Topology-Based Functionalization of Robust Chiral Zr-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks for Catalytic Enantioselective Hydrogenation

The design and development of robust and porous supported catalysts with high activity and selectivity is extremely significant but very challenging for eco-friendly synthesis of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals. We report here the design and synthesis of highly stable chiral Zr(IV)-based MOFs with different topologies to support Ir complexes and demonstrate their network structures-dependent asymmetric catalytic performance. Guided by the modulated synthesis and isoreticular expansion strategy, five chiral Zr-MOFs with a flu or ith topology are constructed from enantiopure 1,1 '-biphenol-derived tetracarboxylate linkers and Zr-6, Zr-9, or Zr-12 clusters. The obtained MOFs all show high chemical stability in boiling water, strongly acidic, and weakly basic aqueous solutions. The two flu MOFs featuring the dihydroxyl groups of biphenol in open and large cages, after sequential postsynthetic modification with P(NMe2)(3) and [Ir(COD)Cl](2), can be highly efficient and recyclable heterogeneous catalysts for hydrogenation of alpha-dehydroamino acid esters with up to 98% ee, whereas the three ith MOFs featuring the dihydroxyl groups in small cages cannot be installed with P(NMe2)(3) to support the Ir complex. Incorporation of Ir-phosphorus catalysts into Zr-MOFs leads to great enhancement of their chemical stability, durability, and even stereoselectivity. This work therefore not only advances Zr-MOFs as stable supports for labile metal catalysts for heterogeneous asymmetric catalysis but also provides a new insight into how highly active chiral centers can result due to the framework topology.