A Cheap and Efficient Methodology for the Solvent‐Free,One‐pot and Multi‐component Synthesis of 3,4‐Dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐ones Catalyzed by Mesoporous NH4H2PO4/MCM‐48 and Comparison of Its Catalytic Efficacy with NH4H2PO4/MCM‐41

The catalytic efficiency of ammonium dihydrogenphosphate was evaluated in the two heterogeneous forms of NH₄H₂PO₄/MCM‐48 and NH₄H₂PO₄/MCM‐41, as mesoporous catalysts, in the solvent free synthesis of 3,4‐dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐ones through one‐pot three‐component condensation of ethyl acetoacetate, an aryl aldehyde and urea. Different reaction parameters including catalytic efficacy, solvent effect, and urea concentration are considered.     

Synthesis and characterization of indium and thallium immobilized on isonicotinamide‐functionalized mesoporous MCM‐41: Two novel and highly active heterogeneous catalysts for selective oxidation of sulfides and thiols to their corresponding sulfoxides and disulfides

Two highly ordered isonicotinamide (INA)‐functionalized mesoporous MCM‐41 materials supporting indium and thallium (MCM‐41‐INA‐In and MCM‐41‐INA‐Tl) have been developed using a covalent grafting method. A surface functionalization method has been applied to prepare Cl‐modified mesoporous MCM‐41 material. Condensation of this Cl‐functionalized MCM‐41 with INA leads to the formation of MCM‐41‐INA. The reaction of MCM‐41‐INA with In(NO₃)₃ or Tl(NO₃)₃ leads to the formation of MCM‐41‐INA‐In and MCM‐41‐INA‐Tl catalysts. The resulting materials were characterized using various techniques. These MCM‐41‐INA‐In and MCM‐41‐INA‐Tl catalysts show excellent catalytic performance in the selective oxidation of sulfides and thiols to their corresponding sulfoxides and disulfides. Finally, it is found that the anchored indium and thallium do not leach out from the surface of the mesoporous catalysts during reaction and the catalysts can be reused for seven repeat reaction runs without considerable loss of catalytic performance.     

Photocatalytic Degradation of Imidacloprid by Phosphotungstic Acid Supported on a Mesoporous Sieve MCM‐41

Solid catalysts consisting of polyoxometalates (POM) namely phosphotungstic acid H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ (HPW) supported on a mesoporous sieve MCM‐41 have been prepared and characterized by FT‐IR, X‐ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption and high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). The HPW/MCM‐41 with different HPW loadings from 10 to 60 wt% possess large specific surface area and rather uniform mesopores. Keggin structure of HPW retains on the prepared composite catalysts. The photocatalytic performance of HPW/MCM‐41 was examined by degradation of a durable pesticide imidacloprid. It is found that the prepared photocatalysts exhibit high activity under irradiation of 365 nm monochromatic light. For 50 mL of imidacloprid (10 mg/L), conversion of imidacloprid using 20 mg of HPW/MCM‐41 with 50 wt% loading level and calcined at 300°C reaches 58.0% after 5 h irradiation.     

Zirconium oxide complex‐functionalized MCM‐41 nanostructure: an efficient and reusable mesoporous catalyst for oxidation of sulfides and oxidative coupling of thiols using hydrogen peroxide

Zirconium oxide complex‐functionalized mesoporous MCM‐41 (Zr‐oxide@MCM‐41) as an efficient and reusable catalyst is reported for the oxidation of sulfides into sulfoxides using hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) as the oxidant, with short reaction times in good to excellent yields at room temperature under solvent‐free conditions. Also, a simple and efficient method is reported for the oxidative coupling of thiols into corresponding disulfides in good to high yields using H₂O₂ as oxidant in the presence of Zr‐oxide@MCM‐41 as recoverable catalyst in ethanol at room temperature. A series of sulfides and thiols possessing functional groups was successfully converted into corresponding products. After completion of reactions the catalyst was easily separated with simple filtration from the reaction mixture and reused for several consecutive runs without significant loss of catalytic efficiency. The mesoporous catalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area measurements, X‐ray diffraction, transmission and scanning electron microscopies, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Influence of Pore Structure on Catalytic Properties of Mesoporous Silica-supported Co-B Amorphous Alloys in Hydrogenation of Cinnamaldehyde to Cinnamyl Alcohol

Co‐B amorphous alloy catalysts supported on three kinds of mesoporous silica (common SiO₂, MCM‐41 and SBA‐15) have been systematically studied focusing on the effect of pore structure on the catalytic properties in liquid‐phase hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde to cinnamyl alcohol (CMO). Structural characterization of a series of different catalysts was performed by means of N₂ adsorption, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, hydrogen chemisorption, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Various characterizations revealed that the pore structure of supports profoundly influenced the particle size, location and dispersion degree of Co‐B amorphous alloys. Co‐B/SBA‐15 was found more active and selective to CMO than either Co‐B/SiO₂ or Co‐B/MCM‐41. The superior catalytic activity could be attributed to the higher active surface area, because most of Co‐B nanoparticles in Co‐B/SBA‐15 were located in the ordered pore channels of SBA‐15 rather than on the external surface as found in Co‐B/SiO₂ and Co‐B/MCM‐41. Meanwhile, the geometrical confinement effect of the ordered mesoporous structure of SBA‐15 was considered to be responsible for the enhanced selectivity to CMO on Co‐B/SBA‐15, inhibiting the further hydrogenation of CMO to hydrocinnamyl alcohol.     

Dehydration of Castor Oil over NaHSO4/MCM‐41 Catalyst Modified by n‐Dodecyltriethoxysilane

n‐Dodecyltriethoxysilane (DTEOS) modified NaHSO₄/MCM‐41 catalysts (silanized catalysts) were synthesized by different impregnation sequences and evaluated in the liquid‐phase dehydration of castor oil. The samples were evaluated by X‐ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption‐desorption, SEM, TEM, FT‐IR spectroscopy, XPS, ²⁹Si MAS NMR spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, NH₃‐TPD, and pyridine‐FT‐IR spectroscopy. The analyses demonstrated that silanization enhanced the hydrophobicity of the catalysts, and the impregnation sequence of silanized catalysts had a significant effect on the NaHSO₄ dispersion, surface area, acid distribution, and hydrophobicity of the silanized catalysts. The catalytic activity of the silanized catalysts was much higher than that of NaHSO₄/MCM‐41. Among the silanized catalysts, the catalyst prepared by simultaneous impregnation with DTEOS and NaHSO₄ showed the highest iodine value of 141.8 [g(I₂) per 100 g] and lowest hydroxyl value of 11.3 [mg(KOH) · g^–1].     

Synthesis,Characterization and Catalysis of Ce‐MCM‐41

The cerium‐containing MCM‐41 (Ce‐MCM‐41) has been synthesized by direct hydrothermal method. The low‐angle XRD patterns revealed the typical five major peaks of MCM‐41 type hexagonal structures. The interplanar spacing d₁₀₀ = 38.4 Å was obtained that can be indexed on a hexagonal unit cell parameter with a_o = 44.3 Å which was larger than that of pure siliceous MCM‐41 (Si‐MCM‐41). Transmission electron micrograph shows the regular hexagonal array of uniform channel characteristics of MCM‐41. The BET surface area of Ce‐MCM‐41 was 840 m²/g, which is much reduced as compared to that of Si‐MCM‐41, with the pore size of 26.9 Å and mesopore volume of 0.78 cm³/g were measured by nitrogen adsorption‐desorption isotherm at 77 K. Along with the results, the synthesized Ce‐MCM‐41 exhibited a well‐ordered MCM‐41‐type mesoporous structure with the incorporation of cerium. Using Ce‐MCM‐41 as a support, the Rh (0.5 wt%) catalyst exhibited very high activity for the NO/CO reactions.     

Synthesis and Luminescence of Eu‐N2,N6‐Bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxamide Complexes Containing Mesoporous Material

Ligand N²,N⁶‐bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxamide (L=BHPC) was synthesized and used to construct lanthanide‐based mesoporous material Eu‐L‐MCM‐41. In the structure of resulting Eu‐L‐MCM‐41, Eu³⁺ was chelated by BHPC, and the Eu‐L complexes were anchored into the forming MCM‐41 host by the reaction between the hydroxyl group and active Si‐OH. The mesoporous material Eu‐L‐MCM‐41 was characterized by UV, IR, small‐angle X‐ray diffraction (SAXRD) patterns, nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, TGA and fluorescence spectra. The results indicate that ligand and Eu³⁺ have been introduced into the MCM‐41 host, and Eu‐L‐MCM‐41 exhibits characteristic luminescence of Eu³⁺.     

Liquid Phase Hydrogenation of t,t,c‐1,5,9‐Cyclododecatriene over Ni/MCM‐41 and Ni/SiO2 Catalysts

Ni‐loaded pure siliceous and aluminosilicate MCM‐41 (Ni/MCM‐41) and nickel‐loaded silica (15Ni/SiO₂) were synthesized via wet impregnation and were characterized by various techniques. The H₂ consumption in the TPR analysis was found to be proportional to the Ni amount in the calcined samples. After reduction the average Ni particle sizes of 15Ni/MCM‐41 and 15Ni/SiO₂ were 9–12 and 16 nm, respectively, by means of XRD and TEM measurements. All catalysts owned weak and intermediate Lewis acid sites that increased slightly with increasing the Ni amount and the Al content. In the liquid phase hydrogenation of t,t,c‐1,5,9‐cyclododecatriene over Ni/MCM‐41, the catalytic activity was parallel to the Ni content and enhanced slightly with the acid amount of the catalysts. Consequently, it was proposed that the Ni metallic sites contributed the major effect to the catalytic activity while the Lewis acid sites promoted a small but significant influence on the catalytic performance. It is noteworthy that all 15Ni/MCM‐41 catalysts exhibited remarkably higher activity than that of the conventional 15Ni/SiO₂ catalyst.     

Two Pairs of Homochiral Coordination Polymers with Helices Based on Semi‐rigid Lactic Acid Ligands

Utilizing semirigid lactic acid derivatives (R)‐H₂CBA and (S)‐H₂CBA as chiral ligands, two pair of homochiral coordination polymers formulated as [Zn((R)‐CBA)(1,4‐DIB)] · H₂O ( 1 ‐ D ), [Zn((S)‐CBA)(1,4‐DIB)] · H₂O ( 1 ‐ L ), [Co((R)‐CBA)(1,4‐DIB)] · H₂O ( 2 ‐ D ) and [Co((S)‐CBA)(1,4‐DIB)] · H₂O ( 2 ‐ L ) were prepared under solvothermal reaction condition. Single X‐ray diffraction study reveals that all the complexes are comprised of three kinds of helical chains, which are constructed by corresponding metal ions, CBA^2– ligands, and/or 1,4‐DIB ligands. Moreover, some physical characteristics, such as PXRD, thermal stabilities, solid‐state circular dichroism (CD), luminescent and magnetic properties are also investigated.     

Synthesis and Catalytic Activity of Cu-Incorporated MCM-41 with Spheres-within-a-Sphere Hollow Structure

Cu-incorporated ordered hexagonal mesoporous silicates （Cu-MCM-41） with spheres-within-a-sphere hollow structure have been synthesized using thermoreversible polymer hydrogel methylcellulose （MC） and cationic surfactant as co-templates, which have been characterized by scanning electron micrograph （SEM）, X-ray diffraction （XRD）, transmission electron micrograph （TEM）, and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms. The obtained results indicate that the morphology of Cu-incorporated MCM-41 materials is ＂spheres-within-a-sphere＂ hollow structure, which is very similar to that of the alveolus. In benzene hydroxylation with H2O2, the hollow spheres show much higher catalytic activity than particles of Cu-MCM-41.     

Self‐assembly of Two Cobalt(II) Coordination Polymers Derived from Tetrabromoterephthalate and Flexible Bis(Benzimidazole) Co‐ligands

Two new cobalt(II) coordination polymers, {[Co(L1)(tbta)] · 0.8H₂O}_n ( 1 ) and {[Co(L2)(tbta)] · H₂O}_n ( 2 ) [L1 = 1,1′‐(1,3‐propanediyl)bis(2‐methylbenzimidazole), L2 = 1,2‐bis(2‐methylbenzimidazole‐1‐ylmethyl)benzene, H₂tbta = tetrabromoterephthalic acid] were obtained under hydrothermal conditions and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction methods, IR spectroscopy, TGA, and elemental analysis. The cobalt atoms present similar environments with tetrahedral arrangements in 1 and 2 . The two complexes show a 2D (4,4) coordination network with sql topology. Compound 2 is further extended into a rare 3 , 3 , 4T3 three‐dimensional supramolecular framework by weak C–H ··· O hydrogen bonding interactions. The fluorescence and catalytic properties of the complexes for the degradation of the congo red azo dye in a Fenton‐like process were investigated.     

Aluminum‐ and Gallium‐Containing Open‐Dawson Polyoxometalates

Al‐ and Ga‐containing open‐Dawson polyoxometalates (POMs), K₁₀[{Al₄(μ‐OH)₆}{α,α‐Si₂W₁₈O₆₆}] · 28.5H₂O ( Al₄ ‐ open ) and K₁₀[{Ga₄(μ‐OH)₆}(α,α‐Si₂W₁₈O₆₆)] · 25H₂O ( Ga₄ ‐ open ) were synthesized by the reaction of trilacunary Keggin POM, [A‐α‐SiW₉O₃₄]^10–, with Al(NO₃)₃ · 9H₂O or Ga(NO₃)₃ · nH₂O, and unequivocally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis, ²⁹Si and ¹⁸³W NMR, and FT‐IR spectroscopy as well as elemental analysis and TG/DTA. Single‐crystal X‐ray analysis revealed that the {M₄(μ‐OH)₆}⁶⁺ (M = Al, Ga) clusters were included in an open pocket of the open‐Dawson polyanion, [α,α‐Si₂W₁₈O₆₆]^16–, which was constituted by the fusion of two trilacunary Keggin POMs via two W–O–W bonds. These two open‐Dawson structural POMs showed clear difference of the bite angles depending on the size of ionic radii. In cases of both compounds, the solution ²⁹Si and ¹⁸³W NMR spectra in D₂O showed only one signal and five signals, respectively. These spectra were consistent with the molecular structures of Al₄ ‐ and Ga₄ ‐ open , suggesting that these polyoxoanions were obtained as single species and maintained their molecular structures in solution.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Magnetic Properties of Novel Cobalt(II) and Copper(II) Complexes with 5‐(Isonicotinamido)isophthalate Ligand

Two new complexes, {[Co(INAIP) · H₂O] · 2H₂O}_n ( 1 ), and {[Cu(INAIP)] · H₂O}_n ( 2 ) [H₂INAIP = 5‐(isonicotinamido)isophthalic acid] were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions, and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray structure determination, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray powder diffraction, and magnetic studies. In complex 1 both Co^II atoms and INAIP^2– ligands act as four‐connected node, whereas in 2 both Cu^II atoms and INAIP^2– ligands act as three‐connected node.     

Vapor‐Phase Reaction of Citronellal over Mesoporous Molecular Sieves MCM‐41 and Zeolites

The vapor‐phase reaction of citronellal (CTN) at 220 °C and atmospheric pressure has been studied using mesoporous molecular sieves and zeolites in a fixed‐bed reactor. The primary products included isopulegol (IPG), menthone, and pulegol with subsequent reactions to form cyclic hydrocarbons. The CTN conversion and the product selectivity depend on the acidity and the textural property of catalysts. Lewis and/or Brönsted acid sites are essential for catalyzing this reaction. An increase of SiO₂/Al₂O₃ mol ratio diminishes the acid amount of all catalysts and enhances both the surface area and the structural order of MCM‐41. The catalytic activity follows the order of MCM‐41 > HZSM‐5 > Hβ > USY, in accordance with the relative total acid amount except that of MCM‐41. Despite its low acidity, Si‐MCM‐41 exhibits the best catalytic performance due to its uniform mesopores, large surface area and good stability; the CTN conversion and the IPG yield attain 91.9% and 58.6%, respectively, after at least 25 h time‐on‐stream.     

An XPS study of microporous and mesoporous titanosilicates

In this contribution we report on an XPS study of microporous and mesoporous titanosilicates, in particular microporous titanium silicalite TS‐1, ordered mesoporous Ti‐MCM‐41 and [Ti]‐MCM‐41 and amorphous mesoporous silica–titania (MST) catalysts. Our aim was to obtain both photoemission and x‐ray‐excited Auger data for Ti species on these catalysts and use them in a Ti Wagner plot to rationalize the dependence of the local electronic structure on the atomic environment. Isolated Ti(IV) species coordinated to four and six oxygen anions and segregated TiO₂ clusters were detected on all catalysts by a curve‐fitting procedure of Ti 2p, O 1s and related peaks. The presence of the Si 2p peak excited by an O Kα ghost makes the detection of Ti LMM Auger transitions in mesoporous samples impossible due to the low Ti loadings and its homogeneous distribution in the silica matrix. Small TiO₂ clusters are eventually segregated within the mesopores of the catalysts and not at their external surface. On TS‐1 microporous catalysts with similar Ti loadings to the mesoporous catalysts we were able to detect Ti LMM Auger transitions, and by the Ti Wagner plot we clearly identify the presence of octahedrally coordinated Ti(IV) species. Thus, it is suggested that on TS‐1 the in‐framework (? O)₄Ti species are easily changed to (? O)₄(H₂O)₂Ti species by insertion of water molecules from the atmosphere. Small TiO₂ clusters (diameter <5 nm), eventually present on samples with Ti loading >2 wt.%, are segregated at their external surface and present spectroscopic features similar to (? O)₄(H₂O)₂Ti species. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Syntheses,Crystal Structures,and Magnetic Properties of Two Cobalt Coordination Polymers Constructed From 1,3‐Bis(2,4‐dicarboxyphenyl) Benzene and Bis(imidazole) Linkers

Abstract. The 3D cobalt(II) coordination polymers [Co_1.5(HDDB)(1,4‐bib)_1.5(H₂O)]_n ( 1 ), and {[Co₂(DDB)(1,3‐bib)₂(μ₂‐H₂O)] · H₂O}_n ( 2 ) were assembled by mixed‐ligand synthetic strategy [H₄DDB = 1,3‐bis(2,4‐dicarboxyphenyl) benzene, 1,3‐bib = 1,3‐bis(1H‐imidazol‐4‐yl)benzene, and 1,4‐bib = 1,4‐bis(1H‐imidazol‐4‐yl)benzene]. Their structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses and further characterized by elemental analyses (EA), IR spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), and thermogravimetric (TG) analyses. Single X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals that complex 1 is an interestingly 3D (3,3.6)‐connected (6³)₄(6⁵ · 8⁸ · 10²) net, and complex 2 is an unprecedented dinuclear [Co₂(COO)(μ₂‐H₂O)] SBUs based 3D (3,6)‐connected (3 · 6 · 7)(3² · 4³ · 5⁴ · 6³ · 7 · 8²) net. Additionally, the magnetic properties of 2 were investigated.     

Synthesis,Structures, and Catalytic Properties of Two ­Cobalt(II) Coordination Polymers Based on 5‐Substituted Isophthalate and Flexible Bis(benzimidazole) Co‐ligands

Two new Co^II coordination polymers, [Co(L₁)_0.5(hip)]_n ( 1 ) and [Co(L₂)(mip) · 2H₂O]_n ( 2 ) [L₁ = 1,1′‐(1,4‐butanediyl)bis‐1H‐benzimidazole, L₂ = 1,3‐bis(5,6‐dimethylbenzimidazol‐1‐yl)‐2‐propanol, H₂hip = 5‐hydroxyisophthalic acid, H₂mip = 5‐methylisophthalic acid], were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction. Complex 1 exhibits a 3D supramolecular network constructed with 2D (4,4) layer by O–H ··· O hydrogen bonding. Complex 2 has 1D ladder‐like chains, which are further assembled into a 3D supramolecular framework by π–π stacking interactions. In addition, fluorescence and catalytic properties of compounds 1 and 2 were investigated in solid state.     

Counterion‐Directed Assembly of Praseodymium(III) Compounds based on the Flexible Ligand 5‐Aminotetrazole‐1‐propionic Acid (Hatzp)

Different kinds of counterions (such as NO₃^–, ClO₄^–, and Cl^–) play a special role in controlling the framework of coordination compounds. Using this strategy, 5‐aminotetrazole‐1‐propionic acid (Hatzp) was selected to react with praseodymium(III) nitrate or perchlorate in the same solvent system, producing two different coordination compounds, [Pr₂(atzp)₄(H₂O)₈] · 2NO₃ · 2H₂O ( 1 ) and [Pr₂(atzp)₆(H₂O)₂] · H₂O ( 2 ). These compounds were structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that compound 1 displays a dinuclear structure, whereas 2 shows a one dimensional zigzag chain framework. Furthermore, the luminescence properties of compounds 1 and 2 were investigated at room temperature in the solid state.     

Copper(I)‐N2S2‐salen type complex covalently anchored onto MCM‐41 silica: an efficient and reusable catalyst for the A3‐coupling reaction toward propargylamines

The immobilization of copper complexes by covalent anchoring of the ligand on the surface of mesoporous MCM‐41 has been described. Bis[2‐(phenylthio)benzylidene]‐1,2‐ethylenediamine as a new N₂S₂ donor salen‐type ligand was covalently anchored onto nanopores of MCM‐41 coordinated with copper (I) halide. The organic–inorganic hybrid material was achieved readily using 3‐mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane as a reactive surface modifier. 2‐Nitrobenzaldehyde was reacted smoothly with the thiol moieties in order to form functionalized nanoporous silica with carbaldehyde groups. The resulting supported organic moieties were converted to thiosalen ligand and coordinated with CuX (X = CN, Cl, Br, I). Characterization of the heterogeneous catalyst by X‐ray diffraction, N₂ sorption, FT‐IR, diffuse reflectance UV‐visible and TGA techniques indicated successful grafting of the copper complex inside the nano‐channels of MCM‐41. The heterogenized catalyst was evaluated by the Mannich condensation reaction of aldehydes, amines and alkynes. In this reaction, the corresponding propargylamines were obtained as single products in good to excellent yields. Factors such as reaction temperature, solvent, catalyst loading, leaching and reusability of the catalyst also were discussed. The use of MCM‐41 as support permits an easier separation and recycles with only a marginal decrease in reactivity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.