A Samarium Rod‐MOF With Benzophenone‐4,4´‐Dicarboxylate Linker: A Catalyst for Glycerol Acetalization to Solketal

ABSTRACT A samarium‐based metal–organic framework (MOF) containing benzophenone‐4,4′‐dicarboxylate (bpndc) linker was synthesized and characterized using X‐ray crystallography and spectroscopy methods. The crystal structure analysis revealed that the MOF is a three‐dimensional 3‐nodal 5‐c net. The prepared MOF was used as a catalyst in glycerol acetalization to produce solketal as a fuel additive. The catalyst with suitable thermal stability and acidic characteristics resulted in 93.7% glycerol conversion with solketal selectivity of 90.1%. This study further supports the effectiveness of Ln‐based MOF as potential Lewis acid catalysts for chemical transformations.