A functionalized
metal–organic framework (MOF) catalyst
applied to the sequential one-pot oxidation of alcohols to carboxylic
acids controls the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst. The conversion
of alcohols to aldehydes was acquired through aerobic oxidation using
a well-known amino-oxy radical-functionalized MOF. In the same flask,
a simple filtration of the radical MOF with mild heating of the solution
completely altered the reaction media, providing radical scavenger-free
conditions suitable for the autoxidation of the aldehydes formed in
the first step to carboxylic acids. The mutually exclusive radical-catalyzed
aerobic oxidation (the first step with MOF) and radical-inhibited
autoxidation (the second step without MOF) are sequentially achieved
in a one-pot manner. Overall, we demonstrate a powerful and efficient
method for the sequential oxidation of alcohols to carboxylic acids
by employing a readily functionalizable heterogeneous MOF. In addition,
our MOF in-and-out method can be utilized in an environmentally friendly
way for the oxidation of alcohols to carboxylic acids of industrial
and economic value with broad functional group tolerance, including
2,5-furandicarboxylic acid and 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic
acid, with good yield and reusability. Furthermore, MOF-TEMPO, as
an antioxidative stabilizer, prevents the undesired oxidation of aldehydes,
and the perfect “recoverability” of such a reactive
MOF requires a re-evaluation of the advantages of MOFs from heterogeneity
in catalytic and related applications.