Selective Oxidation of Glucose to Gluconic Acid over Bimetallic Pd–Me Catalysts (Me = Bi,Tl, Sn,Co)

Catalytic properties of bimetallic Pd–Bi, Pd–Tl, Pd–Sn, and Pd–Co catalysts supported on C (from plum stones) and SiO₂ were studied in the reaction of glucose oxidation to gluconic acid. Catalysts modified with Bi show the best selectivity and activity. The results obtained from research on 5% Pd–5% Bi/C and 5% Pd–5% Bi/SiO₂ catalytic systems were compared with the results for a commercial catalyst containing 1% Pt–4% Pd–5% Bi supported on active carbon (Degussa). For both Pd–Bi/support catalysts and 1% Pt–4% Pd–5% Bi/C, similar selectivity in the reaction of glucose oxidation was observed. XRD studies proved the presence of intermetallic compounds BiPd and Bi₂Pd, which probably increase the selectivity of PdBi/SiO₂ catalysts.     

Hydrodechlorination of Tetrachloromethane in the Vapor Phase in the Presence of Pd–Fe/Sibunit Catalysts

The hydrodechlorination of CCl₄ in the presence of Pd–Fe/Sibunit catalysts of different composition was studied. An optimum concentration of the metals (2.5% at the ratio Pd/Fe = 1 : 4) was determined, which corresponds to the highest stability of catalysts and selectivity of C₂–C₄ olefin and paraffin formation. With the use of TPR and magnetic measurements, it was found that the metals occurred in an oxidized state in the course of the reaction; it is likely that this resulted in the formation of C₂–C₄ hydrocarbons.     

Thallium as an Additive Modifying the Selectivity of Pd/SiO2 Catalysts

Catalytic properties of palladium and bimetallic palladium–thallium catalysts supported on SiO₂ in the reaction of glucose oxidation to gluconic acid were studied. Catalysts modified with thallium showed better selectivity and activity than palladium catalysts. XRD studies proved the presence of intermetallic interactions, which probably increase the selectivity of Pd–Tl/SiO₂ catalysts. Particular attention was paid to the losses of thallium and palladium from the catalysts during the catalytic reaction.     

One-step synthesis of carbon-supported Pd–Pt alloy electrocatalysts for methanol tolerant oxygen reduction

A facile, one-step reduction route was developed to synthesize Pd-rich carbon-supported Pd–Pt alloy electrocatalysts of different Pd/Pt atomic ratios. As-prepared Pd–Pt/C catalysts exhibit a single phase fcc structure and an expansion lattice parameter. Comparison of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on the Pd–Pt/C alloy catalysts indicates that the Pd₃Pt₁/C bimetallic catalyst exhibits the highest ORR activity among all the Pd–Pt alloy catalysts and shows a comparative ORR activity with the commercial Pt/C catalyst. Moreover, all the Pd–Pt alloy catalysts exhibited much higher methanol tolerance during the ORR than the commercial Pt/C catalyst. High methanol tolerance of the Pd–Pt alloy catalysts could be attributed to the weak adsorption of methanol induced by the composition effect, to the presence of Pd atoms and to the formation of Pd-based alloys.     

Discovery of Novel Catalysts for Alkene Epoxidation from Metal-Binding Combinatorial Libraries

New lead structures for olefin oxidation catalysts have been obtained from a combinatorial library of 5760 metal–ligand complexes (see the microscopy picture). Iron complexes led to clean epoxide product formation using H₂O₂ as the terminal oxidant. Parallel libraries were used to determine ligand features important for high catalytic activity and to identify enantioselective catalyst structures (see the Equation).     

Electrocatalytic Behavior of a Palladium–Polyaniline System Obtained by Electrodepositing Palladium into a Preliminarily Formed Polyaniline Film

The electrochemical behavior of Pd–PAN systems, where PAN stands for polyaniline, is studied. The systems are formed by electrodepositing palladium onto a PAN–GC electrode (GC, for glassy carbon). It is shown by atomic force microscopy that some palladium particles are deposited directly on the PAN surface even at potentials of low electroconductivity of PAN. Properties of Pd–PAN coatings formed by this technique are compared to those of Pd–PAN systems formed by cycling the potential of a GC electrode in a PdSO₄+ aniline solution, which were studied earlier. Redox characteristics of PAN and the degrees of the promotion of the electrocatalytic activity in the HCOOH oxidation reaction differ in the two systems. The differences are attributed to specific features inherent in the formation of the mixed coating, in particular, to differences in the degree of contact of palladium crystallites with PAN. The PAN degradation in the Pd–PAN systems is shown to be linked mainly to the PAN oxidation, which is catalyzed by the incorporated palladium particles.     

Synergism in the Activity of the Mixed Oligoallene Complexes of Palladium and Group VIII Nonnoble Metals in the Hydrogenation of Dienes to Alkenes

The superadditivity of the catalytic properties of various bimetallic Pd–Ni, Pd–Co, and Pd–Fe complexes with oligodimethylallene ligands was studied. Palladium–nickel catalysts of an equimolar composition exhibited the highest activity. The complexes were studied by IR spectroscopy. Conceivable structures were proposed for the complexes. The main kinetic features of the isoprene hydrogenation reaction under the action of palladium and palladium–nickel systems were studied. A two-center mechanism, which takes into account the presence of properly arranged palladium and nickel atoms in the active center of the catalyst, was considered as a probable reason for the appearance of a synergistic effect.     

Synthesis and conformational studies of palladium(II) complexes containing [PhP(O)NP(E)Ph]− (E=S or Se)

The ligands [Ph₂P(O)NP(E)Ph₂]⁻ (E=S I; E=Se II) can readily be complexed to a range of palladium(II) starting materials affording new six-membered Pd–O–P–N–P–E palladacycles. Hence ligand substitution reaction of the chloride complexes [PdCl₂(bipy)] (bipy=2,2′-bipyridine), [{Pd(μ-Cl)(L–L)}₂] (HL–L=C₉H₁₃N or C₁₂H₁₃N), [{Pd(μ-Cl)Cl(PMe₂Ph)}₂] or [PdCl₂(PR₃)₂] [PR₃=PPh₃; 2PR₃=Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂or cis-Ph₂PCH=CHPPh₂] with either I (or II) in thf or CH₃OH gave [Pd{Ph₂P(O)NP(E)Ph₂-O,E}(bipy)]PF₆, [Pd{Ph₂P(O)NP(E)Ph₂-O,E}(L–L)], [Pd{Ph₂P(O)NP(E)Ph₂-O,E}Cl(PMe₂Ph)] or [Pd{Ph₂P(O)NP(E)Ph₂-O,E} (PR₃)₂]PF₆ in good yields. All compounds described have been characterised by a combination of multinuclear NMR [31 P{1 H} and 1 H] and IR spectroscopy and microanalysis. The molecular structures of five complexes containing the selenium ligand II have been determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Three different ring conformations were observed, a pseudo-butterfly, hinge and in the case of all three PR₃ complexes, pseudo-boat conformations. Within the Pd–O–P–N–P–Se rings there is evidence for π-electron delocalisation.     

Influence of selenium on the catalytic properties of ruthenium-based cluster catalysts for oxygen reduction

The favourable influence of selenium on the catalytic properties of Ru-based catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction in acid electrolytes has been investigated by rotating disk electrode measurements. Compared to the oxygen reduction of selenium-free Ru-based catalysts, the overpotential at low current densities (ca. 10 μA cm⁻²) is not affected by the presence of selenium whereas selenium-containing catalysts show higher current densities under fuel cell relevant conditions. The kinetically controlled current density at 0.6 V versus SHE increases 4–5 fold with increasing selenium content. A maximum value is obtained at about 15 mol% Se. This effect is tentatively explained by a modification of the catalytic active centre, which is assumed to consist of Ru---C---CO complexes. IR spectroscopic investigations indicate a reaction of selenium with these complexes. This model is also supported by the study of the electrooxidation of CO. In contrast to the selenium-free catalyst, no CO oxidation is observed on the selenium-containing catalyst. Additional effects of selenium are an enhanced stability towards electrochemical oxidation and a lower amount of Ru oxides formed during synthesis, as evidenced from XRD investigations. Direct four electron oxygen reduction to water is efficient and H₂O₂ production of these catalysts is small (about 5% at potentials <0.3 V vs. SHE ).     

The Order of Product Formation in the Partial Oxidation of Methane to Syngas

The partial oxidation of methane to syngas is studied in the presence of Pt- and Ni-containing catalysts. The process kinetics does not provide unequivocal information on the order of formation of products (including carbon oxides) when either methane–oxygen or methane–oxygen–CO₂ mixtures are used. Experiments with ¹³C-labeled carbon dioxide added show the difference in the behavior of the catalysts. In the presence of Pt/ZrO₂, there is no noticeable transfer of the isotopic label to the CO molecules. On the nickel catalyst, ¹³CO is formed in substantial amounts, which can probably be explained by the redox reaction of ¹³CO₂ with metallic nickel under oxygen-free conditions behind the zone of the main reaction of methane oxidation.     

Catalytic Oxidative Deformylation of Polyethylene Glycols with the Participation of Molecular Oxygen

The kinetics of oxidation of diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and polyethylene glycols (PEGs) with molecular weights ranging from 400 to 2000 in the presence of Cu(II) ions and bases was studied. It was found that ethylene glycols can be oxidized by molecular oxygen in anhydrous media in a temperature range of 30–60°C at anomalouosly high rates which are higher than the rates of chain-radical PEG autoxidation by several orders of magnitude. Only terminal hydroxyl groups were subjected to oxidation. The reaction occurs with the cleavage of a C–C bond and results in the formation of formic acid and a PEG with the number of –(CH₂CH₂O)– groups lower than that in the parent compound by unity. The rate and selectivity of PEG oxidation were found to strongly depend on the molecular weight of the polymer; from diethylene glycol to PEG 2000, the specific rate of oxidation increased by a factor of 60 in terms of terminal hydroxyl groups. An oxidation mechanism was suggested, which involves the formation of ternary complexes [Cu²⁺···A^–···O₂], which undergo further degradation by a many-electron concerted mechanism to form formic acid and, probably, an unstable hemiacetal {RO–CH₂OH}. The rapid oxidative degradation of the latter leads to the formation of PEG with a lower molecular weight.     

Combustion of methane over supported palladium-copper bimetallic catalysts

Monometallic and bimetallic catalysts based on palladium and copper deposited on a spinel carrier have been investigated in the catalytic combustion of methane. Great differences were found in catalytic activity, according to the sequence Pd/MgAl₂O₄>CuO–Pd/MgAl₂O₄>Pd–CuO/MgAl₂O₄>CuO/MgAl₂O₄. They were explained by changes in surface composition of the catalysts. In the case of bimetallic catalysts the metallic surface is preferentially enriched in copper, which acts as a diluting agent for the Pd atom ensembles. As a consequence, the adsorption of reactants is limited and the catalysts so obtained behave like copper slightly doped with palladium.     

Ruthenium and enzyme-catalyzed dynamic kinetic resolution of alcohols

Ruthenium acts as a good catalyst for the racemization reaction of secondary alcohols and amines. Ruthenium-catalyzed racemization is coupled with enzymatic kinetic resolution to prepare chiral compounds in 100% theoretical yield. Ten ruthenium complexes (1–10) act as a good catalyst the for racemization reaction and are also compatible with DKR process. Two other ruthenium complexes [RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃] and [Cp^*RuCl(COD)] are active for racemization reaction but their successful compatibility with DKR has not yet been reported. Ru/γ-Al₂O₃ and Ru–HAP are the heterogeneous catalysts used for the racemization reaction. They have also not been employed for DKR process. Polymer supported ruthenium is employed as a reusable racemization catalyst for aerobic DKR of alcohols.     

Study of reduced Mo/Al2O3 metathesis catalysts prepared via metal complexes

The Mo/Al₂O₃ catalysts for propene metathesis were prepared both via anchoring Mo complexes of various nuclearities and by conventional method of impregnation. The catalysts from metal complexes were found to be active in metathesis at ambient temperature after reduction with H₂ or CO at 400–500°C. The average oxidation state of Mo in the activated catalysts was determined with regard to oxygen consumption needed for oxidation of the reduced Mo species to Mo⁶⁺.     

Nitrido Complexes of Transition Metals

In the past decade new syntheses and numerous structural determinations have enlivened studies in the still relatively young field of nitrido-transition-metal complexes. Aside from the terminal function of the nitrido ligand M?N:, this group also occurs as linear μ₂-bridging ligand in symmetric and asymmetric coordination; examples are known with almost right-angled bridge function; and, finally, it also functions as μ₃-bridging ligand. Accordingly, the fresh impulses given to synthetic chemistry by nitrido complexes are also many-sided: such complexes are used, inter alia, for the preparation of phosphaniminato and thionitrosyl complexes as well as for the synthesis of metallaheterocycles of the type MN₃S₂ and MN₃P₂ with delocalized π-systems. In technetium chemistry complexes with terminal nitrido group are employed as radiopharmaceuticals, and, owing to the strong trans influence of the M?N: group, nitrido complexes of molybdenum are suitable as catalysts in olefin metathesis. Finally, nitrido complexes are also of wide interest in theoretical studies.     

One-Pot Cooperation of Single-Atom Rh and Ru Solid Catalysts for a Selective Tandem Olefin Isomerization-Hydrosilylation Process

Realizing the full potential of oxide-supported single-atom metal catalysts (SACs) is key to successfully bridge the gap between the fields of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. Here we show that the one-pot combination of Ru₁/CeO₂ and Rh₁/CeO₂ SACs enables a highly selective olefin isomerization-hydrosilylation tandem process, hitherto restricted to molecular catalysts in solution. Individually, monoatomic Ru and Rh sites show a remarkable reaction specificity for olefin double-bond migration and anti-Markovnikov α-olefin hydrosilylation, respectively. First-principles DFT calculations ascribe such selectivity to differences in the binding strength of the olefin substrate to the monoatomic metal centers. The single-pot cooperation of the two SACs allows the production of terminal organosilane compounds with high regio-selectivity (>95 %) even from industrially-relevant complex mixtures of terminal and internal olefins, alongside a straightforward catalyst recycling and reuse. These results demonstrate the significance of oxide-supported single-atom metal catalysts in tandem catalytic reactions, which are central for the intensification of chemical processes.     

Development in the green synthesis of cyclic carbonate from carbon dioxide using ionic liquids

This brief review presents the recent development in the synthesis of cyclic carbonate from carbon dioxide (CO₂) using ionic liquids as catalyst and/or reaction medium. The synthesis of cyclic carbonate includes three aspects: catalytic reaction of CO₂ and epoxide, electrochemical reaction of CO₂ and epoxide, and oxidative carboxylation of olefin. Some ionic liquids are suitable catalysts and/or solvents to the CO₂ fixation to produce cyclic carbonate. The activity of ionic liquid is greatly enhanced by the addition of Lewis acidic compounds of metal halides or metal complexes that have no or low activity by themselves. Using ionic liquids for the electrochemical synthesis of the cyclic carbonate can avoid harmful organic solvents, supporting electrolytes and catalysts, which are necessary for conventional electrochemical reaction systems. Although the ionic liquid is better for the oxidative carboxylation of olefin than the ordinary catalysts reported previously, this reaction system is at a preliminary stage. Using the ionic liquids, the synthesis process will become greener and simpler because of easy product separation and catalyst recycling and unnecessary use of volatile and harmful organic solvents.     

A Comparative Study of Catalysis by Zeolite Encapsulated and Neat Copper o-Phenylenediamine Complexes towards Oxidation of Catechol and 3,5-di-tert-Butylcatechol Using Hydrogen Peroxide1

The kinetics of hydrogen peroxide oxidation of catechol (CAT) and 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol (DTBC) using neat as well as zeolite encapsulated copper complexes of o-phenylenediamine as catalysts have been investigated by a novel UV-visible spectrophotometric technique. The order with respect to the substrate, hydrogen peroxide, as well as the catalyst was unity for all the reactions. This indicates that the mechanism of the reaction is unaltered by encapsulation of the complex although considerable difference exists in the rate of catalysis. The effects of polarity and pH on the reaction were found to be different for the four reactions, suggesting the existence of a deprotonation equilibria for the catalysts in addition to those for the substrates. The rate of oxidation of DTBC was more than that of catechol in the presence of both the catalysts signifying that the inductive effect dominates over the steric constraints in this case. The present work allowed the determination of the acid dissociation constants of Cu(OPD)₂ and YCu(OPD)₂ in 1 : 9 methanol–water mixtures.     

The determination of surface polarity of bismuth-molybdenum oxidation catalysts by gas chromatography

Summary The adsorption of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons was investigated using gas chromatography on Bi₂O₃, MoO₃ and mixed Bi–Mo oxidation catalysts. As a measure of polarity of a catalyst, the difference between the chemical potential of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons at the same surface concentration was used. The chemical potentials were estimated from elution chromatographic data. The data for C₆–C₉ methylbenzenes and C₆–C₁₂ n-alkanes were obtained in the temperature range 60–300°C in nitrogen as a carrier gas. Using air as carrier gas, introduction of water pulses on a catalyst does not change the elution characteristics. The elution of alkenes, alkynes, dienes and carbonyl compounds was disturbed by reaction of these compounds on the surface. The polarity of catalysts decreased in the order mixed Bi–Mo catalysts, MoO₃, Bi₂O₃. The polarities observed are compared with polarities of some other solids and liquids and the role of polarity of the surface in catalytic oxidation reactions is briefly discussed.