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[References: 27 tit.]

We demonstrate the synthesis of isostructural zeolitic imidazole framework (ZIF-8) using four distinct synthetic methods. Subsequently, the variations in physicochemical properties were analyzed through the catalytic reaction of CO2 cycloaddition of epoxide. It was thus demonstrated that simply by changing the type of synthetic method for the preparation of ZIF-8, the physicochemical properties were changed significantly which in turn influenced the catalytic activity of ZIF-8. It was found that the synthetic method affected the crystal growth and consequently influenced the physicochemical properties which are crucial aspects in metal–organic framework applications. There is an almost exponential relationship between the reactivity of various ZIF-8 samples in CO2 cycloaddition of epoxide and the surface area, CO2 adsorption and pore volume.