A Dual‐Ligand Porous Coordination Polymer Chemiresistor with Modulated Conductivity and Porosity

Single‐ligand‐based electronically conductive porous coordination polymers/metal–organic frameworks (EC‐PCPs/MOFs) fail to meet the requirements of numerous electronic applications owing to their limited tunability in terms of both conductivity and topology. In this study, a new 2D π‐conjugated EC‐MOF containing copper units with mixed trigonal ligands was developed: Cu₃(HHTP)(THQ) (HHTP=2,3,6,7,10,11‐hexahydrotriphenylene, THQ=tetrahydroxy‐1,4‐quinone). The modulated conductivity (σ≈2.53×10^?5 S cm^?1 with an activation energy of 0.30 eV) and high porosity (ca. 441.2 m² g^?1) of the Cu₃(HHTP)(THQ) semiconductive nanowires provided an appropriate resistance baseline and highly accessible areas for the development of an excellent chemiresistive gas sensor.     

Two‐dimensional π‐conjugated metal‐organic framework with high electrical conductivity for electrochemical sensing

A two‐dimensional π‐conjugated metal‐organic framework (MOF) with long‐range delocalized electrons has been prepared and applied as modified electrode material without further post‐modification. The MOF (Cu₃(HHTP)₂) is composed of Cu(II) centers and a redox‐active linker (2,3,6,7,10,11‐hexahydroxytriphenylene, HHTP). Compared to most MOFs, Cu₃(HHTP)₂ displays higher electrical conductivity and charge storage capacity owing to the collective effect of metal ions and aromatic ligands with π–π conjugation. In order to confirm the superior properties of this material, the electrochemical detection of dopamine (DA) was conducted and the satisfactory results were obtained. The currents increase linearly with the concentration of DA in the range 5.0 × 10^?8 to 2.0 × 10^?4 M with a detection limit of 5.1 nM. Furthermore, Cu₃(HHTP)₂ presents high selectivity and applicability in serum samples for electrochemical DA sensing. Overall, this material has excellent potential as a promising platform for establishing an MOF‐based electrochemical sensor.     

Electrically Conductive π-Intercalated Graphitic Metal-Organic Framework Containing Alternate π-Donor/Acceptor Stacks

Two-dimensional graphitic metal–organic frameworks (GMOF) often display impressive electrical conductivity chiefly due to efficient through-bond in-plane charge transport, however, less efficient out-of-plane conduction across the stacked layers creates large disparity between two orthogonal conduction pathways and dampens their bulk conductivity. To address this issue and engineer higher bulk conductivity in 2D GMOFs, we have constructed via an elegant bottom-up method the first π-intercalated GMOF (iGMOF1) featuring built-in alternate π-donor/acceptor (π-D/A) stacks of Cu^II-coordinated electron-rich hexaaminotriphenylene (HATP) ligands and non-coordinatively intercalated π-acidic hexacyano-triphenylene (HCTP) molecules, which facilitated out-of-plane charge transport while the hexagonal Cu₃(HATP)₂ scaffold maintained in-plane conduction. As a result, iGMOF1 attained an order of magnitude higher bulk electrical conductivity and much smaller activation energy than Cu₃(HATP)₂ (σ=25 vs. 2 S m⁻¹, E_a=36 vs. 65 meV), demostrating that simultaneous in-plane (through-bond) and out-of-plane (through πD/A stacks) charge transport can generate higher electrical conductivity in novel iGMOFs.     

Solvent-Vapor-Induced Reversible Single-Crystal-to-Single-Crystal Transformation of a Triphosphaazatriangulene-Based Metal–Organic Framework

A triphosphaazatriangulene (H₃L) was synthesized through an intramolecular triple phospha-Friedel–Crafts reaction. The H₃L triangulene contains three phosphinate groups and an extended π-conjugated framework, which enables the stimuli-responsive reversible transformation of [Cu(HL)(DMSO)⋅(MeOH)]_n, a 3D-MOF that exhibits reversible sorption characteristics, into (H₃L⋅0.5 [Cu₂(OH)₄⋅6 H₂O] ⋅4 H₂O), a 1D-columnar assembled proton-conducting material. The hydrophilic nature of the latter resulted in a proton conductivity of 5.5×10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at 95 % relative humidity and 60 °C.     

2D Semiconducting Metal–Organic Framework Thin Films for Organic Spin Valves

2D conductive metal–organic frameworks (2D c-MOFs) feature promising applications as chemiresistive sensors, electrode materials, electrocatalysts, and electronic devices. However, exploration of the spin-polarized transport in this emerging materials and development of the relevant spintronics have not yet been implemented. In this work, layer-by-layer assembly was applied to fabricate highly crystalline and oriented thin films of a 2D c-MOF, Cu₃(HHTP)₂, (HHTP: 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahydroxytriphenylene), with tunable thicknesses on the La_0.67Sr_0.33MnO₃ (LSMO) ferromagnetic electrode. The magnetoresistance (MR) of the LSMO/Cu₃(HHTP)₂/Co organic spin valves (OSVs) reaches up to 25 % at 10 K. The MR can be retained with good film thickness adaptability varied from 30 to 100 nm and also at high temperatures (up to 200 K). This work demonstrates the first potential applications of 2D c-MOFs in spintronics.     

2D Semiconducting Metal–Organic Framework Thin Films for Organic Spin Valves

2D conductive metal–organic frameworks (2D c‐MOFs) feature promising applications as chemiresistive sensors, electrode materials, electrocatalysts, and electronic devices. However, exploration of the spin‐polarized transport in this emerging materials and development of the relevant spintronics have not yet been implemented. In this work, layer‐by‐layer assembly was applied to fabricate highly crystalline and oriented thin films of a 2D c‐MOF, Cu₃(HHTP)₂, (HHTP: 2,3,6,7,10,11‐hexahydroxytriphenylene), with tunable thicknesses on the La_0.67Sr_0.33MnO₃ (LSMO) ferromagnetic electrode. The magnetoresistance (MR) of the LSMO/Cu₃(HHTP)₂/Co organic spin valves (OSVs) reaches up to 25 % at 10 K. The MR can be retained with good film thickness adaptability varied from 30 to 100 nm and also at high temperatures (up to 200 K). This work demonstrates the first potential applications of 2D c‐MOFs in spintronics.     

Fine Tuning of MOF‐505 Analogues To Reduce Low‐Pressure Methane Uptake and Enhance Methane Working Capacity

We present a crystal engineering strategy to fine tune the pore chemistry and CH₄‐storage performance of a family of isomorphic MOFs based upon PCN‐14. These MOFs exhibit similar pore size, pore surface, and surface area (around 3000 m² g⁻¹) and were prepared with the goal to enhance CH₄ working capacity. [Cu₂(L2)(H₂O)₂]_n (NJU‐Bai 41: NJU‐Bai for Nanjing University Bai's group), [Cu₂(L3)(H₂O)₂]_n (NJU‐Bai 42), and [Cu₂(L4)(DMF)₂]_n (NJU‐Bai 43) were prepared and we observed that the CH₄ volumetric working capacity and volumetric uptake values are influenced by subtle changes in structure and chemistry. In particular, the CH₄ working capacity of NJU‐Bai 43 reaches 198 cm³ (STP: 273.15 K, 1 atm) cm⁻³ at 298 K and 65 bar, which is amongst the highest reported for MOFs under these conditions and is much higher than the corresponding value for PCN‐14 (157 cm³ (STP) cm⁻³).     

Study on Cd2+ Determination Using Bud-like Poly-L-Tyrosine/Bi Composite Film Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode Combined with Eliminating of Cu2+ Interference by Electrodeposition

A bud-like poly-L-tyrosine/Bi modified glassy carbon electrode (p-Tyr/Bi/GC) was prepared by CV and in situ Bi plating, whose conductivity and membrane morphology were characterized by CV, EIS and SEM, respectively. The p-Tyr membrane can effectively promote the enrichment of Cd²⁺. The optimal Tyr concentration and scanning number for p-Tyr/GC preparation were 2.0 mmol ⋅ L⁻¹ and 35, while the optimal Bi³⁺ concentration, pH and Cd²⁺ accumulation potential in test medium were 3.0 μmol ⋅ L⁻¹, 6.5 and −1.3 V, respectively. The linear equation of p-Tyr/Bi/GC's response to Cd²⁺ (1.0 nmol ⋅ L⁻¹ to 2.0 μmol ⋅ L⁻¹) was i_p (μA) = −0.6809 + 100.2c (μmol ⋅ L⁻¹) (R² = 0.9985) with a detection limit of 0.11 nmol ⋅ L⁻¹ (3S/N). The elimination of interference caused by Cu²⁺ in sample was studied by electrodeposition. The p-Tyr/Bi/GC electrode was successfully used for detecting Cd in rice samples with good reliability and accuracy. The developed Cd²⁺ sensor exhibits high sensitivity, wide linear range and low detection limit, especially the designed method of eliminating Cu²⁺ interference has the characteristics of high selectivity, simple operation and wide application range.     

Binuclear Copper(II) Complexes with Robsori-Type Ligands. Synthesis,characterization, crystal structure,and magnetic properties

Three binuclear copper(II) complexes, [Cu₂(μ-L)(μ-N₃)](ClO₄)2′ 1-5 EtOH (1), [Cu₂(μ-L)(μ-MeO)(ClO₄)]-ClO₄ - EtOH ( 2 ) and [Cu₂(μ-L)(μ-C₃H₃N₂)](ClO₄)₂ · 2H₂O, ( 3 ) where L is the pentadentale bridging ligand derived from 5-(tert-butyl)-2-hydroxybenzene-1, 3-dicarbaldehyde bis(benzoylhydrazone) ( HL ) were synthesized and characterized. The crystal-structure determination of complex 2 provided the following crystal data: monoclinic, space group P2₁}/a, a = 11.412(2), b = 24.509(4), c = 14.833(4) Å, β = 104.41(2)°, K = 4018(3) ų, Z = 4. The structure shows that the Cu^II ions are bridged by the endogenous phenolato O-atom and by an exogenous bridge CH₃O^?. The analysis of variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility data (4-300 K.) indicates that there is an antiferromagnetic interaction between the Cu^II ions in these complexes with an exchange parameter (2J) of ?119.1 cm^?1 for complex 1 and ?361.8 cm^?1 for complex 3 . The effect of some exogenous bridging ligands on magnetic coupling for this type of complex is suggested.     

A 2D cadmium metal–organic framework: Synthesis,structure and luminescence sensing for chromate,permanganate, cupric,silver and ferric

A multi-responsive Cd metal–organic framework {[Cd (ttpe)(H₂O)(ip)]•4H₂O•DMAC}_n ( 1•4H ₂ O•DMAC ) was synthesized using hydrothermal method (ttpe = 1,1,2,2-tetra(4-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)phenyl)ethylene, ip = isophthalate, DMAC = N,N-dimethylacetamide), and characterized. 1 exhibits a 2D (4,4) network. The luminescent sensing experimrnts showed that 1•4H ₂ O•DMAC as a new MOF luminescent sensor can detect Cr₂O₇²⁻, CrO₄²⁻, MnO₄⁻, Cu²⁺, Ag⁺ and Fe³⁺ in aqueous solution with simultaneously high efficiency and high sensitivity. The quenching constants K_sv for Cr₂O₇²⁻, CrO₄²⁻, MnO₄⁻, Cu²⁺, Ag⁺ and Fe³⁺ are 4.231 × 10⁴ M⁻¹, 2.471 × 10⁴ M⁻¹, 6.459 × 10³ M⁻¹, 7.617 × 10³ M⁻¹, 1.563 × 10⁴ M⁻¹ and 3.574 × 10⁴ M⁻¹, respectively. The detection limits are 0.094 μM for Cr₂O₇²⁻, 0.108 μM for CrO₄^{2 −} , 0.346 μM for MnO₄⁻, 0.302 μM for Cu²⁺, 0.221 μM for Ag ⁺ , and 0.100 μM for Fe³⁺. 1•4H ₂ O•DMAC exhibits high photocatalytic efficiency for degradation of methylene blue under visible light irradiation.     

Layer‐by‐Layer Assembled Conductive Metal–Organic Framework Nanofilms for Room‐Temperature Chemiresistive Sensing

The utility of electronically conductive metal–organic frameworks (EC‐MOFs) in high‐performance devices has been limited to date by a lack of high‐quality thin film. The controllable thin‐film fabrication of an EC‐MOF, Cu₃(HHTP)₂, (HHTP=2,3,6,7,10,11‐hexahydroxytriphenylene), by a spray layer‐by‐layer liquid‐phase epitaxial method is reported. The Cu₃(HHTP)₂ thin film can not only be precisely prepared with thickness increment of about 2 nm per growing cycle, but also shows a smooth surface, good crystallinity, and high orientation. The chemiresistor gas sensor based on this high‐quality thin film is one of the best room‐temperature sensors for NH₃ among all reported sensors based on various materials.     

Kinetics and mechanism of reaction of trans-(diaqua)(N,N′-ethylene-bis-salicylidenimine) chromium(iii) with sulfur(iv): The labilizing effect of coordinated sulfite

The reaction of trans-[Cr(Salen)(OH₂)₂]⁺ with aqueous sulfite yields trans-[Cr(Salen)(OH₂)(OSO₂(SINGLEBOND)O)]⁻ (O-bonded isomer). The rate and activation parameter data for the formation of the sulfito complex are consistent with a mechanism involving rate-limiting addition of SO₂ to the Cr^III(SINGLEBOND)OH bond. The complex ions, trans-[(OH₂)Cr(Salen)(OSO₂(SINGLEBOND)O)]⁻, and trans-[(OH)Cr(Salen)(OSO₂(SINGLEBOND)O)]²⁻, undergo reversible anation by NCS⁻, N₃⁻, imidazole, and pyridine resulting in the formation of trans-[XCr(Salen)(OSO₂(SINGLEBOND)O)]^(N+1)−(n=1 for X=N₃⁻,NCS⁻, and 0 for X=imidazole and pyridine) predominantly via dissociative interchange mechanism. The labilizing action of the coordinated sulfite on the trans-Cr^III-X bond in trans-[XCr(Salen)(OSO₂)]⁽ⁿ⁺¹⁾⁻ follows the sequence: NCS⁻pyridine ca. N₃⁻ ca. imidazole. Data analysis indicated that the coordinated sulfite has little trans activating influence. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 30: 373–384, 1998     

A comparative study of proton conduction between two new Cd(II) and Co(II) complexes and in vitro antibacterial study of the Cd(II) complex

Two new complexes based on 4,4′-[1,3-phenylenebis(oxy)]diphthalic acid (H₄L) ligands were synthesized, namely, [Cd₂(L)(1,10-phen)₂(H₂O)]_n( 1 ) and [Co₂(L)(1,10-phen)₂(H₂O)]_n( 2 ), in which 2D structures transform into 3D supramolecular structures by C H···π interaction. The proton conductivity of complexes 1 and 2 at low temperature is close (σ₁ = 3.12 × 10⁻⁸ S cm⁻¹ and σ₂ = 3.81 × 10⁻⁸ S cm⁻¹ at 30°C), but these two complexes show different conduction mechanisms. The Vehicular mechanism in 1 is caused by the O···H/H···O contact in 1 , which is stronger than 2 , and the Grotthuss mechanism in 2 is caused by the N···H/H···N contact in 2 , which is stronger than 1 . At the same time, complex 1 showed excellent antibacterial properties in vitro, mainly reflected in that five kinds of bacteria (Escherichia coli, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Pantoea agglomerans, Pseudomonas putida, and Pectobacterium carotovora) could play an obvious inhibitory effect in the concentration range of 20 μg·ml⁻¹.     

Porphyrinylphosphonate-Based Metal–Organic Framework: Tuning Proton Conductivity by Ligand Design

A novel metal–organic framework [Zn₃(Ni-H₂TPPP)(Ni-H₄TPPP)(Ni-H₅TPPP) ⋅ 7(CH₃)₂NH₂ ⋅ DMF ⋅ 7 H₂O] (where Ni-H_xTPPP (x=2,4,5) are partially deprotonated [5,10,15,20-tetrakis(3-(phosphonatophenyl)-porphyrinato(2-))]nickel(II) species), IPCE-2Ni , with outstanding proton conductivity (1.0×10⁻² S cm⁻¹ at 75 °C and 95 % relative humidity) has been obtained. The high concentration of free phosphonate groups and compensating dimethylammonium cations bound by hydrogen bonds in the unique crystal structure of IPCE-2Ni is a key factor responsible for the observed high proton conductivity, which is one order of magnitude higher than for the corresponding MOF based on 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-(phosphonatophenyl)porphyrinato(2-))]nickel(II) IPCE-1Ni and comparable with that of leaders among MOFs.     

Choline Oxidase Based Composite ZrO2@AuNPs with Cu2O@MnO2 Platform for Signal Enhancing the Choline Biosensors

A novel metal composite material based on zirconium dioxide decorated gold nanoparticles (ZrO₂@AuNPs), copper (I) oxide at manganese (IV) oxide (Cu₂O@MnO₂) and immobilized choline oxidase (ChOx) onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) (ChOx/Cu₂O@MnO₂-ZrO₂@AuNPs/GCE) has been developed for enhancing the electro-catalytic property, sensitivity and stability of the amperometric choline biosensor. The ChOx/Cu₂O@MnO₂-ZrO₂@AuNPs/GCE displayed an excellent electrocatalytic response to the oxidation of the byproduct H₂O₂ from the choline catalyzed reaction, which exhibited a charge transfer rate constant (K_s) of 0.97 s⁻¹, a diffusion coefficient value (D) of 4.50×10⁻⁶ cm² s⁻¹, an electroactive surface area (A_e) of 0.97 cm² and a surface concentration (γ) of 0.54×10⁻⁸ mol cm⁻². The modified electrode also provided a wide linear range of choline concentration from 0.5 to 1,000.0 μM with good sensitivity (97.4 μA cm⁻² mM⁻¹) and low detection limit (0.3 μM). The apparent Michaelis-Menten constant was found to be 0.08 mM with I_max of 0.67 μA. This choline biosensor presented high repeatability (%RSD=2.9, n=5), excellent reproducibility (%RSD=2.9, n=5), long time of use (n=28 with %I>50.0 %) and good selectivity without interfering effects from possible electroactive species such as ascorbic acid, aspirin, amoxicillin, caffeine, dopamine, glucose, sucrose and uric acid. This optimal method was successfully applied for choline measurement in prepared human blood samples which demonstrated accurate and excellent reliability in the recovery range from 96.7 to 102.0 %.     

Kinetics and mechanisms of homogeneous catalytic reactions. Part 5. Regioselective reduction of heteroaromatic nitrogen compounds catalysed by [OsH(CO)(NCMe)2(PPh3)2]BF4

The [OsH(CO)(NCMe)₂(PPh₃)₂]BF₄ complex (1) is an efficient and regioselective precatalyst for the hydrogenation of the nitrogen-containing ring of quinoline (Q), isoquinoline (iQ), 5,6- and 7,8-benzoquinoline (BQ), and acridine (A) under mild reaction conditions (125 °C and 4 atm H₂). Kinetic studies of the hydrogenation of Q and iQ to give tetrahydroquinoline (THQ) and tetrahydroisoquinoline (THiQ), respectively, lead to the rate law r = K ₁ k ₂/(1 + K ₁[H₂])[Os][H₂]², which becomes r = K ₁ k ₂[Os][H₂]², at low hydrogen concentrations (below 1 atm H₂); the catalytically active species is of the type [OsH(CO)(L)( ¹-N)(PPh₃)₂]BF₄ [(2a): L = NCMe, N = Q; (2b): L = N = iQ]. The generic mechanisms involve a rapid and partial hydrogenation of the coordinated substrate (N) of complex (2) to yield the corresponding dihydroderivative (DHN) species [OsH(CO)(L)( ¹-DHN)(PPh₃)₂]BF₄ [(3a): L = NCMe, DHN = DHQ; (3b): L = iQ or THiQ, DHN = DHiQ], followed by the rate-determining second hydrogenation of the DHN ligand, which yield [OsH(CO)(L)( ¹-THN)(PPh₃)₂]BF₄ [(4a): L = NCMe, THN = THQ; (4b): L = iQ or THiQ, THN = THiQ]; substitution of the THN ligand by a new molecule of the respective substrate regenerates the active species and restarts the catalytic cycle. For the hydrogenation of acridine to give 9,10-dihidroacridine (acridane), the rate law was r = k ₁[Os][H₂]; the mechanism involves the hydrogenation of the active species [OsH(CO)(NCMe)( ¹-A)(PPh₃)₂]BF₄ (2c) to yield acridane and the unsaturated species [OsH(CO)(NCMe)(PPh₃)₂]BF₄ as the rate-determining step.     

Versatility of copper(II) coordination compounds with 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine mediated by temperature,solvents and anions choice

Tuning reaction temperatures as well as the variation in starting copper salts and solvents led to the formation of a new series of Cu(II) coordination compounds with 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine (dpp): a mononuclear [Cu(acac)(dpp)(NO₃)] (1) complex, two dinuclear [Cu₂(acac)₂(dpp)(NO₃)(H₂O)]NO₃ (2) and [Cu₂(Hdpp)₂(ox)(Cl)₂(H₂O)₂]Cl₂·6(H₂O) (4) complexes, and four coordination polymers {[Cu₄(dpp)₂(ox)(Cl)₆]}_n (3), {[Cu₄(dpp)₂(ox)(NO₃)₆(H₂O)₂]∙1.2(H₂O)}_n (5), {[Cu(dpp)(NO₃)](NO₃)·(H₂O)}_n (6) and {[Cu(dpp)(SO₄)(H₂O)₂]}_n (7), where acac⁻ = acetylacetonate, ox²⁻ = oxalate. Remarkably, the treatment of Cu(II) chloride dihydrate with dpp in methanol solution led to an unusual in situ condensation of dpp with acac⁻ to produce [Cu₂(acdpp)₂(Cl)₄]·2(MeOH) (8). The structure of 1 consists of neutral, mononuclear [Cu(acac)(dpp)(NO₃)] units with acac⁻ and dpp acting as bidentate ligands. In 2, the dpp ligand coordinates in a bis-chelating mode to two Cu(II) ions and bridges them into a dimeric entity, whereas an oxalate linker joins [Cu(Hdpp)(Cl)₂(H₂O)]⁺ units into a dimer in 4. Compounds 3, 5, 6 and 7 are 1D chain coordination polymers, which incorporate two symmetry independent metal centers and different bridging ligands: Hdpp⁺ as a protonated cationic or dpp as a neutral chelating ligand and oxalate, Cl⁻ anions or sulfate di-anions as bridging ligands. Magnetic studies were performed on samples 1 and 2, and the analysis reveals a very weak magnetic exchange coupling mediated via the dpp ligand.     

Kinetics and mechanisms of homogeneous catalytic reactions. Part 3. Regioselective,catalysed [RuH(CO)(NCMe)2(PPh3)2]BF4 reduction of quinoline

Summary A kinetic study of the regioselective homogeneous hydrogenation of quinoline (Q) to 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline (THQ) was carried out using the cationic complex [RuH(CO)(NCMe)₂(PPh₃)₂]BF₄ (1) as the precatalyst. The experimentally determined rate law wasr = {k ₂ K ₁/(1+K ₁[H₂])}[Ru₀][H₂]², which becomesr = {k ₂ K ₁[Ru₀]–[H₂]² at low hydrogen concentrations (k ₂ K ₁ = 28.5M ^–2 s^–1 at 398 K). The corresponding activation parameters were found to be H = 42 + 6 kJ mol^–1, S = – 115 ± 2JK^–1mol^–1 and G = 92 ± 8 kJ mol^–1. Complex(1) was found to react with Q in CHCl₃ under reflux to yield [RuH(CO)(NCMe)(N-Q)(PPh₃)₂]BF₄ (2) which was also isolated from the hydrogenation runs. These experimental findings, together with the results ofab initio self-consistent-field molecular orbital calculations on the free organic molecules involved, are consistent with a mechanism involving a rapid and reversible partial hydrogenation of(2) to yield the corresponding dihydroquinoline (DHQ) species [RuH(CO)(NCMe)(DHQ)(PPh₃)₂]BF₄ (4), followed by a rate-determining second hydrogenation of DHQ to yield [RuH(CO)(NCMe)(THQ)(PPh₃)₂]BF₄ (3).     

Multivariate Analysis of Coupled Operando EPR/XANES/EXAFS/UV–Vis/ATR-IR Spectroscopy: A New Dimension for Mechanistic Studies of Catalytic Gas-Liquid Phase Reactions

Operando EPR, XANES/EXAFS, UV-Vis and ATR-IR spectroscopic methods have been coupled for the first time in the same experimental setup for investigation of unclear mechanistic aspects of selective aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol by a Cu/TEMPO catalytic system (TEMPO=2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyloxyl). By multivariate curve resolution with alternating least-squares fitting (MCR-ALS) of simultaneously recorded XAS and UV-Vis data sets, it was found that an initially formed (bpy)(NMI)Cu^I- complex (bpy=2,2′-bipyridine, NMI=N-methylimidazole ) is converted to two different Cu^II species, a mononuclear (bpy)(NMI)(CH₃CN)Cu^II-OOH species detectable by EPR and ESI-MS, and an EPR-silent dinuclear (CH₃CN)(bpy)(NMI)Cu^II(μ-OH)₂ ⋅ Cu^II (bpy)(NMI) complex. The latter is cleaved in the further course of reaction into (bpy)(NMI)(HOO)Cu^II-TEMPO monomers that are also EPR-silent due to dipolar interaction with bound TEMPO. Both Cu monomers and the Cu dimer are catalytically active in the initial phase of the reaction, yet the dimer is definitely not a major active species nor a resting state since it is irreversibly cleaved in the course of the reaction while catalytic activity is maintained. Gradual formation of non-reducible Cu^II leads to slight deactivation at extended reaction times.