MOF-Based Catalysts for Selective Hydrogenolysis of Carbon Oxygen Ether Bonds

We demonstrate that metal organic frameworks (MOFs) can catalyze hydrogenolysis of aryl ether bonds under mild conditions. Mg-IRMOF-74(I) and Mg-IRMOF-74(II) are stable under reducing conditions and can cleave phenyl ethers containing beta-O-4, alpha-O-4, and 4-O-5 linkages to the corresponding hydrocarbons and phenols. Reaction occurs at 10 bar H-2 and 120 degrees C without added base. DFT-optimized structures and charge transfer analysis suggest that the MOF orients the substrate near Mg2+ ions on the pore walls. Ti and Ni doping further increase conversions to as high as 82% with 96% selectivity for hydrogenolysis versus ring hydrogenation. Repeated cycling induces no loss of activity, making this a promising route for mild aryl-ether bond scission.