Microwave-assisted synthesis of metal–organic frameworks

In the last few decades, synthetic chemists are highly attracted to the synthesis of various metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) due to their porosity, tuneable structure, and diverse applications. Modified laboratory protocols for suitable and speedy transformations are highly anticipated. Microwave-assisted synthesis of MOFs is one of the alternate and best synthetic routes for its rapid reaction rate and desired control over the morphology. Microwave radiations having frequencies between 300 GHz and 300 MHz are applied to the reaction mixture to fasten the nucleation which considerably shortens the crystallization time. So, microwave-assisted MOF synthesis draws immense attention and now becomes a hurriedly growing technique. This article gives a detailed idea about the advantages of microwave-assisted synthesis over other conventional synthesis with proper instrumental requirements; various factors involved which affect the microwave-irradiated process, and examples of well-known MOFs synthesized by microwave irradiation. Shortcomings of other conventional syntheses are also pointed out for the readers to compare and also the disadvantages of this process are mentioned clearly.