A Hafnium-Based Metal–Organic Framework as a Nature-Inspired Tandem Reaction Catalyst

Tandem catalytic systems, often inspired by biological systems,
offer many advantages in the formation of highly functionalized small
molecules. Herein, a new metal–organic framework (MOF) with
porphyrinic struts and Hf6 nodes is reported. This MOF
demonstrates catalytic efficacy in the tandem oxidation and functionalization
of styrene utilizing molecular oxygen as a terminal oxidant. The product,
a protected 1,2-aminoalcohol, is formed selectively and with high
efficiency using this recyclable heterogeneous catalyst. Significantly,
the unusual regioselective transformation occurs only when an Fe-decorated
Hf6 node and the Fe–porphyrin strut work in concert.
This report is an example of concurrent orthogonal tandem catalysis.