Selective Propene Oligomerization with Nickel(II)-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks

Two Ni²⁺-containing metal–organic frameworks, Ni₂(dobdc) and Ni₂(dobpdc), are shown to be active for the oligomerization of propene in the gas phase. The metal–organic frameworks exhibit activity comparable to Ni²⁺-exchanged aluminosilicates but maintain high selectivity for linear oligomers. Thus, these frameworks should enable the high yielding synthesis of linear propene oligomers for use in detergent and diesel fuel applications.