Post-synthetic modification of IRMOF3 metal-organic framework via Schiff base vanadium complex as catalyst for epoxidtion of allyl alcohols

Catalytic epoxidation of allyl alcohols is an important synthetic method for both industry and academics [1]. Many transition metal complexes have been used as catalyst for highly selective epoxidation. Among them oxovanadium Schiff base complexes are effective for regioselctive epoxidation of allyl alchols [2]. Due to easier recovery of reaction catalyst in the heterogenous processes, most efforts have been focused on heterogenization of homogenous catalysts. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline, infinite networks assembled by the bonding of metal ions with polyfunctional organic molecules. MOFs are good candidates for immobilization of catalytically active complexes. in this work IRMOF3 has been synthesized and modified by binding a Schiff base ligand derived from terephetaldehyde and histidine followed by complexation with vanadylsulphate. The success of the postsynthetic modification was assessed by elemental analysis, FT-IR, xrd , BET and SEM techniques. The prepared catalyst successfully catalyzes the epoxidation of geraniol, trans-2-hexen-1-ol and 1-octen-3-ol with 100% conversions and 100% selectivities. The satability and reusability of the catalyst is considerable.