Enhanced Catalytic Performance of Quasi‐HKUST‐1 for the Tandem Imine Formation

Copper-based metal-organic framework (Cu3(BTC)2(H2O)3]n⋅nH2OMeOH (HKUST-1) has been subjected to thermolysis under air atmosphere at different temperatures ranging from 100 300 °C. This treatment produces the partial removal of ligands, generation structural defects and additional porosity in a controlled way. The resulting defective materials denoted according literature as quasi-MOFs, were subsequently employed heterogeneous catalysts one pot synthesis N-benzylideneaniline aniline benzyl alcohol open terminal oxidant 70 °C base- dehydrating agent-free conditions. Q-HKUST calcined 240 (QH-240) was most efficient series, promoting imine synthesis. Data Knoevenagel condensation malononitrile shows that QH-240 distances Cu ions HKUST-1 cavities are preserved, increasing activity, but strong rearrangement takes place or above. unsaturated copper active sites with simultaneous presence micro- mesopores responsible for this excellent catalytic performance. effective parameters on activity including deligandation temperature, amount catalyst, ratio reactants, reaction temperature well stability recyclability catalyst also investigated. possible mechanism used by follows aerobic oxidation subsequent anaerobic aldehyde intermediate aniline.