Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Application of a Cationic Metal-Organic Framework: Ag2(4,4′-bipy)2(O3SCH2CH2SO3)

We report a silver-based cationic metal-organic framework with two mixed organic linkers directing the structure. The structure consists of 1D Ag(4,4'-bipy) cationic chains arranged into close-packed layers. Weakly bound alkanedisulfonate anions charge-balance the layers, where only one oxygen of each sulfonate makes a long contact with the Ag. The unsaturated linear Ag centers likely allow the Lewis acidity displayed by the material for ketone protection as well as esterification. The material showed no reduction in yield after three catalytic runs with average 95% conversion yield for ketal formation and 57% for esterification without further water removal. In addition to hydrothermal conditions, the structure can be synthesized by reflux or room temperature, with almost identical catalytic ability. Other properties of this compound including chemical and thermal stability are also described.