Conversion of primary amines into secondary amines on a metal–organic framework using a tandem post-synthetic modification

The amine-functionalised metal-organic framework (MOF) [Zn 4O(bdc-NH 2) 3] (IRMOF-3, bdc-NH 2 = 2-amino-1,4-benzenedicarboxylate) has been post-synthetically modified in a tandem condensation-reduction process into secondary amine-containing MOFs. The degree of modification is enhanced by introduction of methanol, which helps to remove boron-containing side-products from the pores.