A sustainable protocol for selective alcohols oxidation using a novel iron-based metal organic framework (MOF-BASU1)

Abstract

The selective oxidation of active and inactive alcohol substrates is a highly versatile conversion that poses a challenge in controlling the functionality and adjustments on MOFs. On the other hand, it offers an attractive opportunity to expand their applications in designing the next generation of catalysts with improved performance. Herein, a novel iron-based MOF containing sulfonamide (MOF-BASU1) has been fabricated by the reaction of 1,3-benzene disulfonylchloride linker and FeCl₃·6H₂O. Based on the results, the active surface area of the synthesized MOF is large, which highlights its unique catalytic activity. Optimum conditions were reached after 0.5–2 h, with 15 mg loading of the synthesized MOF under optimal conditions. Furthermore, the turnover frequency was 18–77.6 h⁻¹, which is comparable to values previously reported for this process. Overall, the high catalytic activity observed for MOF-BASU1 might be because of the obtained high surface area and the Lewis acidic Fe nodes. Furthermore, the MOF-BASU1 revealed a remarkable chemoselectivity for aldehydes in the presence of aliphatic alcohols. Overall, the high product yields, facile recovery of nanocatalysts, short reaction times, and broad substrate range make this process environmentally friendly, practical, and economically justified.