A novel metal-organic framework as a heterogeneous catalysis for the solvent-free conversion of CO2 and epoxides into cyclic carbonate

A novel 2D metal-organic framework, [(Cd-2(PDIA)(2)center dot 3DMF]center dot 3DMF (namely CdPDIA), was successfully constructed by an organic ligand 5-(phenyldiazenyl)isophthalic acid (H(2)PDIA) and Cd(II) ion. The resultant sample possesses binuclear (Cd-2(COO)(4)) clusters and two different modes of the deprotonated organic ligand. Topologically, (Cd-2(COO)(4)) clusters and PDIA(2-) ligands can be considered as 4-connected nodes and 2 connected linkers. Hence, the 2D structure can be further symbolized as a sql topology with the Schlafli symbol of (4(4).6(2)). The resultant sample CdPDIA has been characterized and analysed by single crystal diffraction, elemental analysis, powder X-ray diffractions and thermogravimetric analysis in detail. Due to metal sites in the framework of CdPDIA, it can be applied as a heterogeneous catalysis for the solvent-free conversion of CO2 and epoxides into cyclic carbonate. In addition, the resultant sample can be recycled four times without significant activity decrease. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.