Recent Advances in Zinc- and Cobalt-based MOF-catalysed Multicomponent Synthesis of Heterocyclic Scaffolds

Abstract

This review highlights recent advances in Zn- and Co-based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as heterogeneous catalysts for multicomponent reactions (MCRs) leading to diverse heterocyclic scaffolds. Emphasis is placed on the role of Lewis acidic Zn(II) and Co(II) metal nodes, together with functionalized organic linkers, in promoting efficient one-pot transformations under a variety of green and operationally simple conditions, including thermal, solvent-free, aqueous, and photocatalytic systems. Reported studies consistently demonstrate high catalytic performance, with product yields typically ranging from 80–98%, low catalyst loadings of 2–10 mol%, short reaction times (15 minutes to 2 hours), and moderate reaction temperatures (60–100 °C). Most Zn- and Co- MOF catalysts exhibit good recyclability, retaining activity over 4–6 consecutive cycles with minimal metal leaching. The review further discusses key structure–activity relationships, mechanistic contributions of exposed metal sites and porous architectures, and the enhanced performance of MOF-based nanocomposites. Overall, Zn- and Co-based MOFs emerge as sustainable and reusable catalytic platforms, offering efficient and environmentally benign alternatives to conventional catalysts for the construction of heterocyclic frameworks, as evidenced by studies reported since 2012.