Synthesis of unsymmetrical NH-pyrroles from biomass feedstock in the confined space of metal-organic frameworks

Based on the confinement effect of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a new and straightforward method for synthesizing unsymmetrically substituted NH-pyrroles from alpha-hydroxyketone and 3-aminocrotonate was developed. The confined space of the pore channels limited the potential overreaction, allowing for good control of the reaction selectivity, compared to the corresponding homogeneous catalysts that barely control the overreaction. The synthesis of NH-pyrroles using this route also provides a new strategy for the utilization of bio-based platform molecules, such as alpha-hydroxyketones.