CHAPTER 8: Catalysis at the Metallic Nodes of MOFs

The intrinsically high metal content of MOFs makes them appealing for use in catalysis. Over the past few years, a wide variety of MOFs has been intensively studied as catalysts in various liquid phase organic reactions. The most intriguing class of MOF catalysts is that in which the structural nodes themselves act as the catalytic centres. This chapter will give an overview of some research on MOF catalysts in which the metal ions are the active sites. The examples given show that this class of materials offers a unique opportunity to finely tune the active site with tools previously only available in homogeneous complexes. This aspect, combined with their facile recycling, raises high expectations that MOFs can be applied by industry in the near future.