Highly Efficient Conversion of Propargylic Amines and CO2 Catalyzed by Noble‐Metal‐Free [Zn116] Nanocages

The reaction of propargylic amines and CO₂ can provide high‐value‐added chemical products. However, most of catalysts in such reactions employ noble metals to obtain high yield, and it is important to seek eco‐friendly noble‐metal‐free MOFs catalysts. Here, a giant and lantern‐like [Zn₁₁₆] nanocage in zinc‐tetrazole 3D framework [Zn₂₂(Trz)₈(OH)₁₂(H₂O)₉?8 H₂O]_n Trz=(C₄N₁₂O)^4? ( 1 ) was obtained and structurally characterized. It consists of six [Zn₁₄O₂₁] clusters and eight [Zn₄O₄] clusters. To our knowledge, this is the highest‐nuclearity nanocages constructed by Zn‐clusters as building blocks to date. Importantly, catalytic investigations reveal that 1 can efficiently catalyze the cycloaddition of propargylic amines with CO₂, exclusively affording various 2‐oxazolidinones under mild conditions. It is the first eco‐friendly noble‐metal‐free MOFs catalyst for the cyclization of propargylic amines with CO₂. DFT calculations uncover that Zn^II ions can efficiently activate both C≡C bonds of propargylic amines and CO₂ by coordination interaction. NMR and FTIR spectroscopy further prove that Zn‐clusters play an important role in activating C≡C bonds of propargylic amines. Furthermore, the electronic properties of related reactants, intermediates and products can help to understand the basic reaction mechanism and crucial role of catalyst 1 .