A MOF containing an Au(III) Schiff base complex lining the pore walls has been prepared by a post-synthesis method. The Au(Ill)-containing MOF is highly active and selective for domino coupling and cyclization reactions in liquid phase, the Au(III) species remain after the reaction, and the catalyst is fully recyclable. This gives higher activity than homogeneous and gold-supported catalysts reported up to now. The well-defined Au(III) sites are active for dissociating H-2 and proved to be active for the gas-phase selective hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene into the butenes. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.