An Indium metal-organic framework with a two-fold-interpenetrating structure for the efficient conversion of CO2

An Indium metal-organic framework {[H3O]2[In2(BDC)3(ox)]·2DMA} based on 1,4-dicarboxybenzene (H2BDC) and oxalic acid (H2ox) has been constructed, exhibiting a two-fold-interpenetrating 3D structure with good stability. Each In3+ ion is eight-coordinated by six carboxylate oxygen atoms from three BDC2− ligands and two carboxylate oxygen atoms of one oxalate anion. The ligands BDC2− are joined by In3+ ions to construct a 1D wavy chain, while ligands BDC2− and ox2− are connected alternatively by In3+ ions to form another wavy chain. These two types of chains are interwoven into a three-dimensional structure. It has been explored as an effectively heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates by CO2 fixation. Under the reaction condition of 10 ​mg catalyst, 70 ​°C, atmospheric pressure over 24 ​h, the yield of epichlorohydrin carbonate can reach 92.0% with the turnover number (TON) value of 2300. An Indium metal-organic framework {[H3O]2[In2(BDC)3(ox)]·2DMA} based on 1,4-dicarboxybenzene (H2BDC) and oxalic acid (H2ox) has been constructed, exhibiting a two-fold-interpenetrating 3D structure with good stability. It has been explored as an effectively heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates by CO2 fixation. Under the reaction condition of 10 ​mg catalyst, 70 ​°C, atmospheric pressure over 24 ​h, the yield of epichlorohydrin carbonate can reach 92.0% with the turnover number (TON) value of 2300. [Display omitted] •An In-MOF with a two-fold-interpenetrating 3D framework was synthesized.•It is explored as a catalyst for CO2 cycloester catalysis.