Copper complex of phenylglycine-functionalized UiO-66-NH2: a chiral MOF catalyst for enantioselective Henry reaction†

In this study, a Zr based MOF chiral catalyst was synthesized, characterized, and then examined in the enantioselective Henry reactions. The process involved the synthesis of UiO-66-NH₂, followed by its functionalization with 2-chloroacetyl chloride. Subsequently, L-phenylglycine was immobilized on the functionalized MOF to prepare a chiral heterogeneous ligand. Finally, the prepared chiral ligand was complexed with Cu(CH₃CN)₄PF₆ to obtain the chiral heterogeneous catalyst. All of the synthesized materials were characterized using various methods including FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDX, elemental mapping, and BET/BJH analysis. Evaluation of the catalytic activity of the prepared chiral heterogeneous catalyst under different conditions demonstrated that the best results can be achieved under solvent free green conditions at room temperature, producing excellent yields and low to moderate enantioselectivities. The heterogeneous catalyst was recovered and reused easily, maintaining activity over three consecutive cycles.