Structure activity relationships in metal-organic framework catalysts for the continuous flow synthesis of propylene carbonate from CO and propylene oxide.

This paper describes the systematic study of metal-organic framework (MOF) catalysts for the reaction of propylene oxide (PO) with carbon dioxide (CO) to generate propylene carbonate (PC). These studies began with the evaluation of MIL-101(Cr) as catalyst in a flow reactor. Under the developed flow conditions, MIL-101(Cr) was found to effectively catalyze PO carbonation in the absence of a halide co-catalyst. A systematic study of catalyst performance was then undertaken as a function of MOF synthesis technique, activation conditions, metal center, and node architecture. Ultimately, these investigations led to the identification of MIL-100(Sc) as a new, active, and stable catalyst for PO carbonation.