Lanthanide-based coordination polymers as promising heterogeneous catalysts for ring-opening reactions

This work presents the synthesis and structural characterization of Eu- and Tb-based coordination polymers starting from a Co-based metalloligand offering appended arylcarboxylic acid groups. Both coordination polymers function as reusable heterogeneous catalysts for ring-opening reactions utilizing amines, alcohols, thiols, and azides as the nucleophiles. The catalytic results illustrate an excellent control over the regioselectivity whereas a filtration test and mechanistic studies substantiate Lewis-acid catalyzed activation of the epoxide during the reaction.