Multi-wall carbon nanotube supported tungsten hexacarbonyl: an efficient and reusable catalyst for epoxidation of alkenes with hydrogen peroxide

Highly efficient epoxidation of alkenes with H₂O₂ catalyzed by tungsten hexacarbonyl supported on multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) modified with 1,2-diaminobenzene is reported. The prepared catalyst, [W(CO)₆@DAB-MWCNT], was characterized by elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy, FT-IR, and diffuse reflectance UV-Vis spectroscopic methods. The prepared catalyst was applied as an efficient catalyst for green epoxidation of alkenes with hydrogen peroxide in CH₃CN. This heterogeneous metal carbonyl catalyst showed high stability and reusability in epoxidation without loss of its catalytic activity.     

Molybdenum hexacarbonyl supported on functionalized multi-wall carbon nanotubes: Efficient and highly reusable catalysts for epoxidation of alkenes with tert-butyl hydroperoxide

In the present work, highly efficient epoxidation of alkenes catalyzed by Mo(CO)₆ supported on amines modified multi-wall carbon nanotubes, MWCNTs, is reported. The prepared catalysts were characterized by elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy, FT-IR and diffuse reflectance UV-Vis spectroscopic methods. These new heterogenized catalysts, [Mo(CO)₆@amines-MWCNT], were used as highly efficient catalysts for epoxidation of alkenes with tert-BuOOH. These robust catalysts could be reused several times without loss of their catalytic activities.     

Schiff base‐functionalized boehmite nanoparticle‐supported molybdenum and vanadium complexes: efficient catalysts for the epoxidation of alkenes

Boehmite nanoparticles, with high surface area and high degree of surface hydroxyl groups, were prepared via hydrothermal‐assisted sol–gel processing of aluminium 2‐butoxide. The produced powder was covalently functionalized with 3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propylamine, and then, in order to support vanadium oxosulfate and molybdenum hexacarbonyl complexes, all the terminal amine groups were changed to Schiff bases by refluxing with salicylaldehyde. These catalysts were applied in the epoxidation of cis‐cyclooctene and other olefins with tert‐BuOOH in CCl₄. The catalytic procedures for both catalysts were optimized for various parameters such as solvent and oxidant. Recycling experiments revealed that these heterogeneous nano‐catalysts could be repeatedly applied for the epoxidation of alkenes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A practical innovative method for highly selective oxidation of alkenes and alkanes using Fe (III) and Mn (III) porphyrins supported onto multi‐wall carbon nanotubes as reusable heterogeneous catalysts

Functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes were used for covalent immobilization of meso‐tetrakis(4‐carboxyphenyl) porphyrinatoiron (III) chloride [Fe (TCPP)Cl] and meso‐tetrakis(4‐carboxyphenyl) porphyrinatomanganese (III) acetate [Mn (TCPP)OAc]. The full characterization of the hybrid porphyrinic nanomaterials, by Fourier transform‐infrared and UV–Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetry and flame atomic absorption spectrometry is described. The oxidation of alkenes and alkanes with molecular oxygen as green oxidant in the presence of Mn‐ and Fe‐catalysts has been studied in a comparative manner. The Fe‐catalyst was shown to have higher catalytic activity compared with the Mn‐catalyst. In addition, both separable solid catalysts can be recovered and reused at least 10 times along with good yields.     

Chiral Jacobsen's catalyst immobilized on zinc poly(styrene‐phenylvinylphosphonate)‐phosphate functionalized by diamine as highly efficient and reusable catalyst for alkene epoxidation

Chiral Jacobsen's catalyst anchored on zinc poly(styrene‐phenylvinylphosphonate)‐phosphate (ZnPS‐PVPA) functionalized by diamines shows superior catalytic activities (conversion up to 99%; enantiomeric excess up to 99%) in the enantioselective epoxidations of unfunctional olefins with m ‐chloroperoxybenzoic acid and NaIO₄ as oxidants. The whole chiral salen Mn(III) catalyst, including the ZnPS‐PVPA support and the linker as well as chiral salen Mn ligand together contribute to the chirality of products. The heterogeneous catalyst has the potential for use in industry owing to superior stability (recycling nine times) and activity in large‐scale reactions (such as 200 times).     

Post modification of zinc based coordination polymer to prepare Zn‐Mo‐ICP nanoparticles as efficient self‐supported catalyst for olefin epoxidation

Preparation, characterization, and catalytic properties of bimetallic coordination polymer constructed from 2‐aminoterephthalic acid as linker, zinc cations as node, and cis‐dioxo molybdenum units as catalytic active sites are reported via two pathways. Molybdenum centers were placed in N,O positions created by condensation reaction of 2‐aminoterephthalic acid with salicylaldehyde while zinc cations coordinated via carboxylic acid groups of linker to achieve infinite chains of metalo‐ligand. The obtained coordination polymer was fully characterized and its catalytic properties in the epoxidation of olefins with tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) described. In comparison with previously reported heterogenized molybdenum catalysts, this new coordination polymer exhibited good conversion as well as high selectivity in the epoxidation of olefins. The catalyst is stable under ambient conditions and could be reused as active catalyst for at least five times.     

Multi-wall carbon nanotube supported manganese(III)tetraphenylporphyrin: efficient catalysts for epoxidation of alkenes with NaIO4 under various reaction conditions

Manganese(III)tetraphenylporphyrin supported on multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were developed as efficient catalysts for epoxidation of alkenes with sodium periodate under mild conditions. The catalysts were prepared by axial ligation of manganese to 2-aminobenzimidazole and 2-aminothiazole preanchored to MWCNTs. The formation of these heterogenized catalysts was followed using elemental analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and scanning electron microscopy. The reactivity of these catalysts under both magnetic stirring and ultrasonic irradiation and also their reusability were investigated.     

Manganese(III) porphyrin supported on multi-wall carbon nanotubes: A highly efficient and reusable biomimetic catalyst for epoxidation of alkenes with sodium periodate

In this paper, the biomimetic epoxidation of alkenes catalyzed by tetrakis(p-aminophenyl)porphyrinatomanganese(III) chloride, [Mn(TNH₂PP)Cl], supported on functionalized multi-wall carbon nanotubes, MWCNT, is reported. The catalyst, [Mn(TNH₂PP)Cl-MWCNT], was used as an efficient and heterogeneous catalyst for epoxidation of alkenes with NaIO₄ at room temperature, in the presence of imidazole as an axial ligand. This new heterogenized catalyst was characterized by elemental analysis, FT IR spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance UV–Vis spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The biggest advantage of Mn(TNH₂PP)Cl-MWCNT is its high reusability in the oxidation reactions, in which the catalyst was reused several times without significant loss of its catalytic activity.     

Highly efficient and excellent reusable catalysts of molybdenum(VI) complexes grafted on ZPS‐PVPA for epoxidation of olefins with tert‐BuOOH

Four new kinds of heterogeneous catalysts for olefins epoxidation were obtained by grafting diamines on organic polymer–inorganic hybrid material, zirconium poly (styrene‐phenylvinylphosphonate)‐phosphate (ZPS‐PVPA), and subsequently coordinating with Schiff base Mo(VI) complexes. The catalysts were characterized by IR, XPS, SEM and TEM. All catalysts were evaluated through the epoxidation of olefins using tert‐BuOOH as oxidant. The heterogeneous catalysts possess the advantages of high conversion, selectivity and excellent reusability. The catalysts were easily separated from the reaction systems and could be reused 13 times without significant loss of catalytic activity. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Heterogeneous Jacobsen's catalyst on alkoxyl‐modified zirconium poly (styrene‐phenylvinylphosphonate)‐phosphate (ZPS‐PVPA) for asymmetric epoxidation

Chiral Jacobsen's catalysts grafted onto alkoxyl‐modified ZPS‐PVPA exhibit excellent activities (conv%, up to 96; sele%, up to 96; ee%, up to >99) in the asymmetric epoxidations of unfunctionalized olefins. The superior stabilities and the comfortable dispositions in large‐scale reactions contribute to the potential applications in industry.     

Silica supported Ru(salophen)Cl: An efficient and robust heterogeneous catalyst for epoxidation of alkenes with sodium periodate

In the present work, heterogenization of Ru(salophen)Cl via its axial ligation to silica-bound imidazole, SiIm, is reported. The heterogeneous catalyst, [Ru(salophen)Cl–SiIm], was characterized by elemental analysis, SEM, TEM, FT-IR and diffuse reflectance UV–Vis spectroscopic techniques. The catalyst, which is not soluble in water and common organic solvents, was used for efficient epoxidation of cyclic and linear alkenes with NaIO₄ under agitation with magnetic stirring. This new heterogenized catalyst is of high stability and reusability in the oxidation reactions. The effect of reaction parameters such as solvent and oxidant in the epoxidation of cis-cyclooctene were also investigated.     

Cobalt nanoparticles supported on ionic liquid‐functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes as an efficient and recyclable catalyst for Heck reaction

A novel and environmentally friendly cobalt nanoparticle catalyst supported on ionic liquid‐functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes was successfully prepared and evaluated as a heterogeneous catalyst for the Mizoroki–Heck reaction. Several reaction parameters, including type and amount of solvent and base, were evaluated. This nanocatalyst could also be recovered and reused at least six times without any discernible decrease in its catalytic activity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Zn(L‐proline)2 as an efficient and reusable catalyst for the multi‐component synthesis of pyran‐annulated heterocyclic compounds

We have developed a simple, straightforward and highly efficient multi‐component one‐pot synthesis of 2‐amino‐3‐cyano‐4H‐pyrans and pyran‐annulated heterocyclic compounds. Zn(L‐proline)₂ has been utilized as a mild and efficient Lewis acid catalyst for the three‐component reaction of aromatic aldehydes, malononitrile and enolizable C‐H acids or activated phenols to synthesize pyran‐annulated scaffolds. 3‐Methyl‐1‐phenyl‐2‐pyrazolin‐5‐one, 4‐hydroxycoumarine, dimedone, 4‐hydroxy‐6‐methyl‐2‐pyrone, resorcinol, 1‐naphthol and 2‐naphthol were used as activated C‐H acids. The products were isolated in high yields via vacuum filtration and without using any chromatography. The Zn(L‐proline)₂ was recovered and reused in another reaction (three times) without significant loss of activity.     

A novel and highly efficient polyaniline‐functionalized multiwall carbon nanotube‐supported cu(I) complex for Sonogashira coupling reactions of aryl halides with phenylacetylene

A polyaniline‐functionalized multiwall carbon nanotube‐supported Cu(I) complex was developed as an efficient catalyst for the Sonogashira reactions of aryl halides with phenylacetylene in the presence of potassium hydroxide in dimethylformamide at 135 °C under nitrogen atmosphere. The corresponding products were generated in good to excellent yields using this catalytic system. Moreover, the multiwall carbon nanotube‐supported Cu(I) catalyst was simply recycled and reused for six consecutive runs.     

Boehmite nano‐particles functionalized with silylpropylamine‐supported Keggin‐type heteropolyacids: Catalysts for epoxidation of alkenes

Boehmite nano‐particles with a high degree of surface hydroxyl groups were covalently functionalized by 3‐(trimethoxysilyl)‐propylamine to support H₃[PMo₁₂O₄₀], H₃[PW₁₂O₄₀], H₄[SiMo₁₂O₄₀] and H₄[SiW₁₂O₄₀] Keggin‐type heteropolyacids. After characterization of these catalysts by FT‐IR, powder X‐ray diffraction, TG/differential thermal analysis, CHN, inductively coupled plasma and transmission electron microscopy techniques, they were applied to the epoxidation of cis‐cycloocten. The progress of the reactions was investigated by gas–liquid chromatography, and the catalytic procedures were optimized for the parameters involved, such as the solvent and oxidant. The results showed that 25 mg of supported H₃[PMo₁₂O₄₀] catalyst in 1 ml C₂H₄Cl₂ with 0.5 mmol cyclooctene and 1 mmol tert‐butylhydroperoxide at reflux temperature gave 98% yield over 15 min. Recycling experiments revealed that these nanocatalysts could be repeatedly applied up to five times for a nearly complete epoxidation of cis‐cycloocten. The optimized experimental conditions were also used successfully for the epoxidation of some other alkenes, such as cyclohexene, styrene and α‐methyl styrene.     

Cobalt(II) acetylacetonate complex immobilized on aminosilane‐modified SBA‐15 as an efficient catalyst for epoxidation of trans‐stilbene with molecular oxygen

From environmental and economic points of view, it is highly desirable to develop a clean and efficient catalytic process to produce epoxides. An attractive approach is to use a solid, recyclable catalyst and molecular oxygen as the oxidant without any sacrificial reductant or other additives. Nonetheless, the catalysts reported up to now still cannot balance catalytic activity with epoxide selectivity. It is of great importance to explore novel catalysts with both high activity and selectivity for the epoxidation of olefins. In this work, cobalt(II) acetylacetonate (Co(acac)₂) was covalently bonded to the silica surface of SBA‐15 molecular sieve by multi‐step grafting using 3‐aminopropytrimethoxysilane (APTS) as coupling agent. Characterizations with nitrogen physisorption, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis suggested that the metal complex was successfully immobilized on the aminosilane‐modified SBA‐15 surface and the channel structure remained intact. The synthesized Co(acac)₂APTS@SBA‐15 catalyst was used in the epoxidation of trans‐stilbene (TS) with molecular oxygen. Compared to the sample prepared by the impregnation method as well as Co(acac)₂ solutions under the same reaction conditions, the Co(acac)₂ immobilized catalyst exhibited remarkably higher TS conversion and trans‐stilbene oxide (TSO) selectivity. An increase in TS conversion with Co content was observed when the Co loading was lower than 0.70% and the 0.70Co(acac)₂APTS@SBA‐15 sample exhibited the best catalytic performance. Up to 50.1% of TS conversion could be achieved within 6 h, affording TSO selectivity as high as 96.7%. The superior catalytic performance of this particular catalyst is attributed to the high activity of the immobilized Co(acac)₂ species on SBA‐15. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Functionalization of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes with pramipexole for immobilization of palladium nanoparticles and investigation of catalytic activity in the Sonogashira coupling reaction

Pramipexole drug was attached to the surface of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by reaction of acylated carbon nanotubes with pramipexole for the first time. The modified MWCNTs were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopies and CHNS analysis. The prepared pramipexole–MWCNTs were used for immobilization of palladium nanoparticles as a novel nanocatalyst. After characterization of the final nanocomposite, the pramipexole–MWCNTs/Pd was applied as a novel phosphine‐free recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for Sonogashira reactions. Interestingly, the novel catalyst could be recovered and recycled five times without any significant loss in activity.     

Manganese(III) porphyrin anchored onto multiwall carbon nanotubes: An efficient and reusable catalyst for the heterogeneous reduction of aldehydes and ketones

Reduction of a variety of carbonyl compounds with NaBH₄, using Mn-porphyrin, meso-tetrakis(4-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrinatomanganese(III), supported onto functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes has been investigated. The heterogeneous catalyst was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV–vis spectroscopy. The amount of catalyst loading on the nanotubes was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated that the nanocatalyst was thermally stable to almost 300 °C, exhibiting high thermostability of the catalyst over a broad range of temperatures. This heterogeneous catalyst proved to be an efficient catalyst in the aerobic reduction of various aldehydes and ketones with NaBH₄. In the presence of the nanocatalyst, NaBH₄ can readily reduce a variety of aldehydes in good to excellent yields (50–100%) and ketones in excellent yields (100%) to their corresponding alcohols. The separation of the catalyst is very simple and economic. Also, FTIR spectra after four successive cycles showed that the catalyst was strongly anchored to the nanotubes.     

Preparation of antistatic high‐density polyethylene composites based on synergistic effect of graphene nanoplatelets and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes

Graphene nanoplatelets are promising candidates for enhancing the electrical conductivity of composites. However, because of their poor dispersion, graphene nanoplatelets must be added in large amounts to achieve the desired electrical properties, but such large amounts limit the industrial application of graphene nanoplatelets. Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes also possess high electrical conductivity accompanied by poor dispersion. Therefore, a synergistic effect was generated between graphene nanoplatelets and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and used for the first time to prepare antistatic materials with high‐density polyethylene via 1‐step melt blending. The synergistic effect makes it possible to significantly improve the electrical properties by adding a small amount of untreated graphene nanoplatelets and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and increases the possibility of using graphene nanoplatelets in industrial applications. When only 1 wt% graphene nanoplatelets and 0.5 wt% multi‐walled carbon nanotubes were added, the surface and volume resistivity values of the composites were much lower than those of the composites that were only added 3 wt% graphene nanoplatelets. Additionally, as a result of the synergistic effect of graphene nanoplatelets and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes, the composites met the requirements for antistatic materials.     

Mesoporous carbon supported ultrasmall palladium particles as highly active catalyst for Suzuki‐Miyaura reaction

A fast and efficient eco‐friendly two‐step preparation of a palladium‐containing mesoporous carbon catalyst ( C1 ) from green and readily available carbon precursors (phloroglucinol and glyoxal), a porogen template (pluronic F‐127) and PdCl₂ is described. Catalyst C1 contains ultra‐small Pd nanoparticles (1.2 nm) uniformly dispersed in the carbon network and shows an outstanding activity for Suzuki‐Miyaura reactions in pure water: extremely low amounts of palladium (10 μequiv. in most cases) are sufficient to afford almost palladium‐free products (containing <0.25 ppm of precious metal without further purification steps).