First pre-functionalised polymeric aromatic framework from mononitrotetrakis(iodophenyl)methane and its applications.

Starting from mononitrotetrakis(iodophenyl)methane as monomer, we report the preparation of the first pre-functionalised porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) and their application as supports for organometallic catalysts. Neutral coordinate imino-pyridine Schiff base (PAF-NPy) or chiral bis-amino (PAF-NPro) ligands were obtained by post-synthetic treatment of PAF-NH2 and treated with copper(I) or rhodium(I) to yield the corresponding supported transition-metal catalysts. The as-prepared PAF-NN-M catalysts exhibited activity and selectivity similar to that of the corresponding homogeneous catalysts and were easily removed from reaction media and recycled without loss of activity or selectivity.