Metal organic frameworks as solid catalysts for liquid-phase continuous flow reactions

Abstract

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are widely used as solid catalysts in the liquid phase under batch mode conditions. Moving towards the development of industrial processes, data of the performance of MOFs under continuous flow operation would be desirable. This feature article describes the state of the art regarding the use of MOFs as catalysts of continuous flow processes, paying special attention to the issue of catalyst stability. The review is organized according to the type of bond that is formed in the reaction from C–C, to C–O to C–N bonds. Examples are presented of MOF catalysts that are stable under continuous flow operation, even for those structures that are not very stable such as Cu₃(BTC)₂. It can be anticipated that there will be a growth in the percentage of studies carried out under continuous flow with the final goal of implementing a commercial chemical process using MOFs as a catalyst.