Efficient paddle-wheel copper cluster-based metal-organic framework for catalytic conversion of CO2 to oxazolidinones under mild conditions

Efficient utilization of CO₂ and its conversion into high-value-added products contribute to mitigating environmental issues such as the greenhouse effect. Among these methods, the carboxylation cyclization of CO₂ with propargylic amine represents a green and atom-economical approach. Developing cost-effective catalyst that can promote this reaction under mild condition is desirable but challenging. Herein, a unique two-dimensional (2D) metal–organic framework (MOF) {[Cu(QCA)₂]∙0.5DMF∙0.5H₂O}_n (1) (QCA =6-quinolinecarboxylic acid, DMF = N,N-dimethylformamide) have been synthesized and thoroughly characterized. Compound 1 was constructed from paddle-wheel dinuclear copper clusters [Cu₂(COO)₄] and carboxylate ligands, presenting a two-dimensional framework with new topology. Stability tests indicate that compound 1 undergoes reversible structural changes in different solvents and exhibits good thermal stability. 1 as heterogeneous catalyst enabled the transformation of CO₂ and propargylic amine into oxazolidinones under mild conditions with broad substrate generality. In addition, 1 could maintain its catalytic performance with five continuous reactions. This work presents an infrequent example of a 2D noble metal free MOF-based catalyst that shows high catalytic efficiency under mild conditions.