Synthesis of quinolines via Friedländer reaction catalyzed by CuBTC metal-organic-framework

Friedl?nder condensation between 2-aminoaryl ketones and different carbonyl compounds, catalyzed by CuBTC was investigated by a combination of various experimental techniques and by density functional theory based modelling. CuBTC exhibiting hard Lewis acid character showed highly improved catalytic activity when compared with other molecular sieves showing high concentraion of Lewis acid sites, e.g. in BEA and (Al)SBA-15. Polysubstituted quinolines were synthesized via a Friedl?nder reaction catalyzed by CuBTC under the solvent-free conditions. High concentration of active sites in CuBTC together with the concerted effect of a pair of adjacent Cu(2+) coordinatively unsaturated active sites are behind a very high quinoline yield reached within a short reaction time. Results reported here make CuBTC a promising catalyst for other Lewis acid-promoted condensations, including those leading to biologically active compounds with a particular relevance for the pharmaceutical industry. The mechanism of a catalyzed Friedl?nder reaction investigated computationally is also reported.     

Adsorption properties of HKUST-1 toward hydrogen and other small molecules monitored by IR

Among microporous systems metal organic frameworks are considered promising materials for molecular adsorption. In this contribution infrared spectroscopy is successfully applied to highlight the positive role played by coordinatively unsaturated Cu2+ ions in HKUST-1, acting as specific interaction sites. A properly activated material, obtained after solvent removal, is characterized by a high fraction of coordinatively unsaturated Cu2+ ions acting as preferential adsorption sites that show specific activities towards some of the most common gaseous species (NO, CO2, CO, N2 and H2). From a temperature dependent IR study, it has been estimated that the H2 adsorption energy is as high as 10 kJ mol(-1). A very complex spectral evolution has been observed upon lowering the temperature. A further peculiarity of this material is the fact that it promotes ortho-para conversion of the adsorbed H2 species.     

Theoretical investigation of CO interaction with copper sites in zeolites: periodic DFT and hybrid quantum mechanical/interatomic potential function study

Periodic DFT and combined quantum mechanics/interatomic potential function (QM-pot) models were used to describe the interaction of CO with the Cu+ sites in FER. The CO stretching frequencies were calculated using omega(CO)(CCSD(T))/r(CO)(DFT) scaling method relating frequencies determined using a high-level quantum-chemical (coupled clusters) method for simple model carbonyls to CO bond lengths calculated using periodic DFT and QM-pot methods for the Cu+-zeolite system. Both periodic DFT and QM-pot models together with omega(CO)/r(CO) scaling describe the CO stretching dynamics with the "near spectroscopic accuracy", giving nu(CO) = 2156 cm(-1) in excellent agreement with experimental data. Calculations for various Cu+ sites in FER show that both types of Cu+ sites in FER (channel-wall sites and intersection sites) have the same CO stretching frequencies. Thus, the CO stretching frequencies are not site-specific in the CO/Cu+/FER system. The convergence of the results with respect to the model size was analyzed. When the same exchange-correlation functional is used the adsorption energies from periodic DFT and QM-pot are in good agreement (about 2 kcal/mol difference) but substantially larger than those of the experiment. The adsorption energy calculated with the B3LYP functional agrees with available experimental data. The overestimation of the adsorption energy in DFT calculations (periodic or QM-pot) is related to a red-shift of the CO stretching mode, both result from an underestimation of the HOMO(5sigma)-LUMO(2pi) gap of CO and the consequent overestimation of the Cu(+)(d)-CO(2pi*) back-donation. For the adsorption energy, this can be overcome by the use of hybrid B3LYP exchange-correlation functional. For the frequency calculations, the DFT problem can be overcome by the use of the omega(CO)(CCSD(T))/r(CO)(DFT) correlation.     

Investigation of the synthesis, activation, and isosteric heats of CO2 adsorption of the isostructural series of metal-organic frameworks M3(BTC)2 (M = Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Mo, Ru)

The synthesis, activation, and heats of CO(2) adsorption for the known members of the M(3)(BTC)(2) (HKUST-1) isostructural series (M = Cr, Fe, Ni, Zn, Ni, Cu, Mo) were investigated to gain insight into the impact of CO(2)-metal interactions for CO(2) storage/separation applications. With the use of modified syntheses and activation procedures, improved BET surface areas were obtained for M = Ni, Mo, and Ru. The zero-coverage isosteric heats of CO(2) adsorption were measured for the Cu, Cr, Ni, Mo, and Ru analogues and gave values consistent with those reported for MOFs containing coordinatively unsaturated metal sites, but lower than for amine functionalized materials. Notably, the Ni and Ru congeners exhibited the highest CO(2) affinities in the studied series. These behaviors were attributed to the presence of residual guest molecules in the case of Ni(3)(BTC)(2)(Me(2)NH)(2)(H(2)O) and the increased charge of the dimetal secondary building unit in [Ru(3)(BTC)(2)][BTC](0.5).     

Adsorption properties and structure of CO2 adsorbed on open coordination sites of metal-organic framework Ni2(dhtp) from gas adsorption, IR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction

The microporous metal-organic framework Ni(2)(dhtp) (H(4)dhtp=2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid) shows distinct end-on CO(2) coordination to coordinatively unsaturated nickel sites giving rise to high CO(2) adsorption capacity at sub-atmospheric pressures and ambient temperatures.     

A characterization of the surface acidity of HfO2by FTIR spectroscopy of adsorbed species,electron microscopy and adsorption microcalorimetry

A preparation of HfO₂, derived from the hydrolysis of hafnium isopropylate, has been characterized by XRD, (HR)TEM, MR and adsorption microcalorimetry. The thermal destruction of the amorphous hafnium hydroxide starting phase is complete at ≈700 K, and leads to the crystalline (monoclinic) phase of HfO₂. The latter exhibits a particle morphology which, upon thermal treatment, evolves quickly from one of large and loose aggregates of tiny microcrystallites (microcrystalline HfO₂) to one made of large single crystallites or of large polyaggregates, in which relatively small ordered microcrystals stack together in a rather disordered fashion (partially sintered HfO₂). The evolving morphology of HfO₂ is monitored, on a microscopic surface scale, by a varying IR spectrum of surface OH groups and by a varying surface Lewis acidic activity (e.g. towards CO chemisorption), due to coordinatively unsaturated Hf⁴⁺ surface centres produced upon vacuum activation. CO uptake, both at ambient temperature and at low temperature (≈78 K), is mainly due to two families of adsorbing sites: sites in structurally and/or coordinatively highly defective configurations, onto which CO adsorbs with an adsorption enthalpy of ≈65 kJ mol⁻¹, and sites located in relatively extended patches of regular crystallographic planes, onto which CO adsorbs with an adsorption enthalpy of ≈50 kJ mol⁻¹. The relative population of the two families of adsorbing sites depends to some extent on the degree of sintering of the material, but it is observed that, unlike other similar systems, the early sintering process causes a rather limited destruction of the crystallographically/coordinatively defective configurations. Both families of adsorbed CO species exhibit a strong dependence of their spectral features on several parameters, among which of primary importance are the degree of surface hydration/dehydration and the surface concentration of charge withdrawing/releasing adsorbed species which, through surface inductive effects, affect the strength of the CO adsorption process.     

MoS<Subscript>2</Subscript> single slab as a model for active component of hydrodesulfuration catalyst: a quantum chemical study 1. Molecular and electronic structure of Mo<Subscript>12</Subscript>S<Subscript>24</Subscript> macromolecule and its adsorption complex with H<Subscript>2</Subscript>S

The molecular and electronic structure of Mo₁₂S₂₄ macromolecule as the MoS₂ single slab structure was calculated by the density functional theory (DFT) method with the B3P86 hybrid exchange-correlation functional. The results of calculations point to slight relaxation of coordinatively unsaturated Mo and S atoms, which is consistent with the published data. The calculated width of the forbidden band (0.85–0.98 eV) is comparable with the experimental value (1.30 eV) and similar to that obtained from DFT calculations with periodic boundary conditions (0.89 eV). The surface Mo centers in the Mo₁₂S₂₄ macromolecule are more reduced than the internal (Mo^IV) atoms. In order to characterize the adsorption capacity of coordinatively unsaturated Mo centers, a Mo₁₂S₂₄·6H₂S adsorption complex was calculated. The structure and energy characteristics of the adsorption complex point to a weak donor-acceptor interaction of the π-lone pair of H₂S molecule with the surface (reduced) Mo centers. The active center of thiophene hydrodesulfuration catalysts is formed as a result of the oxidative addition of hydrogen followed by occlusion of hydrogen into the MoS₂ matrix. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 10, pp. 2189–2193, October, 2005.     

A DFT Study of CO Adsorption on the Cu2O（111） Surface with Oxygen Vacancy

First-principles calculations based on density functional theory （DFr） and the generalized gradient approximation （GGA） have been used to study the adsorption of CO molecule on the Cu2O（111） oxygen-vacancy surface. Calculations indicate that the C-O bond is weakened upon adsorption compared with that over perfect surface. In addition, with the density increase of the defective sites, the adsorption energies of the defect-CO configuration increase whereas the C-O bond nearly remains constant.     

Density functional theory study of CO adsorption on molybdenum sulfide

CO adsorption on four MoSx (stoichiometric and nonstoichiometric) clusters has been investigated by using density functional method. It is found that CO prefers adsorption on the coordinatively unsaturated (1010) surface. The adsorption energy of high coverage shows the additivity as compared with that of one CO adsorption, and there is no significant repulsive interaction between the end-on adsorbed CO probes. The computed CO stretching frequencies (2000-2080 cm(-1)) agree perfectly with the experimental data (a broad band centered at 2070 cm(-1) with a tail extent to 2000 cm(-1)). No bridged CO adsorption is favored energetically under high CO concentration, and this might explain the catalytic ability of MoSx for C1 products instead of higher hydrocarbons and alcohols.     

Capture of nerve agents and mustard gas analogues by hydrophobic robust MOF-5 type metal-organic frameworks

In this communication, a series of observations and data analyses coherently confirms the suitability of the novel metal-organic framework (MOF) [Zn(4)(μ(4)-O)(μ(4)-4-carboxy-3,5-dimethyl-4-carboxy-pyrazolato)(3)] (1) in the capture of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It is worthy of attention that 1, whose crystal structure resembles that of MOF-5, exhibits remarkable thermal, mechanical, and chemical stability, as required if practical applications are sought. In addition, it selectively captures harmful VOCs (including models of Sarin and mustard gas, which are chemical warfare agents), even in competition with ambient moisture (i.e., under conditions mimicking operative ones). The results can be rationalized on the basis of Henry constant and adsorption heat values for the different essayed adsorbates as well as H(2)O/VOC partition coefficients as obtained from variable-temperature reverse gas chromatography experiments. To further strengthen the importance of 1, its performance in the capture of harmful VOCs has been compared with those of well-known materials, namely, a MOF with coordinatively unsaturated metal sites, [Cu(3)(btc)(2)] and the molecular sieve active carbon Carboxen. The results of this comparison show that coordinatively unsaturated metal sites (preferential guest-binding sites) are ineffective for the capture of VOCs in the presence of ambient moisture. Consequently, we propose that the driving force of the VOC-MOF recognition process is mainly dictated by pore size and surface hydrophobicity.     

Surface photochemistry of Rh(CO)2 on zeolite Y-production of a stable coordinatively unsaturated rhodium monocarbonyl surface species at room temperature

The photochemical production and chemical reactivity of a new coordinatively unsaturated rhodium monocarbonyl species on the surface of dealuminated zeolite Y over a temperature range of 300-420 K and a pressure range from 10(-5) to 20 Torr has been studied. Using high vacuum techniques and transmission infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet irradiation (350 +/- 50 nm) of supported Rh(CO)(2) surface species led to the production of stable, but reactive, =Rh(CO) surface species, characterized by an infrared band at 2023 cm(-1). The coordinatively unsaturated =Rh(CO) species convert to less reactive and coordinatively saturated Rh(CO) by thermal treatment above 370 K. The Rh(CO) species were characterized by an infrared band at 2013 cm(-1). An explanation of the mode of bonding of the rhodium monocarbonyl species to the zeolite surface is provided. Coordinatively unsaturated =Rh(CO) species captured N(2), H(2), and O(2) gas molecules near room temperature to produce a variety of mixed ligand rhodium surface complexes of the form Rh(CO)(N(2)), Rh(CO)(H(2)), Rh(CO)(H)(2), Rh(CO)(H), Rh(CO)(O), and Rh(O). Infrared band assignments for the new species are provided. The work provides new insight into the photochemical behavior of Rh(CO)(2) species supported on high-area zeolite materials and may improve our understanding of the role of active rhodium monocarbonyl species in the development of heterogeneous photocatalysts.     

The molecular and electronic structure of the Mo12S24 macromolecule as a model of the active component of a hydrodesulfurization catalyst

The density functional theory (DFT) with the B3P86 hybrid exchange-correlation functional was used to calculate the molecular and electronic structure of the Mo₁₂S₂₄ macromolecule as a single MoS₂ layered structure slab. Calculations with geometry optimization are indicative of insignificant relaxation of the coordinatively unsaturated Mo and S atoms, which corresponds with the literature DFT data on the MoS₂ single slab obtained with periodic boundary conditions. The calculated forbidden band width (0.85–0.98 eV) is comparable with its experimental value (1.30 eV) and the results of DFT calculations of MoS₂ with periodic boundary conditions (0.89 eV). An analysis of the electronic state of the surface Mo centers in the Mo₁₂S₂₄ macromolecule showed that these centers were reduced to a greater degree than the Mo(IV) atoms in the bulk. The adsorption complex between the Mo₁₂S₂₄ macromolecule and six H₂S molecules was calculated to characterize the adsorption ability of the coordinatively unsaturated Mo centers. The structure and energy characteristics of the adsorption complex corresponded to weak donor-acceptor interaction between the π lone pair of H₂S and the surface (reduced) Mo centers. The suggestion was made that the active center of the catalytic cycle of thiophene hydrodesulfurization should induce the oxidative addition of H₂ followed by the occlusion of hydrogen into the MoS₂ matrix.     

Modeling adsorption in metal-organic frameworks with open metal sites: propane/propylene separations

We present a new approach for modeling adsorption in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with unsaturated metal centers and apply it to the challenging propane/propylene separation in copper(II) benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate (CuBTC). We obtain information about the specific interactions between olefins and the open metal sites of the MOF using quantum mechanical density functional theory. A proper consideration of all the relevant contributions to the adsorption energy enables us to extract the component that is due to specific attractive interactions between the π-orbitals of the alkene and the coordinatively unsaturated metal. This component is fitted using a combination of a Morse potential and a power law function and is then included into classical grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations of adsorption. Using this modified potential model, together with a standard Lennard-Jones model, we are able to predict the adsorption of not only propane (where no specific interactions are present), but also of propylene (where specific interactions are dominant). Binary adsorption isotherms for this mixture are in reasonable agreement with ideal adsorbed solution theory predictions. We compare our approach with previous attempts to predict adsorption in MOFs with open metal sites and suggest possible future routes for improving our model.     

Modeling of the adsorption and desorption of CO2 on Cu/ZrO2 and ZrO2 catalysts

The interaction between carbon dioxide and two zirconia catalysts-a Cu/ZrO2 catalyst containing 34% copper and a pure ZrO2 catalyst-was studied by pulse adsorption and temperature-programmed desorption methods. Kinetic modeling by nonlinear regression was applied to acquire information on the adsorption and desorption of CO2 relevant in the synthesis of methanol from carbon dioxide. A model that included three types of adsorption sites described well the experimental data for both Cu/ZrO2 and ZrO2. The model assumed first-order kinetics and a Freundlich-type logarithmic dependence of adsorption enthalpy on surface coverage. The parameters of the model were well identified and were in the physically meaningful range. The results indicate that, at 30 degrees C, on both catalysts, carbon dioxide adsorbs reversibly on one type of site and irreversibly on two other types of sites.     

Dynamic response of chlorine atoms on a RuO(2)(110) model catalyst surface

The dynamic behavior of surface accommodated chlorine atoms on RuO(2)(110) was studied by a variety of experimental methods including high resolution core level shift, thermal desorption-, and in situ infrared spectroscopy as well as in situ surface X-ray diffraction in combination with state-of-the-art density functional theory calculations. On the chlorinated RuO(2)(110) surface the undercoordinated oxygen atoms have been selectively replaced by chlorine. These strongly bound surface chlorine atoms shift from bridging to on-top sites when the sample is annealed in oxygen, while the reverse shift of Cl from on-top into bridge positions is observed during CO exposure; the vacant bridge position is then occupied by either chlorine or CO. For the CO oxidation reaction over chlorinated RuO(2)(110), the reactant induced site switching of chlorine causes a site-blocking of the catalytically active one-fold coordinatively unsaturated (1f-cus) Ru sites. This site blocking reduces the number of active sites and, even more important, on-top Cl blocks the free migration of the adsorbed reactants along the one-dimensional 1f-cus Ru rows, thus leading to a loss of catalytic activity.     

ZrO_2表面上Zr~(3+)中心上的O_2吸附平衡

以ESR为主要研究手段,研究了一种最可几粒径为9.8 nm的ZrO_2样品在室温不 同气体（He,H_2,O_2,空气,温空气）中及经不同温度处理后ZrO_2中Zr~(3+)中 心信号的变化。根据ZrO_2样品中Zr~(3+)浓度在室温下对于介质气体中O_2分压改 变的响应极快及Zr~(3+)浓度在室温下对于介质气体变化可逆性等特点提出, ZrO_2中Zr~(3+)中心绝大多数存在于样品的表面上,Zr~(3+)是ZrO_2晶体表面上那 些O~(2-)配位不饱和的Zr原子点位。ZrO_2表面上ESR活性Zr~(3+)中心的数目与其 上氧吸附平衡有关。由ESR法对ZrO_2样品中Zr~(3+)中心的定量和对ZrO_2晶体的粒 度分析,推测ZrO_2表面上Zr~(3+)中心是那些位于ZrO_2微晶的晶角处O~(2-)配位 不饱和的Zr原子。     

A Switch in the Hydrophobic/Hydrophilic Gas-Adsorption Character of Prussian Blue Analogues: An Affinity Control for Smart Gas Sorption

Porous coordination polymers are molecule-based materials presenting a high degree of tunability, which offer many advantages for targeted applications over conventional inorganic materials. This work demonstrates that the hydrophilic/hydrophobic character of Prussian blue analogues having a lipophilic feature may be tuned to optimize the gas adsorption properties. The role of the coordinatively unsaturated metal sites is emphasized through a combination of theoretical and experimental study of water, ethanol, and n-hexane adsorption.     

First-principles investigation of transition metal atom M (M = Cu, Ag, Au) adsorption on CeO2(110)

Transition metal atom M (M = Cu, Ag, Au) adsorption on CeO(2)(110), a technologically important catalytic support surface, is investigated with density-functional theory within the DFT+U formalism. A set of model configurations was generated by placing M at three surface sites, viz., on top of an O, an O bridge site, and a Ce bridge site. Prior to DFT optimization, small distortions in selected Ce-O distances were imposed to explore the energetics associated with reduction of Ce(4+) to Ce(3+) due to charge transfer to Ce during M adsorption. Charge redistribution is confirmed with spin density isosurfaces and site projected density of states. We demonstrate that Cu and Au atoms can be oxidized to Cu(2+) and Au(2+), although the adsorption energy, E(ads), of Au(2+) is less favorable and, unlike Cu(2+), it has not been experimentally observed. Oxidation of Ag always results in Ag(+). For M adsorption at an O bridge site, E(ads)(2NN) > E(ads)(3NN) > E(ads)(1NN) where NN denotes the nearest neighbor Ce(3+) site relative to M. Alternatively, for M adsorption at a Ce bridge site, E(ads)(3NN) > E(ads)(2NN) > E(ads)(1NN). The adsorption behavior of M on CeO(2) (110) is compared with M adsorption on CeO(2)(111).     

Bottom-up synthesis of coordination polymers based on carborane backbones and Cu(2)(CO(2))(4) paddle-wheel: ligand metathesis with metallotecons

Reported here are the bottom-up synthesis and structural analysis as well as the adsorption property investigation of a series of isostructural metal-organic frameworks based on carborane backbones and Cu(2)(CO(2))(4) units. All these compounds are 2D grid structures composed of four component rings. Using linear p-CDC (p-CDCH(2) = 1,12-dihydroxycarbonyl-1,12-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane) as a backbone, only one type of ring formed. However, five types of rings may exist when m-CDCH(2) (m-CDCH(2) = 1,7-dihydroxycarbonyl-1,7-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane) was used due to its varied orientation. Here, the solvent molecules play a key role in the formation of these compounds and the expected five types of rings were obtained. The gas sorption properties of compounds 5' and 8' were studied. These frameworks preferentially adsorb CO(2) over both CH(4) and N(2) due to the coordinatively unsaturated copper ions.     

Role of axially coordinated surface sites for electrochemically controlled carbon monoxide adsorption on single crystal copper electrodes

The adsorption of CO on low index copper single crystals in electrochemical environments has been investigated. The results, analysed through a combination of in situ infrared spectroscopy, DFT and cyclic voltammetry, reveal a unique adsorption behaviour when compared to previous studies on copper and the more widely studied noble metal surfaces. By employing small, weakly specifically adsorbed electrolytes, it is shown that carbon monoxide is adsorbed over a much wider electrode potential range than previously reported. The electrochemical Stark shift (δν/δE) observed is similar for the three Cu(hkl) surfaces examined despite different surface coverages. Most notably, however, is an electrochemical feature observed at ca. -1.0 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) on the (110) surface. It is proposed that this voltammetric feature arises from the reduction/oxidation of Cu(δ+) surface sites involved in the binding of carbon monoxide with the participation of the electrolyte anion. This provides additional specific sites for CO adsorption. DFT calculations support the proposed presence of low-coordination copper sites stabilised by electrolyte anions. An experimental electron transfer rate constant of 4.2 s(-1) to the Cu(δ+) surface sites formed was found. These new observations concerning the surface electrochemistry of CO on Cu indicate that the electrocatalytic behaviour of Cu electrodes in processes such as CO(2) reduction need to be re-evaluated to take account of the rich adsorption behaviour of CO, including the co-adsorption of the electrolyte anion to these sites.