Amino-modified periodic mesoporous biphenylene-silica

The amination reaction of biphenylene moieties in crystal-like mesoporous silica (Bph-PMO) is successfully achieved with a density of 3.17 mmol g(-1). The amination occurs approximately in every aromatic ring of the biphenylene bridge in the position 2 and 2', leading to above 50% of the biphenylene group di-aminated. The structural integrity of the synthetized material is preserved during the strong acid treatment to achieve the amine funcionalization of Bph-PMO. The aminated mesoporous organosilica is highly active (initial turnover frequency 2193 h(-1) or 37 min(-1)) and almost 100% selective in the Knoevenagel condensation. Moreover, the amine-modified periodic mesoporous biphenylene-silica is effective for direct metal coordination. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.