Merging metal–organic framework catalysis with organocatalysis: A thiourea functionalized heterogeneous catalyst at the nanoscale

Abstract

A new thiourea-containing metal–organic framework (MOF) catalyst was synthesized. It overcomes recycling, self-aggregation and solvation issues that exist in homogeneous thiourea catalysts. Nanomorphology was introduced to increase the dispersion of the solid catalyst in solvent. Acetalization and Morita–Baylis–Hillman reactions were catalyzed using the new thiourea MOF catalyst.