When MOFs met SALI: solvent-assisted ligand incorporation in metal–organic frameworks for catalysis and beyond

Abstract

Solvent-assisted ligand incorporation (SALI) has emerged as a versatile and convenient post-synthetic modification (PSM) strategy for metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). By coordinating new ligands to unsaturated secondary building units (SBUs), SALI enables straightforward incorporation of a diverse range of organic ligands under mild conditions, avoiding the laborious synthesis often required in de novo approaches. Unlike many PSM methods relying on non-covalent or covalent modifications, SALI introduces functional ligands through direct dative bonds, making it broadly applicable in catalysis, gas separation, drug delivery, and beyond. This review provides a comprehensive overview of SALI advancements, highlighting its role in modifying MOFs and expanding their potential across various fields.