A facile approach is reported for the preparation of dirhodium coordination polymers [Rh₂(L1)₂]n (Rh₂-L1) and [Rh₂(L2)₂]n (Rh₂-L2; L1=N,N’-(pyromellitoyl)-bis-L-phenylalanine diacid anion, L2=bis-N,N’-(L-phenylalanyl) naphthalene-1,4,5,8-tetracarboxylate diimide) from chiral dicarboxylic acids by ligand exchange. Multiple techniques including FTIR, XPS, and ¹H→¹³C CP MAS NMR spectroscopy reveal the formation of the coordination polymers. ¹⁹F MAS NMR was utilized to investigate the remaining TFA groups in the obtained coordination polymers, and demonstrated near-quantitative ligand exchange. DR-UV-vis and XPS confirm the oxidation state of the Rh center and that the Rh-single bond in the dirhodium node is maintained in the synthesis of Rh₂-L1 and Rh₂-L2. Both coordination polymers exhibit excellent catalytic performance in the asymmetric cyclopropanation reaction between styrene and diazooxindole. The catalysts can be easily recycled and reused without significant reduction in their catalytic efficiency.
