MOFs vs. zeolites: carbonyl activation with M(iv) catalytic sites

Abstract

The purpose of this perspective article is to compare the catalytic activity of well isolated tetravalent metal sites in microporous zeolites with those present in the oxo-metallic nodes of metal–organic frameworks. Several acid (or acid–base) catalyzed organic transformations of carbonyl-containing molecules derived from biomass, relevant for the production of perfumes, flavours and biofuels, will serve as examples for the critical evaluation of the catalytic performance of the M(IV) active sites inside the inorganic (zeolite) or metal–organic (MOF) crystalline framework.