Simple synthesis of the novel Cu-MOF catalysts for the selective alcohol oxidation and the oxidative cross-coupling of amines and alcohols

Abstract

A novel porous metal–organic framework {Cu2(bbda)0.5(Hbbda)1.5 (OAc)1.5.8H2O} (UoB-5) was synthesized under ultrasound irradiation by employing a new Schiff base ligand H2bbda (4,40(1,4-phenylene bis (azanylylidene)) bis (methanylylidene))dibenzoic acid) and was fully characterized. The microporous nature of UoB-5 was confirmed by gas-sorption measurements. This framework acted as a highly effective heterogeneous catalyst for the alcohol oxidation reaction with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BuOOH) as an oxidant. The presence of coordinatively unsaturated metal sites in UoB-5 could be the reason for high performance in this reaction. Furthermore, using the long linker with the free -N C group and uncoordinated -N atom on the wall of the pores created UoB-5 an excellent candidate for the catalytic activities without activation of the framework. It was confirmed with the heterogeneous catalytic experiments on the one-pot tandem synthesis of imines from benzyl alcohols and anilines. Eventually, the new Cu-MOF (UoB-5) could be an alternative catalyst as a more economically favorable and environmentally friendly in the catalysis field.