Anchoring Catalytic Metal Nodes within a Single‐Crystalline Pyrazolate Metal‐Organic Framework for Efficient Heterogeneous Catalysis

Abstract

The synthesis of single‐crystalline and robust pyrazolate metal‐organic frameworks (Pz‐MOFs) capable of facilitating challenging organic transformations is fundamentally significant in catalysis. Here we demonstrate a metal‐node‐based catalytic site anchoring strategy by synthesizing a single‐crystalline and robust Pz‐MOF (PCN‐1004). PCN‐1004 features one‐dimensional (1D) copper‐Pz chains interconnected by well‐organized ligands, forming a porous three‐dimensional (3D) network with two types of 1D open channels. Notably, PCN‐1004 displays exceptional stability in aqueous solutions across a broad pH range (1 to 14), attributed to the robust copper‐Pz coordination bonds. Significantly, PCN‐1004 functions as an outstanding catalyst in cross dehydrogenative coupling reactions for constructing C‐O/C‐S bonds, even in the absence of directing groups, achieving yields of up to ~99%, with long cycle lives and high substrate compatibility. PCN‐1004 outperforms all previously reported porphyrin‐based homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. Control experiments and computations elucidate the pivotal catalytic role of the copper‐Pz chains and reveal a free radical pathway for the reaction. This work not only demonstrates the successful implementation of a metal‐node‐based catalytic site anchoring strategy for the efficient catalysis of challenging organic transformations but also highlights the synergistic effect of a robust framework, 1D open channels, and active sites in enhancing catalytic efficiency within MOFs.