Palladium Encapsulated by an Oxygen-Saturated TiO2 Overlayer for Low-Temperature SO2-Tolerant Catalysis during CO Oxidation

The development of oxidation catalysts that are resistant to sulfur poisoning is crucial for extending the lifespan of catalysts in real-working conditions. Herein, we describe the design and synthesis of oxide-metal interaction (OMI) catalyst under oxidative atmospheres. By using organic coated TiO₂, an oxide/metal inverse catalyst with non-classical oxygen-saturated TiO₂ overlayers were obtained at relatively low temperature. These catalysts were found to incorporate ultra-small Pd metal and support particles with exceptional reactivity and stability for CO oxidation (under 21 vol % O₂ and 10 vol % H₂O). In particular, the core (Pd)-shell (TiO₂) structured OMI catalyst exhibited excellent resistance to SO₂ poisoning, yielding robust CO oxidation performance at 120 °C for 240 h (at 100 ppm SO₂ and 10 vol % H₂O). The stability of this new OMI catalyst was explained through density functional theory (DFT) calculations that interfacial oxygen atoms at Pd−O−Ti sites (of oxygen-saturated overlayers) serve as non-metal active sites for low-temperature CO oxidation, and change the SO₂ adsorption from metal(d)-to-SO₂(π*) back-bonding to much weaker σ(Ti−S) bonding.     

Ferrite nanoparticles supported on natural wool in one‐pot tandem oxidative reactions: strategy to synthesize benzimidazole,quinazolinone and quinoxaline derivatives

Two tandem oxidative two‐component reactions (O‐2CRs) and Ugi‐type three‐component reactions (OU‐3CRs) of aromatic hydrocarbons of petroleum naphtha have been investigated for the synthesis of 2‐phenyl‐1H ‐benzo [d ]imidazole, 2‐aryl‐4‐quinazolinone and 3,4‐dihydroquinoxalin‐2‐amine derivatives using six new biopolymer‐supported ferrite nanocatalysts: CoFe₂O₄@wool‐SO₃H, MnFe₂O₄@wool‐SO₃H, ZnFe₂O₄@wool‐SO₃H, MnCoFe₂O₄@wool‐SO₃H, ZnCoFe₂O₄@wool‐SO₃H and CrCoFeO₄@wool‐SO₃H. The best results are obtained with the CrCoFeO₄@wool‐SO₃H catalyst. All of the catalysts were characterized using flame atomic absorption spectrometry, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy. To the best of our knowledge, this approach can be considered as the first example of O‐2CRs and OU‐3CRs of aromatic hydrocarbons of petroleum naphtha with ferrite nanocatalysts, which would be very useful from a practical point of view. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Darstellung und Kristallstruktur von Tetramethylammoniumbromid‐Brom‐SO2‐Addukt, [(CH3)4N]+Br‐�Br2�2SO2

Preparation and Crystal Structure of Tetramethylammoniumbromide‐Bromine‐Sulfur Dioxide Adduct, [(CH₃)₄N]⁺Br^‐�Br₂�2SO₂ Tetramethylammoniumtribromide forms with sulfur dioxide a salt which is characterized by vibrational spectroscopy and crystal structure analysis. [(CH₃)₄N]⁺Br^‐�Br₂�2SO₂ crystallizes monoclinic in the space group P2₁/m with a = 657.4(5) pm, b = 2933.0(5) pm, c = 1462.2(5) pm, β = 91.241(5)° and four formula units in the unit cell. The crystal structure possesses bent infinite chains which consist of alternately arranged bromine and bromide ions. The bromide ions are connected to the molecules of bromine and sulfur dioxide by strong interactions forming a three dimensional network.     

Highly efficient and green oxidation of alkanes and alkylaromatics with hydrogen peroxide catalysed by silver and vanadyl on mesoporous silica‐coated magnetite

A heterogeneous catalyst (FeSi/Ag/VO) based on silver and vanadyl as active sites and mesoporous silica‐coated nanospheres of magnetite (Fe₃O₄@m‐SiO₂) as support was successfully prepared by deposition of Ag nanoparticles and the covalent grafting of vanadyl(IV) acetylacetonate on Fe₃O₄@m‐SiO₂. The catalyst exhibited excellent activity for the oxidation of alkanes, benzene and alkylaromatics using green oxidant H₂O₂ and oxalic acid in acetonitrile at 60 °C.     

Anchoring of Cu(II)–vanillin Schiff base complex on MCM‐41: A highly efficient and recyclable catalyst for synthesis of sulfides and 5‐substituted 1H–tetrazoles and oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides

A copper(II)–vanillin complex was immobilized onto MCM‐41 nanostructure and was used as an inexpensive, non‐toxic and heterogeneous catalyst in the synthesis of symmetric aryl sulfides by the cross‐coupling of aromatic halides with S₈ as an effective sulfur source, in the oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides using 30% H₂O₂ as a green oxidant and in the synthesis of 5‐substituted 1H –tetrazoles from a smooth (3 + 2) cycloaddition of organic nitriles with sodium azide (NaN₃). The products were obtained in good to excellent yields. This catalyst could be reused several times without loss of activity. Characterization of the catalyst was performed using Fourier transform infrared, energy‐dispersive X‐ray and atomic absorption spectroscopies, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning and transmission electron microscopies.     

NH2SO3H–SiO2 as a new water‐compatible,recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of novel (α,β‐unsaturated) β‐amino ketones via aza‐Michael reaction

NH₂SO₃H–SiO₂/water as a novel catalytic system was used for the synthesis of (α,β‐unsaturated) β‐amino ketones via aza‐Michael reaction at reflux conditions. The methodology was of general applicability and the catalyst exhibited activity up to five cycles. The catalyst was characterized for the first time using FT‐IR, X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic–energy dispersion analytical X‐ray. The stability of the catalyst was evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry and TGA/differential thermal analysis. High efficiency of the catalyst along with its recycling ability and the rather low loading demonstrated in reactions are the merits of the presented protocol. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Methanesulfonamide in Superacids: Investigations of the CH3SO2NH3+ Cation

The preparation of protonated methanesulfonamide was carried out using the superacidic systems HF/AsF₅ and HF/SbF₅. The vibrational spectroscopic characterization was supported by quantum chemical calculations performed with the PBE1PBE method using the 6‐311G++(3df, 3pd) basis set. A remarkable long nitrogen–sulfur bond length of 1.804(6) Å was observed in a single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis of [CH₃SO₂NH₃]⁺[Sb₂F₁₁]^–. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P2₁/c with four formula units in the unit cell. Furthermore the crystal structure of CH₃SO₂NH₂ was revisited.     

A Comparative Study of Functionalized High‐Purity Carbon Nanotubes towards the V(IV)/V(V) Redox Reaction Using Cyclic Voltammetry and Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy

Functionalized high purity carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with various amounts of oxygen containing surface groups were investigated towards the relevant redox reactions of the all‐vanadium redox flow battery. The quinone/hydroquinone redox peaks between 0.0 and 0.7 V vs. Ag|AgCl|KCl_sat. were used to quantifying the degree of functionalization and correlated to XPS results. Cyclic voltammetry in vanadyl sulfate‐containing 3 M H₂SO₄ as a common supporting electrolyte showed no influence of the amount of surface groups on the V(IV)/V(V) redox system. In contrast, the reactions occurring at the negative electrode (V(II)/V(III) and V(III)/V(IV)) are strongly affected by oxygen surface groups. However, under modified experimental conditions, SECM experiments detecting the consumption of VO²⁺ molecules by CNT thin films in pH=2 solution show improved onset potentials with increased surface oxygen content up to ∼ 3 at%. Further increase in surface oxygen up to 8 at% led to minor improvement. These dissimilar results under different experimental conditions are rationalized by suggesting that oxygen functional groups do not form the active site for the V(IV)/V(V) reaction but wetting of the catalyst layer is of high importance.     

Synthesis and characterization of polyvinylpyrrolidone immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles modified by ionic liquid as a novel and recyclable catalyst for the three‐component synthesis of amidoalkyl naphthols

In this study, an efficient and green procedure is explained for the preparation of 1‐amidoalkyl‐2‐naphthols applying one‐pot condensation reaction of 2‐naphthol, amide and aromatic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@IL‐PVP) as a novel solid acid catalyst under solvent‐free conditions. The remarkable features of this method are short reaction time, high conversions, and high yield of product, easy workup procedures and solvent‐free conditions. The Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@IL‐PVP catalyst was characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction patterns (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). Also, nanocatalysts could be easily recovered by a simple magnet and reused for the next reactions without significant loss of its catalytic activity.     

Synthesis and Characterization of the Germanium Sulfonate Ge(CH3SO3)2 – a 3D Coordination Network Solid

The reaction of germanium(II)‐bis(2‐methoxyphenyl)methoxide with methanesulfonic acid provides the germanium(II) sulfonate Ge(CH₃SO₃)₂ ( 1 ), which was characterized by X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, NMR spectroscopy, and IR spectroscopy. The decomposition process of 1 was investigated by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and temperature‐dependent X‐ray powder diffraction (PXRD) and both are consistent with the formation of GeO₂ as major final product. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction at 110 K revealed the chiral tetragonal space group P4₁2₁2 and formation of a three‐dimensional (3D) coordination network solid. The 3D network is composed of interconnected twenty four‐membered rings comprising bridging methanesulfonate groups, which link the germanium atoms.     

Synthesis and characterization of a bifunctional nanomagnetic solid acid catalyst (Fe3O4@CeO2/SO42−) and investigation of its efficiency in the protection process of alcohols and phenols via hexamethyldisilazane under solvent‐free conditions

In this research, Fe₃O₄@CeO₂ (FC) was synthesized using the coprecipitation method and functionalized by an ammonium sulfate solution to achieve a heterogeneous solid acid Fe₃O₄@CeO₂/SO₄^2? (FCA) catalyst. The synthesized bifunctional catalyst was used in the protection process of alcohols and phenols using hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) at ambient temperature under solvent‐free conditions. Due to its excellent magnetic properties, FCA can easily be separated from the reaction mixture and reused several times without significant loss in its catalytic activity. Excellent yield and selectivity, simple separation, low cost, and high recyclability of the nanocatalyst are outstanding advantages of this procedure. The characterization was carried out using different techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM).     

Novel type of SO3H–functionalized nano‐titanium dioxide as a highly efficient and recyclable heterogeneous nanocatalyst for the synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyrans

n ‐Butylsulfonated nano‐titania (n‐TiO₂‐NH‐(CH₂)₄‐SO₃H) as a highly efficient and reusable nanocatalyst was prepared by grafting 2,4‐toluene diisocyanate as a bi‐functional covalent linker onto a nano‐titania support, followed by reduction and then ring opening‐reaction of the synthesized amine with 1,4‐butanesultone. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis were used to characterize the catalyst. The catalytic activity of n‐TiO₂‐NH‐(CH₂)₄‐SO₃H was evaluated in the synthesis of tetrahydrobenzo[b ]pyrans, which affords high yields. Statistical experimental design was applied as an efficient and powerful method to achieve the optimal conditions for this catalytic reaction leading to high yield. Moreover, the catalyst was recovered and reused at least six times without a significant decrease in catalytic activity.     

Reaction mechanism and modeling study for the oxidation by SO2 of o‐xylene and p‐xylene in Claus process

Claus process, comprising of a furnace and a catalytic unit, is used to produce sulfur from H₂S. The aromatic contaminants (benzene, toluene, and xylenes) in H₂S feed form soot, and clog and deactivate the catalysts. Xylenes are known to be the most damaging ones. Therefore, there is a need to oxidize them in the furnace to enhance catalyst life. This article presents a kinetics study on the oxidation of o‐ and p‐xylene radicals by SO₂ (an oxidant that is already present in the furnace) using density functional theory and a composite method. The mechanism begins with H‐abstraction from xylenes to form xylyl radicals, followed by exothermic addition of SO₂ to them. The breakage of O S bond in the xylyl‐SO₂ adducts leads to the loss of SO molecule, while the remaining O atom on them helps in their oxidation. The isomerization study shows that less‐stable dimethylphenyl radicals have a high tendency to isomerize to resonantly stabilized methylbenzyl radicals. However, methylbenzyl radicals have lower reactivity toward SO₂ than dimethylphenyl radicals. The reaction rate constants were found using transition state theory. The reactor simulations reveal that p‐xylene has lower reactivity toward SO₂ than o‐xylene, and CO, SO, and CHO are the main by‐products of oxidation.     

Photoredox‐Catalyzed Functionalization of Alkenes with Thiourea Dioxide: Construction of Alkyl Sulfones or Sulfonamides

Sulfonylation of alkenes through photoredox‐catalyzed functionalization of alkenes with thiourea dioxide under visible‐light irradiation is achieved. The reaction of alkenes, thiourea dioxide and electrophiles provides a green and efficient access to alkyl sulfones and sulfonamides. A broad reaction scope is presented with good functional group compatibility and excellent regioselectivity. A plausible mechanism involving a radical addition process with sulfur dioxide radical anion (SO₂^‐) derived from the oxidation of sulfur dioxide anion (SO₂^2–) is proposed, which is supported by fluorescence quenching experiments.     

Highly selective aerobic oxidation of alkylarenes catalyzed by cobalt‐based nanocatalyst in aqueous solution

The catalytic aerobic oxidation of alkylarenes catalyzed by cobalt supported on a highly crystalline γ‐Al₂O₃ support (Co/Al₂O₃ nanocatalyst) is reported. The catalyst was prepared by a co‐precipitation method and characterized using scanning and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopies, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and surface area measurements. A wide range of alkylarenes were converted to corresponding ketones. The catalyst can be recovered by simple filtration is recyclable for up to six consecutive runs.     

Development of an Enzymeless/Mediatorless Glucose Sensor Using Ruthenium Oxide‐Prussian Blue Combinative Analogue

Presented in this work is the first step towards an enzymeless/mediatorless glucose sensor. We first observed remarkable electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose using combinative ruthenium oxide (RuOx)‐Prussian blue (PB) analogues (designated as mvRuOx‐RuCN, mv: mixed valent) at ca. 1.1 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) in acidic media (pH 2 Na₂SO₄/H₂SO₄). Individual RuOx and PB analogs failed to give any such catalytic response. A high ruthenium oxidation state (i.e., oxy/hydroxy‐Ru^VII, E°≈1.4 V vs. RHE), normally occurring in strong alkaline conditions at RuOx‐based electrodes, was electrogenerated and stabilized (without any conventional disproportionation reaction) in the mvRuOx‐RuCN matrix for glucose catalysis. Detail X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies can fully support the observation. The catalyst was chemically modified onto a disposable screen‐printed carbon electrode and employed for the amperometric detection of glucose via flow injection analysis (FIA). This system has a linear detection range of 0.3–20 mM with a detection limit and sensitivity of 40 μM (S/N=3) and 6.2 μA/(mM cm²), respectively, for glucose. Further steps towards the elimination of interference and the extendibility to neutral pHs were addressed.     

Multi-electron transfer process of vanadyl complexes for oxidative polymerization of diphenyl disulfide

Oligo(p-phenylene sulfide) is synthesized by oxidative polymerization of diphenyl disulfide with oxygen catalyzed by vanadyl acetylacetonate under strongly acidic conditions. The mechanistic studies reveal that the redox cycles of the vanadyl complexes give rise to catalysis through a two-electron transfer between diphenyl disulfide and molecular oxygen. The VO catalysts act as an excellent electron mediator to bridge a 1.0 V potential gap between the oxidation potential of disulfides and the reduction potential of oxygen. The VO-catalyzed oxygen-oxidative polymerization provides pure oligo(pphenylene sulfide)s containing an S–S bond. The polymeric product is of low molecular weight due to the insolubility under these conditions. (N,N′-ethylenebis(salicylideneaminato))oxovanadium-(IV), VO(salen), was used as an inert model compound to elucidate the redox chemistry of the vanadium complex. VO(salen) reacts with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (CF₃SO₃H) or triphenylmethyl tetrafluoroborate (?₃C(BF₄)) to form a deoxygenated complex, V^IV(salen)²⁺, and a μ-oxodinuclear complex, [(salen)VOV(salen)]X₂, (X = CF₃SO₃^? or BF₄^?). The dimerization of VO(salen) is initiated by deoxygenation to produce V(salen)²⁺ which enters into an equilibrium with a second VO(salen) complex to produce the μ-oxo dimer. The two-electron transfer of the μ-oxo dinuclear vanadium complex is elucidated.     

Formation of sulfur surface species on a commercial NO<Subscript>x</Subscript>-storage reduction catalyst

The influence of SO₂ exposure under lean (oxidizing) and rich (reducing) reaction conditions on the storage and oxidation/reduction function of a commercial NO_x storage-reduction catalyst was investigated by temperature-programmed uptake experiments and high temperature XRD. Both the storage capacity and the oxidation/reduction function of the catalyst were deactivated by SO₂ exposure under lean and rich reaction conditions. The deactivation of the storage component, i.e. the loss of the NO_x storage capacity, resulted mainly from the formation of Ba-sulfates accumulating in the bulk phase, which have a high thermal stability (>800°C) and, therefore, cannot be removed under the typical operation conditions of a NSR catalyst. For the oxidation function only a temporarily deactivation during lean reaction conditions was observed. Besides the formation of SO^2- ₄ species on the storage component at the beginning of the SO₂ exposure under rich conditions, an adsorption of SO₂ on the noble metal component was observed resulting in the formation of sulfur deposits. The oxidation of these sulfur species with a subsequent spillover of SO^2- ₄ species to the storage component during lean conditions could accelerate the deactivation of the storage capacity.     

MNPs‐NHC6H4SO3H as high‐performance catalyst for the synthesis of 1,4‐diazepines containing tetrazole ring under microwave irradiation

MNPs‐NHC₆H₄SO₃H as an efficient catalyst was prepared and characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), DLS dynamic light scattering (DLS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. The catalytic activity of MNPs‐NHC₆H₄SO₃H was investigated in the synthesis of 1,4‐diazepines containing the tetrazole ring via a four‐component reaction under microwave irradiation. The heterogeneous catalyst could be recovered easily and reused six times without significant loss of its catalytic activity. The present work demonstrates the advantages of microwave irradiation‐assisted heterogeneous catalysis in the synthesis of 1,4‐diazepines containing the tetrazole ring, compounds that generate great attention in many applications, particularly in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery.     

Visualization of the Heterogeneity of Cerium Oxidation States in Single Pt/Ce2Zr2Ox Catalyst Particles by Nano‐XAFS

The cerium oxidation states in single catalyst particles of Pt/Ce₂Zr₂O_x (x=7 to 8) were investigated by spatially resolved nano X‐ray absorption fine structure (nano‐XAFS) using an X‐ray nanobeam. Differences in the distribution of the Ce oxidation states between Pt/Ce₂Zr₂O_x single particles of different oxygen compositions x were visualized in the obtained two‐dimensional X‐ray fluorescent (XRF) mapping images and the Ce L_III‐edge nano X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (nano‐XANES) spectra.