Post-synthetic metalation in an anionic MOF for efficient catalytic activity and removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution.

A new 3D porous anionic MOF (AMOF-1) based on Zn(II) and a flexible tetracarboxylate linker has been synthesized. AMOF-1 showed potential for capture and removal of toxic metal ions from aqueous solution with a detection limit in the ppm level. The Cu(II)@AMOF-1' hybrid obtained by post-synthetic metalation is studied as a heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of benzimidazole derivatives.