Porous magnesium carboxylate framework: synthesis, X-ray crystal structure, gas adsorption property and heterogeneous catalytic aldol condensation reaction

A new three-dimensional alkaline-earth metal–organic framework (MOF) compound, [Mg(Pdc)(H2O)]n (1) (H2Pdc = pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid), has been synthesized and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 1 features a 3D porous framework afforded by the Mg2-diad centers through formation of interconnected chair like structural motifs. A nitrogen adsorption study confirms the microporosity of compound 1 with a BET surface area of 211 ± 12 m2 g−1. Upon dehydration, the BET surface area of 1 is enhanced to a value of 463 ± 36 m2 g−1 due to removal of coordinated water molecule. After rehydration, the compound reverts to its original form as evidenced by powder X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopic analysis and N2 sorption measurement. Compound 1 retains its pore structure with a variable BET surface area in several cycles of dehydration and rehydration processes indicating robustness of the framework in [Mg(Pdc)(H2O)]n (1). Compound 1 catalyzes the aldol condensation reactions of various aromatic aldehydes with acetone and cyclohexanone in heterogeneous conditions. Notably, the catalytic activity of the compound is enhanced upon dehydration. The catalyst can be recycled and reused several times without significant loss of activity.