Selective Propene Oligomerization with Nickel(II)-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks

Two Ni2+-containing metal-organic frameworks, Ni-2(dobdc) and Ni-2(dobpdc), are shown to be active for the oligomerization of propene in the gas phase. The metal-organic frameworks exhibit activity comparable to Ni2+-exchanged aluminosilicates but maintain high selectivity for linear oligomers. Thus, these frameworks should enable the high yielding synthesis of linear propene oligomers for use in detergent and diesel fuel applications.