Solvent Impedes CO2 Cycloaddition on Metal-Organic Frameworks.

The catalytic performance of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for the synthesis of cyclic carbonate from carbon dioxide and epoxides has been explored under solvent and solvent-free conditions, respectively. It was found that MOF catalysts have significantly improved catalytic activities in solvent-free CO2 cycloaddition reactions than those in solvent. The mechanism was discussed with regard to the competition of solvent with substrate to adhere MOF catalysts during the reaction process.