Metal-organic framework MIL-53(Al): synthesis, catalytic performance for the Friedel-Crafts acylation, and reaction mechanism

Metal-organic framework MIL-53(Al) was synthesized by a solvothermal method using aluminum nitrate as the aluminium source and 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid (H2BDC) as the organic ligand. The structure of samples was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The catalytic activity and recyclability of MIL-53(Al) catalyst for the Friedel-Crafts acylation reaction of indole with benzoyl chloride were evaluated. The reaction conditions were optimized and a reaction mechanism was suggested. The results showed that the MIL-53(Al) catalyst exhibited good catalytic activity and recyclability for the Friedel-Crafts acylation reaction. When the molar ratio of indole and MIL-53(Al) catalyst was 1:0.06 (n1:ncatalyst), the molar ratio of indole and benzoyl chloride was 1:3, and the solvent was dichloromethane, the conversion of indole could reach 97.1% and the selectivity of 3-acylindole could reach 81.1% at 25 °C after 8 h. The catalyst can be reused without significant degradation in catalytic activity. After the catalyst was reused five times, the conversion of indole was 87.6% and the selectivity of 3-acylindole was 79.5%.