A highly stable metallosalen-based metal–organic framework electrocatalyst for versatile oxidative organic transformations

Production of epoxides and aldehydes as key intermediates for organic synthesis usually suffers from the consumption of toxic, corrosive or explosive oxidants. Electrochemical oxidation of alkenes and alcohols have been proposed as alternative green, atom-economic and sustainable synthetic methods, yet the lack of efficient electrocatalysts severely limits potential industrial applications due to the low selectivity and poor stability. We herein present the synthesis of FICN-24, a chemically stable metal–organic framework constructed from Ni₈-pyrazolate secondary building units and Mn(salen)-derived ligands, as an active and selective electrocatalyst for alkene epoxidation and alcohol oxidation reactions. FICN-24 showed high yields and selectivity up to > 90 % towards the desired epoxide and aldehyde products in the electrochemical oxidation of a broad scope of alkene and primary alcohol substrates, respectively, and retained its structural integrity and catalytic activity upon recycling. This work establishes MOF-based electrocatalysis as a promising platform for selective organic transformations, advancing sustainable synthesis in alignment with green chemistry principles.