L-proline functionalized pillar-layered MOF as a heterogeneous catalyst for aldol addition reaction

A pillar-layered proline-functionalized MOF, [Zn-2(2,6-ndc)(2)(bpb-NHPro)] (I), was synthesized through a solvothermal reaction of Zn(NO3)(2) with 1-L-Pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide-2, 5-bis(4-pyridyl)benzene (bpb-NHPro) and 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid (H(2)ndc) in N,N-diethyl formamide (DEF). The aldol addition between cyclopentanone and 4-nitrobenzaldehyde was selected as a model reaction for the estimation of the catalytic performance of I, which showed reversed diastereoselectivity, preferring syn-adduct, in contrast to homogeneous catalysis with excellent yield up to 98% and diastereomeric excess up to 98:2 (syn:anti).