Researchers at USF have introduced both classical and frustrated Lewis pairs into metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The resulting MOF-LP structure shows promising performance in catalytic imine reduction reactions and hydrogenation of olefins and alkenes. This platform efficiently manipulates heterogeneous catalysts for various organic transformations that traditional porous materials cannot provide. The structure can be tuned for size and steric selectivity and can be tailored to the targeted double bond in the substrate, producing selective reduction during hydrogenation.
Lewis Pair on the Open Metal Site of the Metal-Organic Framework