manner in 1 and 2 , and mutually interpenetrating manner in 3 , respectively, to extend their 3D supramolecular architectures with their 1D pores intercalated with solvent (ethanol in 1 or H₂O in 3 ) or free 3‐bpd molecules in 2 and 3 , respectively. The photoluminescence measurements of 1 ‐ 3 reveal that the emission is tentatively assigned to originate from π‐π* transition for 1 and 2 and probably due to ligand‐center luminescence for compounds 3 , respectively.     

Tandem magnetization and post‐synthetic metal ion exchange of metal–organic framework: Synthesis,characterization and catalytic study

For the first time, metal‐exchange in a magnetic metal–organic framework (MOF) via tandem magnetization and post‐synthetic modification has been developed. The new magnetic mixed‐metal metal–organic framework nanocomposite, CoFe₂O₄/[Cu_0.63/Zn_0.37‐TMU‐17‐NH₂] (CoFe₂O₄/[Cu/Zn‐MOF]) has been synthesized by immersing the CoFe₂O₄/Zn‐TMU‐17‐NH₂ (CoFe₂O₄/Zn‐MOF) as a template in DMF solution of Cu (II) salts. CoFe₂O₄/[Cu/Zn‐MOF] showed to be a highly reactive and easily recoverable magnetic catalyst for the preparation of tetrazole derivatives via one‐pot three‐component reactions of different aldehydes with hydroxyl amine hydrochloride and sodium azide. Our results (Fourier transform‐infrared, inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, field emission‐scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy‐mapping and vibrating‐sample magnetometer) show successful partial metal‐exchange in which the framework integrity remained intact during the metal‐exchange process.     

Efficient and recyclable novel Ni‐based metal–organic framework nanostructure as catalyst for the cascade reaction of alcohol oxidation–Knoevenagel condensation

A novel Ni‐based metal–organic framework (Ni‐MOF) with a Schiff base ligand as an organic linker, Ni₃(bdda)₂(OAc)₂?6H₂O (H₂bdda = 4,4′‐[benzene‐1,4‐diylbis(methylylidenenitrilo)]dibenzoic acid), was synthesized and characterized using powder X‐ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller measurements, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, elemental analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The synthesized Ni‐MOF exhibited a high catalytic activity in benzyl alcohol oxidation using tert‐butyl hydroperoxide under solvent‐free conditions. Also, the efficiency of the catalyst was investigated in the cascade reaction of oxidation–Knoevanagel condensation under mild conditions. The Ni‐MOF catalyst could be recovered and reused four times without significant reduction in its catalytic activity.     

Studies on Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction over NH2‐Uio‐66(Zr) and Its Derivatives: Towards a Better Understanding of Photocatalysis on Metal–Organic Frameworks

Metal–organic framework (MOF) NH₂‐Uio‐66(Zr) exhibits photocatalytic activity for CO₂ reduction in the presence of triethanolamine as sacrificial agent under visible‐light irradiation. Photoinduced electron transfer from the excited 2‐aminoterephthalate (ATA) to Zr oxo clusters in NH₂‐Uio‐66(Zr) was for the first time revealed by photoluminescence studies. Generation of Zr^III and its involvement in photocatalytic CO₂ reduction was confirmed by ESR analysis. Moreover, NH₂‐Uio‐66(Zr) with mixed ATA and 2,5‐diaminoterephthalate (DTA) ligands was prepared and shown to exhibit higher performance for photocatalytic CO₂ reduction due to its enhanced light adsorption and increased adsorption of CO₂. This study provides a better understanding of photocatalytic CO₂ reduction over MOF‐based photocatalysts and also demonstrates the great potential of using MOFs as highly stable, molecularly tunable, and recyclable photocatalysts in CO₂ reduction.     

Unprecedented Second‐Timescale Blue/Green Emissions and Iodine‐Uptake‐Induced Single‐Crystal‐to‐Single‐Crystal Transformation in ZnII/CdII Metal–Organic Frameworks

The long‐persistent phosphorescent metal–organic framework (MOF) is a kind of highly desirable but rare material. Here, two new molecular MOF materials, {[Zn(tipa)Cl] ? NO₃ ? 2 DMF}_n ( 1 ) and {[Cd₂(tipa)₂Cl₄] ? 6 DMF}_n ( 2 ) (tipa=tri(4‐imidazolylphenyl)amine), which have 3D twofold interpenetrated ( utp ) and 2D noninterpenetrated ( kgd ) topologies, respectively, are reported. They exhibit unexpected long‐persistent emissions yet reported: At 77 K, they persist in glowing after stopping the UV irradiation on a timescale up to seconds at 77 K, which can be detected by the naked eye (ca. 2 s). Compounds 1 and 2 also undergo single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal (SC‐SC) transformations through different routes; a simple anion‐exchange route for 1 and a complicated replacement of μ₁‐Cl^? ions by DMF molecules accompanying I₃^? captured in the void for 2 .     

Template‐Induced Diverse Metal–Organic Materials as Catalysts for the Tandem Acylation–Nazarov Cyclization

In our continuing quest to develop a metal–organic framework (MOF)‐catalyzed tandem pyrrole acylation–Nazarov cyclization reaction with α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids for the synthesis of cyclopentenone[b]pyrroles, which are key intermediates in the synthesis of natural product (±)‐roseophilin, a series of template‐induced Zn‐based ( 1–3 ) metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have been solvothermally synthesized and characterized. Structural conversions from non‐porous MOF 1 to porous MOF 2 , and back to non‐porous MOF 3 arising from the different concentrations of template guest have been observed. The anion–π interactions between the template guests and ligands could affect the configuration of ligands and further tailor the frameworks of 1–3 . Futhermore, MOFs 1–3 have shown to be effective heterogeneous catalysts for the tandem acylation–Nazarov cyclization reaction. In particular, the unique structural features of 2 , including accessible catalytic sites and suitable channel size and shape, endow 2 with all of the desired features for the MOF‐catalyzed tandem acylation–Nazarov cyclization reaction, including heterogeneous catalyst, high catalytic activity, robustness, and excellent selectivity. A plausible mechanism for the catalytic reaction has been proposed and the structure–reactivity relationship has been further clarified. Making use of 2 as a heterogeneous catalyst for the reaction could greatly increase the yield of total synthesis of (±)‐roseophilin.     

Facile Synthesis of Hydroxy‐Modified MOF‐5 for Improving the Adsorption Capacity of Hydrogen by Lithium Doping

A facile synthesis of partially hydroxy‐modified MOF‐5 and its improved H₂‐adsorption capacity by lithium doping are reported. The reaction of Zn(NO₃)₂ ? 6 H₂O with a mixture of terephthalic acid (H₂BDC) and 2‐hydroxyterephthalic acid (H₂BDC‐OH) in DMF gave hydroxy‐modified MOF‐5 (MOF‐5‐OH‐x), in which the molar fraction (x) of BDC‐OH^2? was up to 0.54 of the whole ligand. The MOF‐5‐OH‐x frameworks had high BET surface areas (about 3300 m² g^?1), which were comparable to that of MOF‐5. We suggest that the MOF‐5‐OH‐x frameworks are formed by the secondary growth of BDC^2?‐rich MOF‐5 seed crystals, which are nucleated during the early stage of the reaction. Subsequent Li doping into MOF‐5‐OH‐x results in increased H₂ uptake at 77 K and 0.1 MPa from 1.23 to 1.39 wt. % and an increased isosteric heat of H₂ adsorption from 5.1–4.2 kJ mol^?1 to 5.5–4.4 kJ mol^?1.     

Spray‐Coating of Catalytically Active MOF–Polythiourea through Postsynthetic Polymerization

A UiO‐66‐NCS MOF was formed by postsynthetic modification of UiO‐66‐NH₂. The UiO‐66‐NCS MOFs displays a circa 20‐fold increase in activity against the chemical warfare agent simulant dimethyl‐4‐nitrophenyl phosphate (DMNP) compared to UiO‐66‐NH₂, making it the most active MOF materials using a validated high‐throughput screening. The ?NCS functional groups provide reactive handles for postsynthetic polymerization of the MOFs into functional materials. These MOFs can be tethered to amine‐terminated polypropylene polymers (Jeffamines) through a facile room‐temperature synthesis with no byproducts. The MOFs are then crosslinked into a MOF–polythiourea (MOF–PTU) composite material, maintaining the catalytic properties of the MOF and the flexibility of the polymer. This MOF–PTU hybrid material was spray‐coated onto Nyco textile fibers, displaying excellent adhesion to the fiber surface. The spray‐coated fibers were screened for the degradation of DMNP and showed durable catalytic reactivity.     

Influence of the Base on Pd@MIL‐101‐NH2(Cr) as Catalyst for the Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling Reaction

The chemical stability of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is a major factor preventing their use in industrial processes. Herein, it is shown that judicious choice of the base for the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction can avoid decomposition of the MOF catalyst Pd@MIL‐101‐NH₂(Cr). Four bases were compared for the reaction: K₂CO₃, KF, Cs₂CO₃ and CsF. The carbonates were the most active and achieved excellent yields in shorter reaction times than the fluorides. However, powder XRD and N₂ sorption measurements showed that the MOF catalyst was degraded when carbonates were used but remained crystalline and porous with the fluorides. XANES measurements revealed that the trimeric chromium cluster of Pd@MIL‐101‐NH₂(Cr) is still present in the degraded MOF. In addition, the different countercations of the base significantly affected the catalytic activity of the material. TEM revealed that after several catalytic runs many of the Pd nanoparticles (NPs) had migrated to the external surface of the MOF particles and formed larger aggregates. The Pd NPs were larger after catalysis with caesium bases compared to potassium bases.     

Sustainable Catalysis: Rational Pd Loading on MIL‐101Cr‐NH2 for More Efficient and Recyclable Suzuki–Miyaura Reactions

Palladium nanoparticles have been immobilized into an amino‐functionalized metal–organic framework (MOF), MIL‐101Cr‐NH₂, to form Pd@MIL‐101Cr‐NH₂. Four materials with different loadings of palladium have been prepared (denoted as 4‐, 8‐, 12‐, and 16 wt %Pd@MIL‐101Cr‐NH₂). The effects of catalyst loading and the size and distribution of the Pd nanoparticles on the catalytic performance have been studied. The catalysts were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), N₂‐sorption isotherms, elemental analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). To better characterize the palladium nanoparticles and their distribution in MIL‐101Cr‐NH₂, electron tomography was employed to reconstruct the 3D volume of 8 wt %Pd@MIL‐101Cr‐NH₂ particles. The pair distribution functions (PDFs) of the samples were extracted from total scattering experiments using high‐energy X‐rays (60 keV). The catalytic activity of the four MOF materials with different loadings of palladium nanoparticles was studied in the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction. The best catalytic performance was obtained with the MOF that contained 8 wt % palladium nanoparticles. The metallic palladium nanoparticles were homogeneously distributed, with an average size of 2.6 nm. Excellent yields were obtained for a wide scope of substrates under remarkably mild conditions (water, aerobic conditions, room temperature, catalyst loading as low as 0.15 mol %). The material can be recycled at least 10 times without alteration of its catalytic properties.     

Immobilization of phosphotungstic acid in an amino‐containing metal–organic framework for oxidative desulfurization

A composite material has been successfully synthesized using an amino‐containing metal–organic framework (NH₂‐MOF) and phosphotungstic acid (PTA). This composite was characterized using X‐ray diffraction, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption–desorption measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray fluorescence. Characterization results confirmed the immobilization and good distribution of PTA in the NH₂‐MOF. The PTA/NH₂‐MOF was subsequently applied in the oxidative desulfurization of dibenzothiophene (DBT) with H₂O₂ as the oxidant in n‐octane under atmospheric conditions. Under optimal reaction conditions, the oxidative desulfurization conversion of DBT reached 100%, and there was no significant decrease of the catalytic activity after four recycles. Kinetic experiments were also performed for the reaction at various temperatures, which indicated that oxidative reaction rates followed pseudo first‐order kinetics, and the apparent activation energy for the desulfurization reaction was 34.1 kJ mol^?1. The results indicated that this material exhibited excellent catalytic performance for oxidative desulfurization of DBT. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Experimental and Computational Studies of a Multi‐Electron Donor–Acceptor Ligand Containing the Thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole Core and its Incorporation into a Metal–Organic Framework

A ligand containing the thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole (TzTz) core (acceptor) with terminal triarylamine moieties (donors), N,N′‐(thiazolo[5,4‐d]thiazole‐2,5‐diylbis(4,1‐phenylene))bis(N‐(pyridine‐4‐yl)pyridin‐4‐amine ( 1 ), was designed as a donor–acceptor system for incorporation into electronically active metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). The capacity for the ligand to undergo multiple sequential oxidation and reduction processes was examined using UV/Vis‐near‐infrared spectroelectrochemistry (UV/Vis‐NIR SEC) in combination with DFT calculations. The delocalized nature of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) was found to inhibit charge‐transfer interactions between the terminal triarylamine moieties upon oxidation, whereas radical species localized on the TzTz core were formed upon reduction. Conversion of 1 to diamagnetic 2+ and 4+ species resulted in marked changes in the emission spectra. Incorporation of this highly delocalized multi‐electron donor–acceptor ligand into a new two‐dimensional MOF, [Zn(NO₃)₂( 1 )] ( 2 ), resulted in an inhibition of the oxidation processes, but retention of the reduction capability of 1 . Changes in the electrochemistry of 1 upon integration into 2 are broadly consistent with the geometric and electronic constraints enforced by ligation.     

Structural analysis of interpenetrated methyl‐modified MOF‐5 and its gas‐adsorption properties

The first example of an interpenetrated methyl‐modified MOF‐5 with the formula Zn₄O(DMBDC)₃(DMF)₂, where DMBDC^2? is 2,5‐dimethylbenzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylate and DMF is N,N‐dimethylformamide (henceforth denoted as Me₂MOF‐5‐int ), namely, poly[tris(μ₄‐2,5‐dimethylbenzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylato)bis(N,N‐dimethylformamide)‐μ₄‐oxido‐tetrazinc(II)], [Zn₄(C₁₀H₈O₄)₃O(C₃H₇NO)₂]_n, has been obtained from a solvothermal synthesis of 2,5‐dimethylbenzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylic acid and Zn(NO₃)₂·6H₂O in DMF. A systematic study revealed that the choice of solvent is of critical importance for the synthesis of phase‐pure Me₂MOF‐5‐int , which was thoroughly characterized by single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), as well as by gas‐adsorption analyses. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of Me₂MOF‐5‐int (660 m² g^?1), determined by N₂ adsorption, is much lower than that of nonpenetrated Me₂MOF‐5 (2420 m² g^?1). However, Me₂MOF‐5‐int displays an H₂ uptake capacity of 1.26 wt% at 77 K and 1.0 bar, which is comparable to that of non‐interpenetrated Me₂MOF‐5 (1.51 wt%).     

Constructing a Super‐Saturated Electrolyte Front Surface for Stable Rechargeable Aqueous Zinc Batteries

Rechargeable aqueous zinc batteries (RAZB) have been re‐evaluated because of the superiority in addressing safety and cost concerns. Nonetheless, the limited lifespan arising from dendritic electrodeposition of metallic Zn hinders their further development. Herein, a metal–organic framework (MOF) was constructed as front surface layer to maintain a super‐saturated electrolyte layer on the Zn anode. Raman spectroscopy indicated that the highly coordinated ion complexes migrating through the MOF channels were different from the solvation structure in bulk electrolyte. Benefiting from the unique super‐saturated front surface, symmetric Zn cells survived up to 3000 hours at 0.5 mA cm^?2, near 55‐times that of bare Zn anodes. Moreover, aqueous MnO₂–Zn batteries delivered a reversible capacity of 180.3 mAh g^?1 and maintained a high capacity retention of 88.9 % after 600 cycles with MnO₂ mass loading up to 4.2 mg cm^?2.     

Efficient Visible‐Light‐Driven Carbon Dioxide Reduction by a Single‐Atom Implanted Metal–Organic Framework

Modular optimization of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) was realized by incorporation of coordinatively unsaturated single atoms in a MOF matrix. The newly developed MOF can selectively capture and photoreduce CO₂ with high efficiency under visible‐light irradiation. Mechanistic investigation reveals that the presence of single Co atoms in the MOF can greatly boost the electron–hole separation efficiency in porphyrin units. Directional migration of photogenerated excitons from porphyrin to catalytic Co centers was witnessed, thereby achieving supply of long‐lived electrons for the reduction of CO₂ molecules adsorbed on Co centers. As a direct result, porphyrin MOF comprising atomically dispersed catalytic centers exhibits significantly enhanced photocatalytic conversion of CO₂, which is equivalent to a 3.13‐fold improvement in CO evolution rate (200.6 μmol g^?1 h^?1) and a 5.93‐fold enhancement in CH₄ generation rate (36.67 μmol g^?1 h^?1) compared to the parent MOF.     

Molybdenum (VI)‐functionalized UiO‐66 provides an efficient heterogeneous nanocatalyst in oxidation reactions

A novel heterogeneous nanocatalyst was established by supporting molybdenum (VI) on Zr₆ nodes in the structure of the well‐known UiO‐66 metal–organic framework (MOF). The structure of the UiO‐66 before and after Mo (VI) immobilization was confirmed with XRD, DR‐FTIR and UV–vis spectroscopy, and the presence and amount of Mo (VI) was identified by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. TEM imaging confirmed the absence of Mo clusters on the MOF surface, while SEM confirmed that the appearance of the MOF has not changed upon immobilizing the Mo (VI) catalyst. BET adsorption measurements were used to confirm the porosity of the catalyst. The catalytic activity of this heterogeneous catalyst was investigated in oxidation of sulfides with H₂O₂ in acetonitrile and oxidative desulfurization of dibenzothiophene. Easy work up, convenient and steady reuse and high activity and selectivity are prominent properties of this new hybrid material.     

Adsorption behaviour of a CdII–triazole MOF for butan‐2‐one in a single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal (SCSC) fashion: the role of hydrogen bonding and C—H…π interactions

The adsorption behaviour of the Cd^II–MOF {[Cd(L)₂(ClO₄)₂]·H₂O ( 1 ), where L is 4‐amino‐3,5‐bis[3‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)phenyl]‐1,2,4‐triazole, for butan‐2‐one was investigated in a single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal (SCSC) fashion. A new host–guest system that encapsulated butan‐2‐one molecules, namely poly[[bis{μ₃‐4‐amino‐3,5‐bis[3‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)phenyl]‐1,2,4‐triazole}cadmium(II)] bis(perchlorate) butanone sesquisolvate], {[Cd(C₂₄H₁₈N₆)₂](ClO₄)₂·1.5C₄H₈O}_n, denoted C₄H₈O@Cd‐MOF ( 2 ), was obtained via an SCSC transformation. MOF 2 crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P4₃2₁2. The specific binding sites for butan‐2‐one in the host were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. N—H…O and C—H…O hydrogen‐bonding interactions and C—H…π interactions between the framework, ClO₄^? anions and guest molecules co‐operatively bind 1.5 butan‐2‐one molecules within the channels. The adsorption behaviour was further evidenced by ¹H NMR, IR, TGA and powder X‐ray diffraction experiments, which are consistent with the single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. A ¹H NMR experiment demonstrates that the supramolecular interactions between the framework, ClO₄^? anions and guest molecules in MOF 2 lead to a high butan‐2‐one uptake in the channel.     

The Role of Pd2+/Pd0 in Hydrogenation by [Pd(2‐pymo)2]n: An X‐ray Absorption and IR Spectroscopic Study

The metal–organic framework (MOF) [Pd(2‐pymo)₂]_n (2‐pymo=2‐pyrimidinolate) was used as catalyst in the hydrogenation of 1‐octene. During catalytic hydrogenation, the changes at the metal nodes and linkers of the MOF were investigated by in situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and IR spectroscopy. With the help of extended X‐ray absorption fine structure and X‐ray absorption near edge structure data, Quick‐XAS, and IR spectroscopy, detailed insights into the catalytic relevance of Pd²⁺/Pd⁰ in the hydrogenation of 1‐octene could be achieved. Shortly after exposure of the catalyst to H₂ and simultaneously with the hydrogenation of 1‐octene, the aromatic rings of the linker molecules are hydrogenated rapidly. Up to this point, the MOF structure remained intact. After completion of linker hydrogenation, the linkers were also protonated. When half of the linker molecules were protonated, the onset of reduction of the Pd²⁺ centers to Pd⁰ was observed and the hydrogenation activity decreased, followed by fast reduction of the palladium centers and collapse of the MOF structure. Major fractions of Pd⁰ are only observed when the hydrogenation of 1‐octene is almost finished. Consequently, the Pd²⁺ nodes of the MOF [Pd(2‐pymo)₂]_n are identified as active centers in the hydrogenation of 1‐octene.     

A Porphyrin‐Based Porous rtl Metal–Organic Framework as an Efficient Catalyst for the Cycloaddition of CO2 to Epoxides

A porous rtl metal–organic framework (MOF) [Mn₅L(H₂O)₆?(DMA)₂]?5DMA?4C₂H₅OH ( 1? Mn) (H₁₀L=5,10,15,20‐tetra(4‐(3,5‐dicarboxylphenoxy)phenyl)porphyrin; DMA=N,N′‐dimethylacetamide) was synthesized by employing a new porphyrin‐based octacarboxylic acid ligand. 1? Mn exhibits high Mn^II density in the porous framework, providing it great Lewis‐acid heterogeneous catalytic capability for the cycloaddition of CO₂ with epoxides. Strikingly, 1? Mn features excellent catalytic activity to the cycloaddition of CO₂ to epoxides, with a remarkable initial turnover frequency 400 per mole of catalyst per hour at 20 atm. As‐synthesized 1? Mn also exhibits size selectivity to different epoxide substrates on account of their steric hindrance. The high catalytic activity, size selectivity, and stability toward the epoxides on catalytic cycloaddition of CO₂ make 1? Mn a promising heterogeneous catalyst for fixation and utilization of CO₂.     

Highly Selective Water Adsorption in a Lanthanum Metal–Organic Framework

We present a new metal–organic framework (MOF) built from lanthanum and pyrazine‐2,5‐dicarboxylate (pyzdc) ions. This MOF, [La(pyzdc)_1.5(H₂O)₂] ? 2 H₂O, is microporous, with 1D channels that easily accommodate water molecules. Its framework is highly robust to dehydration/hydration cycles. Unusually for a MOF, it also features a high hydrothermal stability. This makes it an ideal candidate for air drying as well as for separating water/alcohol mixtures. The ability of the activated MOF to adsorb water selectively was evaluated by means of thermogravimetric analysis, powder and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and adsorption studies, indicating a maximum uptake of 1.2 mmol g^?1 MOF. These results are in agreement with the microporous structure, which permits only water molecules to enter the channels (alcohols, including methanol, are simply too large). Transient breakthrough simulations using water/methanol mixtures confirm that such mixtures can be separated cleanly using this new MOF.