[Zn₄O] Cluster‐Based Metal‐Organic Frameworks as Catalysts for Conversion of CO₂

Abstract

Summary of main observation and conclusion One unique two‐dimensional (2D) Zn‐MOF {Na[Zn 1.5 (μ 4 ‐O)(L)]} n ( 1 ) was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Four Zn atoms are bridged through μ 4 ‐O to form [Zn 4 O] clusters, which are further linked to form a 2D layer network through sharing Zn as vertexes. 1 exhibits high thermal stability up to 280 °C and keeps stable in common solvents and water solutions with pH ranging from 1 to 13. The catalytic studies reveal that compound 1 exhibits excellent catalytic activity for cycloaddition of CO 2 with epoxides into cyclic carbonates under mild conditions. Furthermore, 1 demonstrates good generality in CO 2 coupling reaction with extensive epoxides. Importantly, 1 can be reused for at least five times without significant reduction in catalytic ability.