Ionic liquid post-modified carboxylate-rich MOFs for efficient catalytic CO cycloaddition under solvent-free conditions.

The synthesis of cyclic carbonates through cycloaddition reactions between epoxides and carbon dioxide (CO) is an important industrial process. Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have functional and ordered pore structures, making them attractive catalysts for converting gas molecules into valuable products. One approach to enhance the catalytic activity of MOFs in CO cycloaddition reactions is to create open metal sites within MOFs.

catena-Poly[[dichloridozinc(II)]-μ-1,1'-(hexane-1,6-di-yl)diimidazole-κN:N].

In the structure of the polymeric title compound, [ZnCl(2)(C(12)H(18)N(4))](n) or [ZnCl(2)(L)](n), where L = 1,1'-(hexane-1,6-di-yl)diimidazole, the Zn(II) centre is coordinated by two N atoms of two different L ligands and by two chloride anions in a distorted tetra-hedral geometry. The organic ligand links adjacent metals to form a polymeric chain along the c axis. The chains are further connected into layers parallel to the bc plane by inter-molecular C-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds.