1786 m2.g−1 were used as an heterogenous catalyst for the Knoevenagel synthesis of α,β-unsaturated cyanoesters and 3-cyanocoumarins. The preparation of 3-cyanocoumarins was efficiently achieved using DMF as the solvent and conducting the condensation at 80 °C. When the reaction was performed in ethanol, only the intermediates α,β-unsaturated cyanoesters were obtained. The ZIF-8 catalyst can be reused