Ferrocene-Modified Nickel MOF: Design, Characterization, and Catalytic Application for the Synthesis of 1,2-Disubstituted Benzimidazole Scaffolds

Abstract

Herein, we are design an innovative bimetallic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) derived from ferrocene (Fc) linkers offers significant potential for heterogeneous catalysis in organic synthesis. Initially, a nickel-based MOF (Ni-AIPA MOF) was synthesized from Ni(NO3)2·6H2O and 5-aminoisophthalic acid (AIPA), followed by ferrocene-2-carbaldehyde (Fc-CHO) functionalization via Schiff base reaction to afford the Fc-modified bimetallic Ni-Fc-AIPA MOF. The tailored bimetallic MOF was comprehensively characterized by FE-SEM, EDAX, P-XRD, FT-IR, TGA, BET, and XPS techniques, confirming its high crystallinity, appreciable porosity, excellent stability, efficient active sites, and enhanced catalytic activity. It was efficiently utilized for the synthesis of 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazoles in good yields via oxidative cyclization of o-phenylenediamine with benzaldehydes and remained recyclable for up to five runs. These bimetallic MOFs offer a promising and economical alternative to noble-metal catalysts for cyclization reactions and provide a practical platform for advancing ferrocene-integrated MOF systems in heterogeneous catalysis.