Aldol Reaction Catalyzed by an Interpenetrated Zinc Carboxylate Metal–Organic Framework Under Heterogeneous Base Free Conditions in Aqueous Ethanol

A new 3D‐3D 4‐fold interpenetrated diamondoid zinc carboxylate framework, namely, [Zn(bpe)(Hbtc)]n (where bpe = 1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethane and H3btc = benzene‐1,2,4‐tricarboxylic acid) has been synthesized through hydrothermal reaction and characterized. The compound features accessible pre‐existing coordinatively unsaturated sites (CUS), eliminating the need for activation to use as catalyst. It demonstrates excellent heterogenous catalytic activity in the aldol reaction of acetophenone and substituted benzaldehydes to give β‐aldol products in aqueous ethanol, without the need for any external base. Additionally, the compound demonstrates high thermal stability, maintaining its structural integrity up to 320°C.