Over the past 10 years, there have
been remarkable advances in
the development of porous organic frameworks, which include covalent
organic framework (COF), conjugated microporous polymer (CMP), porous
aromatic framework (PAF), and covalent triazine framework (CTF). The
emergence of organic frameworks brings about tremendous possibilities
for heterogeneous catalyst development. In addition to well-controlled
surface chemistry and porosity, these materials possess high physicochemical
stability, high density or loading of functional groups with homogeneous
distribution, and high surface area. These allow the organic framework
catalysts to have potentially high activity and reusability. In particular,
main-chain organic frameworks (MCOFs) represent a class of organic
materials whereby the functionalities are directly embedded in the
framework. They are generally synthesized through the “bottom-up”
approach. In catalytic MCOFs, the functional moieties can have direct
interactions with the main framework, leading to unique properties
beyond the general advantages associated with porous polymer heterogeneous
catalysts. Higher activity, selectivity, and stability can be attained
with MCOF catalyst designs. This mini Review summarizes recent developments
of MCOFs that have demonstrated superior catalytic properties as compared
with their homogeneous analogs. The synthesis, structure and advanced
functionalities of these MCOF catalysts are discussed, along with
perspectives for future development.