Polymer-assisted synthesis of nanocrystalline copper-based metal–organic framework for amine oxidation

Nanosized crystalline MOF {HKUST-1, Cu3(C9H3O6)2(H2O)3·xH2O} was synthesized in the presence of poly(acrylic acid sodium salt) capping agent, and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide improved further the structural and catalytic properties. The larger outer surface area of the microporous material resulted in a remarkable rate enhancement in the liquid phase oxidation of the bulky dibenzylamine to imine.