Controlled condensation reaction of an immobilized bis(hydroxymethyl)arene and mobile phenols in metal–organic frameworks

Abstract

We report a Sc(OTf)₃-catalyzed Friedel–Crafts alkylation between immobilized bis(hydroxymethyl)arenes in MOFs and mobile electron-rich arenes. Reactivity is controlled by guest concentration: high concentrations yield mono-substitution (post-synthetic modification), while low concentrations promote condensation polymerization via local concentration effects within the MOF pores.