Structure activity relationships in metal–organic framework catalysts for the continuous flow synthesis of propylene carbonate from CO2 and propylene oxide

Abstract

This paper describes the systematic study of metal–organic framework (MOF) catalysts for the reaction of propylene oxide (PO) with carbon dioxide (CO₂) to generate propylene carbonate (PC). These studies began with the evaluation of MIL-101(Cr) as catalyst in a flow reactor. Under the developed flow conditions, MIL-101(Cr) was found to effectively catalyze PO carbonation in the absence of a halide co-catalyst. A systematic study of catalyst performance was then undertaken as a function of MOF synthesis technique, activation conditions, metal center, and node architecture. Ultimately, these investigations led to the identification of MIL-100(Sc) as a new, active, and stable catalyst for PO carbonation.