Template-induced diverse metal-organic materials as catalysts for the tandem acylation-Nazarov cyclization

In our continuing quest to develop a metal-organic framework (MOF)-catalyzed tandem pyrrole acylation-Nazarov cyclization reaction with α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids for the synthesis of cyclopentenone[b]pyrroles, which are key intermediates in the synthesis of natural product (±)-roseophilin, a series of template-induced Zn-based (1-3) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been solvothermally synthesized and characterized. Structural conversions from non-porous MOF 1 to porous MOF 2, and back to non-porous MOF 3 arising from the different concentrations of template guest have been observed. The anion-π interactions between the template guests and ligands could affect the configuration of ligands and further tailor the frameworks of 1-3. Futhermore, MOFs 1-3 have shown to be effective heterogeneous catalysts for the tandem acylation-Nazarov cyclization reaction. In particular, the unique structural features of 2, including accessible catalytic sites and suitable channel size and shape, endow 2 with all of the desired features for the MOF-catalyzed tandem acylation-Nazarov cyclization reaction, including heterogeneous catalyst, high catalytic activity, robustness, and excellent selectivity. A plausible mechanism for the catalytic reaction has been proposed and the structure-reactivity relationship has been further clarified. Making use of 2 as a heterogeneous catalyst for the reaction could greatly increase the yield of total synthesis of (±)-roseophilin.