Continuous Flow Synthesis and Applications of Metal-Organic Frameworks: Advances and Innovations.

Abstract

Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are an emerging class of solid-state materials comprising inorganic elements and organic molecules. These hybrid materials are widely recognized for their diverse properties, rendering them indispensable in the field of organic synthesis, material science and the pharmaceutical industry. Although the traditional batch methods for MOFs synthesis are well-developed, they often struggle with reproducibility, scalability and environmental issues. However, the development of continuous flow techniques has emerged as a promising alternative, offering more efficient mass and heat transfer, precise reaction control, greater potential for automation, improved safety, and reduced environmental impact. This review primarily focuses on advanced continuous flow synthesis of MOFs incorporating techniques such as air flow, spray drying, microwave, micro-droplets, supercritical carbon dioxide, and ultrasound. Additionally, the recent advancements in applying MOFs as heterogeneous catalysts for various organic transformations under continuous flow conditions are discussed, categorized by the type of bond formation, including C-H bond formation (hydrogen reduction), C-C bond formation, and C-O bond formation.