Post-synthetic immobilization of palladium complexes on metal–organic frameworks – a new concept for the design of heterogeneous catalysts for Heck reactions

MIL-53-NH2(Al) was modified in a two-step post-synthetic reaction using maleic anhydride and palladium acetate. The resulting Pd-containing frameworks were used as catalysts in Heck-type CC coupling reactions where they exhibited high conversion and selectivity. The results of leaching tests indicate that the reaction is partly catalyzed heterogeneously.