Metal-organic frameworks for sustainable asymmetric catalysis

This feature article reviews recent advances in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as tunable platforms for asymmetric catalysis, with an emphasis on sustainable design strategies. The unique structural features of MOFs, including high porosity, well-defined architectures, and modularity, enable precise control over catalytic environments and facilitate the incorporation of active sites for enantioselective transformations. Particular attention is given to catalysts based on earth-abundant, non-toxic metals (e.g., Zr, Ti, Fe, Al, Cu, and Zn), the use of easily affordable and cost-effective ligand systems, and the development of catalytic processes under mild reaction conditions. Strategies for tuning porosity, active sites, and framework environments to enhance catalytic activity and enantioselectivity are discussed, along with representative asymmetric transformations and emerging mechanistic insights. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives in the development of MOF-based asymmetric catalysts are outlined.