Metal-organic frameworks of the MIL-101 family as heterogeneous single-site catalysts

In this short review paper, we survey our recent findings in the catalytic applications of mesoporous metal-organic frameworks of the MIL-101 family (Fe-and Cr-MIL-101) and demonstrate their potential in two types of liquid-phase processes: (i) selective oxidation of hydrocarbons with green oxidants-O-2 and tert-butyl hydroperoxide-and (ii) coupling reaction of organic oxides with CO2. A comparison with conventional single-site catalysts is made with special attention to issues of the catalyst's resistance to metal leaching and the nature of catalysis.