Post-synthetic ligand cyclization in metal–organic frameworks through functional group connection with regioisomerism

Abstract

A covalent connection between two orthogonal functional groups (–NH₂ and –OH) in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) has been developed. This post-synthetic ligand cyclization (PSLC) was successfully demonstrated to synthesize a benzoxazole-functionalized MOF from a Zr-based UiO-66–2,3-(NH₂)(OH) under microwave irradiation. In contrast, the regioisomeric UiO-66–2,5-(NH₂)(OH) only produces a non-cyclized formamide-functionalized MOF.