A NiII-cluster-based MOF as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the chemical transformation of CO2.

A novel 3D metal-organic framework based on Ni4 clusters as nodes has been synthesized using a tetrahedral linker of 5,5',5''-(methylsilanetriyl)triisophthalic acid (H6L). The compound possesses 1D channels with potential pore volumes that can accommodate guest molecules. Investigations on the coupling reaction of epoxides and CO2 indicate that the compound can be used as an efficient catalyst for CO2 chemical fixation, and its catalytic performance is greatly superior to most MOF-based catalysts. Additionally, compound 1 can be recycled at least five times without compromising its activity.