The
influence of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as additives
is herein described for the reaction of n-alkyl aldehydes
in the presence of methylvinylketone and triphenylphosphine. In the
absence of a MOF, the expected Morita–Baylis–Hillman
product, a β-hydroxy enone, is observed. In the presence of
MOFs with UMCM-1 and MOF-5 topologies, the reaction is selective to
Aldol-Tishchenko products, the 1 and 3 n-alkylesters
of 2-alkyl-1,3-diols, which is unprecedented in organocatalysis. The
(3-oxo-2-butenyl)triphenylphosphonium zwitterion, a commonly known
nucleophile, is identified as the catalytic active species. This zwitterion
favors nucleophilic character in solution, whereas once confined within
the framework, it becomes an electrophile yielding Aldol-Tishchenko
selectivity. Computational investigations reveal a structural change
in the phosphonium moiety induced by the steric confinement of the
framework that makes it accessible and an electrophile.