Formation and Fate of Formaldehyde in Methanol-to-Hydrocarbon Reaction: In Situ Synchrotron Radiation Photoionization Mass Spectrometry Study

HCHO has been confirmed as an active intermediate in the methanol-to-hydrocarbon (MTH) reaction, and is critical for interpreting the mechanisms of coke formation. Here, HCHO was detected and quantified during the MTH process over HSAPO-34 and HZSM-5 by in situ synchrotron radiation photoionization mass spectrometry. Compared with conventional methods, excellent time-resolved profiles were obtained to study the formation and fate of HCHO, and other products during the induction, steady-state reaction, and deactivation periods. Similar formation trends of HCHO and methane, and their close correlation in yields suggest that they are derived from disproportionation of methanol at acidic sites. In the presence of Y₂O₃, the amount of HCHO changes, affecting the hydrogen-transfer processes of olefins into aromatics and aromatics into cokes. The yield of HCHO affects the aromatic-based cycle and the formation of ethylene, indicating that ethylene is mainly formed from the aromatic-based cycle.     

Bridging the Gap between the Direct and Hydrocarbon Pool Mechanisms of the Methanol‐to‐Hydrocarbons Process

After a prolonged effort over many years, the route for the formation of a direct carbon?carbon (C?C) bond during the methanol‐to‐hydrocarbon (MTH) process has very recently been unveiled. However, the relevance of the “direct mechanism”‐derived molecules (that is, methyl acetate) during MTH, and subsequent transformation routes to the conventional hydrocarbon pool (HCP) species, are yet to be established. This important piece of the MTH chemistry puzzle is not only essential from a fundamental perspective, but is also important to maximize catalytic performance. The MTH process was probed over a commercially relevant H‐SAPO‐34 catalyst, using a combination of advanced solid‐state NMR spectroscopy and operando UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy coupled to an on‐line mass spectrometer. Spectroscopic evidence is provided for the formation of (olefinic and aromatic) HCP species, which are indeed derived exclusively from the direct C?C bond‐containing acetyl group of methyl acetate. New mechanistic insights have been obtained from the MTH process, including the identification of hydrocarbon‐based co‐catalytic organic reaction centers.     

Initial Carbon–Carbon Bond Formation during the Early Stages of the Methanol‐to‐Olefin Process Proven by Zeolite‐Trapped Acetate and Methyl Acetate

Methanol‐to‐olefin (MTO) catalysis is a very active field of research because there is a wide variety of sometimes conflicting mechanistic proposals. An example is the ongoing discussion on the initial C?C bond formation from methanol during the induction period of the MTO process. By employing a combination of solid‐state NMR spectroscopy with UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry on an active H‐SAPO‐34 catalyst, we provide spectroscopic evidence for the formation of surface acetate and methyl acetate, as well as dimethoxymethane during the MTO process. As a consequence, new insights in the formation of the first C?C bond are provided, suggesting a direct mechanism may be operative, at least in the early stages of the MTO reaction.     

In Situ Metal-Assisted Ligand Modification Induces Mn4 Cluster-to-Cluster Transformation: A Crystallography,Mass Spectrometry,and DFT Study

Dehydration of (S,S)-1,2-bis(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)ethane-1,2-diol (H₄L) to (Z)-1,2-bis(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)ethenol) (H₃L′) was found to be metal-assisted, occurs under solvothermal conditions (H₂O/CH₃OH), and leads to [Mn^II₄(H₃L)₄Cl₂]Cl₂ ⋅ 5 H₂O ⋅ 5 CH₃OH ( Mn₄L₄ ) and [Mn^II₄(H₂L′)₆(μ₃-OH)]Cl ⋅ 4 CH₃OH ⋅ H₂O ( Mn₄L′₆ ), respectively. Their structures were determined by single-crystal XRD. Extensive ESI-MS studies on solutions and solids of the reaction led to the proposal consisting of an initial stepwise assembly of Mn₄L₄ from the reactants via [MnL] and [Mn₂L₂] below 80 °C, and then disassembly to [MnL] and [MnL₂] followed by ligand modification before reassembly to Mn₄L′₆ via [MnL′], [MnL′₂], and [Mn₂L′₃] with increasing solvothermal temperature up to 140 °C. Identification of intermediates [Mn₄L_xL′_6−x] (x=5, 4, 3, 2, 1) in the process further suggested an assembly/disassembly/in situ reaction/reassembly transformation mechanism. These results not only reveal that multiple phase transformations are possible even though they were not realized in the crystalline state, but also help to better understand the complex transformation process between coordination clusters during “black-box” reactions.     

π‐Interactions between Cyclic Carbocations and Aromatics Cause Zeolite Deactivation in Methanol‐to‐Hydrocarbon Conversion

The understanding of catalyst deactivation represents one of the major challenges for the methanol‐to‐hydrocarbon (MTH) reaction over acidic zeolites. Here we report the critical role of intermolecular π‐interactions in catalyst deactivation in the MTH reaction on zeolites H‐SSZ‐13 and H‐ZSM‐5. π‐interaction‐induced spatial proximities between cyclopentenyl cations and aromatics in the confined channels and/or cages of zeolites are revealed by two‐dimensional solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. The formation of naphtalene as a precursor to coke species is favored due to the reaction of aromatics with the nearby cyclopentenyl cations and correlates with both acid density and zeolite topology.     

High Ethylene Selectivity in Methanol‐to‐Olefin (MTO) Reaction over MOR‐Zeolite Nanosheets

Precisely controlled crystal growth endows zeolites with special textural and catalytic properties. A nanosheet mordenite zeolite with a thickness of ca. 11 nm, named as MOR‐NS, has been prepared using a well‐designed gemini‐type amphiphilic surfactant as bifunctional structure‐directing agent (SDA). Its benzyl diquarternary ammonium cations structurally directed the formation of MOR topology, whereas the long and hydrophobic hexadecyl tailing group prevented the extensive crystal growth along b axis. This kind of orientated crystallization took place through the inorganic–organic interaction between silica species and SDA molecules present in the whole process. The thin MOR nanosheets, with highly exposed (010) planes and 8‐membered ring (MR) windows, exhibited a much improved ethylene selectivity (42.1 %) for methanol‐to‐olefin (MTO) reactions when compared with conventional bulk MOR crystals (3.3 %).     

Copper‐Catalyzed Aerobic Autoxidation of N‐Hydroxycarbamates Probed by Mass Spectrometry

We present herein a mechanistic investigation by nanoelectrospray ionization mass spectrometry of copper‐catalyzed aerobic oxidative processes involved in the N‐nitrosocarbonyl aldol reaction of N‐hydroxycarbamates. Protonated amine and copper as charge‐tags aided the detection of reaction intermediates, which verified the enamine mechanism together with a competing enol process. Our experimental results reveal that the copper‐catalyzed aerobic oxidation of N‐hydroxycarbamates may proceed through an autoxidation catalytic mechanism in which a CbzNHO^. radical abstracts a hydrogen from the bound N‐hydroxycarbamate to release the nitroso intermediate through a bimolecular hydrogen‐atom transfer. In this process, the chiral diamine also works as a ligand for copper to facilitate the aerobic oxidative step. The dual role of the chiral vicinal diamine as both an aminocatalyst and a bidentate ligand was finally uncovered.     

Functionality,Effectiveness, and Mechanistic Evaluation of a Multicatalyst‐Promoted Reaction Sequence by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

A multicatalytic three‐step reaction consisting of epoxidation, hydrolysis, and enantioselective monoacylation of cyclohexene was studied by using mass spectrometry (MS). The reaction sequence was carried out in a one‐pot reaction using a multicatalyst. All reaction steps were thoroughly analyzed by electrospray ionization (ESI) MS (and MS/MS), as well as high‐resolution MS for structure elucidation. These studies allow us to shed light on the individual mode of action of each catalytic moiety. Thus, we find that under the epoxidation conditions, the catalytically active N‐methyl imidazole for the terminal acylation step is partially deactivated through oxidation. This observation helps to explain the lower efficiency of the catalyst in the last step compared to the monoacylation performed separately. All reactive intermediates and products of the reaction sequence, as well as of the side‐reactions, were monitored, and we present a working mechanism of the reaction.     

Identification of Intermediates in Pyridine Pyrolysis with Molecular-beam Mass Spectrometry and Tunable Synchrotron VUV Photoionization

The pyrolysis of pyridine （5.26% pyridine in argon） was performed with tunable synchrotron vacuum ultraviolet photoionization and molecular-beam mass spectrometry technique at the temperature range of 1255-1765 K at 267 Pa. About 20 products and intermediates, containing major species H2, HCN, C2H2, C5H3N, C4H2, and C3H3N, were identified by near-threshold measurements of photoionization mass spectra and their mole fractions vs. temperatures were estimated. The major reaction pathways are analyzed based on the experimental observations.     

Mechanism of Framework Oxygen Exchange in Fe‐Zeolites: A Combined DFT and Mass Spectrometry Study

The role of framework oxygen atoms in N₂O decomposition [N₂O(g)→N₂(g) and 1/2O₂(g)] over Fe‐ferrierite is investigated employing a combined experimental (N₂¹⁸O decomposition in batch experiments followed by mass spectroscopy measurements) and theoretical (density functional theory calculations) approach. The occurrence of the isotope exchange indicates that framework oxygen atoms are involved in the N₂O decomposition catalyzed by Fe‐ferrierite. Our study, using an Fe‐ferrierite sample with iron exclusively present as Fe^II cations accommodated in the cationic sites, shows that the mobility of framework oxygen atoms in the temperature range: 553 to 593 K is limited to the four framework oxygen atoms of the two AlO₄^? tetrahedra forming cationic sites that accomodate Fe^II. They exchange with the Fe extra‐framework ¹⁸O atom originating from the decomposed N₂¹⁸O. We found, using DFT calculations, that O₂ molecules facilitate the oxygen exchange. However, the corresponding calculated energy barrier of 87 kcal mol^?1 is still very high and it is higher than the assumed experimental value based on the occurrence of the sluggish oxygen exchange at 553 K.     

同步辐射光电离质谱法研究卷烟主流烟气气相成分

利用同步辐射光电离质谱法对卷烟主流烟气气相成分进行了研究。首先,利用针筒捕集主流烟气气相成分,在未进行样品处理和分离的情况下,实时、在线获得烟气的光电离质谱图;再扫描光电离效率(PIE)谱,获得气相成分的电离能(IE),并对其进行归属;最后,以商用吸烟机对卷烟进行抽吸,获得单口烟气中甲醇、乙炔等化学成分相对含量随抽吸口数增加的变化情况,并探讨了可能原因。     

Photoionization and Dissociative Photoionization Study of Cholesterol by I R Laser Desorption/Tunable Synchrotron VUV Photoionization Mass Spectrometry

Elementary cholesterol was analyzed with IR laser desorption/tunable synchrotron vacuum ultraviolet photoionization mass spectrometry. An exclusive molecular ion of cholesterol is observed by near threshold single-photon ionization with high efficiency. Fragments are yielded with the increase of photon energy. The structures of various fragments are determined with commercial electron ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Dominant fragmentation pathways are discussed in detail with the aid of ab initio calculations.     

TATP的质子转移反应的质谱研究

利用密度泛函理论(DFT), 在B3LYP/cc-pVDZ水平上, 对三过氧化三丙酮(Triacetone triperoxide, TATP)及其质子化离子[TATP+H]+进行了构型优化和质子亲和势(Proton Affinity, PA)计算, 研究结果表明, PA(TATP)=866.73 kJ/mol大于PA(H2O)=691.0 kJ/mol, TATP与H3O+可发生质子转移反应. 在自行研制的质子转移反应质谱(Proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry, PTR-MS) 装置上, 研究了TATP与H3O+反应生成的特征离子. 当漂移管中E/N=1.4×10-15 V·cm2时, 在荷质比m/z=91, 75, 74, 59, 43等处观察到了产物离子. 降低E/N至0.5×10-15 V·cm2后, 在m/z=223处观察到了质子化产物离子([TATP+H]+), 验证了计算结果; 结合[TATP+H]+的构型, 分析了TATP质子转移反应产物离子可能的归属及其形成过程. 结合PTR-MS漂移管内E/N的改变引起m/z=223, 91, 43等离子的变化特征, 可实现TATP的准确识别和快速定量检测, 检测下限达到5.0×10-10 mol/L(±50%).     

New Insight into the Hydrocarbon‐Pool Chemistry of the Methanol‐to‐Olefins Conversion over Zeolite H‐ZSM‐5 from GC‐MS,Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy,and DFT Calculations

Over zeolite H‐ZSM‐5, the aromatics‐based hydrocarbon‐pool mechanism of methanol‐to‐olefins (MTO) reaction was studied by GC‐MS, solid‐state NMR spectroscopy, and theoretical calculations. Isotopic‐labeling experimental results demonstrated that polymethylbenzenes (MBs) are intimately correlated with the formation of olefin products in the initial stage. More importantly, three types of cyclopentenyl cations (1,3‐dimethylcyclopentenyl, 1,2,3‐trimethylcyclopentenyl, and 1,3,4‐trimethylcyclopentenyl cations) and a pentamethylbenzenium ion were for the first time identified by solid‐state NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations under both co‐feeding ([¹³C₆]benzene and methanol) conditions and typical MTO working (feeding [¹³C]methanol alone) conditions. The comparable reactivity of the MBs (from xylene to tetramethylbenzene) and the carbocations (trimethylcyclopentenyl and pentamethylbenzium ions) in the MTO reaction was revealed by ¹³C‐labeling experiments, evidencing that they work together through a paring mechanism to produce propene. The paring route in a full aromatics‐based catalytic cycle was also supported by theoretical DFT calculations.     

Organic Reactions in Microdroplets: Reaction Acceleration Revealed by Mass Spectrometry

The striking finding that reaction acceleration occurs in confined‐volume solutions sets up an apparent conundrum: Microdroplets formed by spray ionization can be used to monitor the course of bulk‐phase reactions and also to accelerate reactions between the reagents in such a reaction. This Minireview introduces droplet and thin‐film acceleration phenomena and summarizes recent methods applied to study accelerated reactions in confined‐volume, high‐surface‐area solutions. Conditions that dictate either simple monitoring or acceleration are reconciled in the occurrence of discontinuous and complete desolvation as the endpoint of droplet evolution. The contrasting features of microdroplet and bulk‐solution reactions are described together with possible mechanisms that drive reaction acceleration in microdroplets. Current applications of droplet microreactors are noted as is reaction acceleration in confined volumes and possible future scale‐up.     

On‐Line Reaction Monitoring and Mechanistic Studies by Mass Spectrometry: Negishi Cross‐Coupling,Hydrogenolysis, and Reductive Amination

Reaction monitoring using inductive ESI mass spectrometry allows chemical reactions to be tracked in real time, including air‐ and moisture‐sensitive as well as heterogeneous reactions. Highly concentrated solutions can also be monitored for long periods without emitter clogging. Sheath gas assists in nebulization and a sample splitter reduces the delay time and minimizes contamination of the instrument. Short‐lived intermediates (ca. 5 s) were observed in Pd/C‐catalyzed hydrogenolysis, and several intermediates were seen in Negishi cross‐coupling reactions.