A novel Zr-derived metal–organic framework (MOF) ligand was designed and synthesized, and found to effect efficient Cu(I)-catalyzed oxidations of secondary alcohols. The UiO-66-NH-PC solid ligand was utilized as an efficient oxidation reaction ligand. Several secondary alcohols were selectively transformed to ketones in good yields, using air as the oxidant, and under mild reaction conditions. In order to broaden the applicability of the method, various primary alcohols and benzylic compounds were also tested in the oxidation reaction, and afforded the corresponding aldehydes and ketones in very high yields. Finally, the recyclability of the synthesized UiO-66-NH-PC ligand was confirmed by reusing the same batch of catalyst up to five times without observing any decrease in reactivity.