1Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, Shridevi Institute of Engineering & Technology (SIET), Tumkur-572106, Karnataka, India
2Lecturer in Chemistry, S.Y.T.R Government Degree College, Madakasira, Sri Sathya Sai District, Andhra Pradesh, India -515301. Affiliated to Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Ananthapur.
3Assistant Professor in Zoology, Maris stella College, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
4Assistant Professor, Department of Rural Development Science, Arul Anandar College, Madurai-625514, Tamil Nadu
5Head & Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Nadar Saraswathi College of Arts and Science (Autonomous), Vadapudhupatty, Theni.
6Assistant Principal, College of Engineering, Dr BR Ambedkar University, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh
Received: 12th Dec, 2025; Revised: 12th Feb 2026; Accepted: 13th Feb, 2026; Available Online: 10th March, 2026
Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have garnered significant attention as next-generation green catalysts due to their unique structural and physicochemical properties, offering transformative potential in pharmaceutical synthesis. These crystalline porous materials, constructed from metal ions or clusters interconnected by organic linkers, exhibit exceptionally high surface areas, tunable pore architectures, and chemically tailorable functionalities. Such characteristics enable precise modulation of catalytic sites, thereby enhancing activity, selectivity, and substrate specificity in complex organic transformations.
From a green chemistry perspective, MOFs present a compelling alternative to conventional catalytic systems by enabling reactions under mild conditions, reducing energy input, and minimizing waste generation. Their heterogeneous nature facilitates easy separation and recyclability, addressing key limitations associated with homogeneous catalysts. Moreover, the ability to incorporate catalytically active sites—such as Lewis acids, Brønsted acids, and redox-active centers—within the MOF framework allows for the design of multifunctional catalysts capable of promoting cascade and tandem reactions, which are highly desirable in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
Recent advances have further expanded the applicability of MOFs through the development of engineered systems, including defect-engineered MOFs, metal nanoparticle-encapsulated frameworks, and enzyme–MOF biocomposites. These innovations have demonstrated remarkable efficiency in key pharmaceutical reactions such as C–C and C–N bond formation, selective oxidation, and asymmetric synthesis, often achieving superior performance compared to traditional catalysts. Additionally, the integration of MOFs into continuous flow systems highlights their potential for scalable and industrially viable green processes.
However, challenges related to long-term stability, moisture sensitivity, metal leaching, and large-scale production remain critical barriers to commercialization. Ongoing research efforts are focused on enhancing structural robustness and developing cost-effective synthesis strategies. Overall, MOFs represent a promising frontier in sustainable catalysis, with the potential to significantly advance environmentally benign pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Keywords: Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs); Green Catalysis; Pharmaceutical Synthesis; Sustainable Chemistry; Heterogeneous Catalysis; Porous Crystalline Materials; Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs); Catalyst Design; Reusability; Eco-efficient Processes
How to cite this article: Pratap SR, Sulochana M, Jyothi NB, Joshaline CM, Krishnaveni M, Nakkella AK. Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) as Green Catalysts in Pharmaceutical Synthesis. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(3): 586-598. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.3.66
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None