Silica iminopyridine-functionalized nanomaghemite enhances the oxygenation activity and durability of simple Co(II) salophen complex

A novel magnetically recoverable catalyst was produced by coordinative attachment of Co(II) salophen complex to silica iminopyridine (SIPy)-functionalized-γ-Fe₂O₃ magnetic nanoparticles (SMNP@SIPy/Co(II) salophen). The vibration spectra and compositional data provided sufficient evidences for the structural integrity of as-prepared organic–inorganic nanohybrid. The magnetic nanocatalyst proved to be an efficient and selective heterogeneous catalyst for oxidation of different benzylic alcohols and featured higher catalytic activity and stability than that of homogenous counterpart. A TOF of 151 h⁻¹ and TON of more than 322 were obtained for oxidation of 4-cholrobenzyl alcohol in this catalytic system. The supported catalyst could easily be recovered from the reaction mixture by an external magnetic field and reused for subsequent experiments with consistent catalytic activity.     

Cobalt Nanoparticles-Catalyzed Widely Applicable Successive C−C Bond Cleavage in Alcohols to Access Esters

Selective cleavage and functionalization of C−C bonds have important applications in organic synthesis and biomass utilization. However, functionalization of C−C bonds by controlled cleavage remains difficult and challenging because they are inert. Herein, we describe an unprecedented efficient protocol for the breaking of successive C−C bonds in alcohols to form esters with one or multiple carbon atoms less using heterogeneous cobalt nanoparticles as catalyst with dioxygen as the oxidant. A wide range of alcohols including inactive long-chain alkyl aryl alcohols undergo smoothly successive cleavage of adjacent −(C−C)_n− bonds to afford the corresponding esters. The catalyst was used for seven times without any decrease in activity. Characterization and control experiments disclose that cobalt nanoparticles are responsible for the successive cleavage of C−C bonds to achieve excellent catalytic activity, while the presence of Co-N_x has just the opposite effect. Preliminary mechanistic studies reveal that a tandem sequence reaction is involved in this process.     

C−N Coupling through Hydroaminoalkylation on a Single-Atom Rh Heterogeneous Catalyst

C−N coupling is significant for the synthesis of fine chemicals toward various applications. Hydroaminoalkylation of olefins is a tandem reaction of C−N coupling involving first the formation of an aldehyde through hydroformylation of an olefin and then the production of amine through reductive amination of the aldehyde. Here we report a stable, supported catalyst of singly dispersed Rh₁ atoms anchored on TiO₂ (P25) nanoparticles designated as Rh₁/P25. Its high activity for C−N coupling was demonstrated by six hydroaminoalkylations of olefins and amines with selectivity of higher than 90% for producing tertiary amines. The singly dispersed Rh₁O₄ on P25 exhibit activity and selectivity for hydroaminoalkylation comparable or even higher than some reported molecular catalysts. In contrast to molecular catalysts, the Rh-based single-atom Rh heterogeneous catalysis (Rh₁/P25) can be readily separated from reactants and products, reused for multiple runs of hydroaminoalkylation, and recycled with a low cost.     

Catalytic evaluation of copper (II) N-salicylidene-amino acid Schiff base in the various catalytic processes

N-Salicylidene amino acid Schiff base sodium sulfonate salt, as a tridentate dibasic chelating ligand, was obtained from the common condensation of salicylaldehyde-5-sodium sulfonate with tyrosine (HPST). The internal formed ligand coordinated to Cu²⁺ ion in an aqueous media affording new Cu (II)-complex (Cu-PST), which characterized by various physico-chemicals spectral tools. The mononuclear complex was evaluated as a homogeneous and heterogeneous catalyst in the (ep)oxidation protocols of 1,2-cyclooctene and benzyl alcohol. Heterogeneously, Cu-PST was immobilized on Fe₃O₄-SiO₂, as nanoparticles. The heterogeneous catalyst was characterized by infrared, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, Brunauer−Emmett−Teller and magnetism. Homogeneously, the temperature, solvent and oxidant influences were examined in the catalytic reactions to realize the best reaction conditions. Cu-catalyst exhibited better catalytic performance in the (ep)oxidation processes homogeneously than that in the heterogeneous phase at 80°C for 2 hr in acetonitrile. Reusability of the homogeneous catalyst was for a maximum of three times in the (ep)oxidation reaction, whereas the heterogeneous catalyst was active for six times. A mechanistic pathway was proposed for both catalysts, comparatively.     

金属有机骨架材料MIL-53(Al)负载钴催化剂的CO催化氧化反应性能

采用溶剂法合成了热稳定性高的金属有机骨架材料MIL-53(Al)(MIL:Materials of Institut Lavoisier),用此材料为载体负载钴催化剂用于CO的催化氧化反应,并与Al2O3负载的钴催化剂进行了对比.采用热重-差热扫描量热(TG-DSC)、傅里叶变换红外(FTIR)光谱、X射线衍射(XRD)、N2物理吸附-脱附、透射电子显微镜(TEM)、氢气程序升温还原(H2-TPR)等方法对催化剂的结构性质进行了表征.TG和N2物理吸附-脱附结果表明,载体MIL-53(Al)有好的稳定性和高的比表面积;XRD以及TEM结果表明Co/MIL-53(Al)上负载的Co3O4颗粒粒径(平均约为5.03 nm)明显小于Al2O3上Co3O4颗粒粒径(平均约为7.83 nm).MIL-53(Al)的三维多孔结构中分布均匀的位点能很好地分散固定Co3O4颗粒,高度分散的Co3O4颗粒有利于CO的催化氧化反应.H2-TPR实验发现Co/MIL(Al)催化剂的还原温度低于Co/Al2O3催化剂的还原温度,低的还原温度表现为高的催化氧化活性.CO催化氧化结果表明,MIL-53(Al)负载钴催化剂的催化活性明显高于Al2O3负载钴催化剂,MIL-53(Al)负载钴催化剂在160°C时使CO氧化的转化率达到98%,到180°C时CO则完全转化,催化剂的结构在催化反应过程中保持稳定.     

Rh/Co双金属纳米颗粒的制备及其催化制氢性能

以ISOBAM-104为保护剂,采用共还原法制备了一系列不同组成的Rh/Co双金属纳米颗粒(BNPs)。采用紫外-可见吸收光谱、透射电镜及高分辨透射电镜对纳米颗粒的结构及组成进行了表征。结果表明,所制备的Rh/Co BNPs的粒径小于6.0nm,具有合金结构。催化制氢实验结果表明,Rh_(20)Co_(80)BNPs具有最高的催化制氢活性,其TOF值可高达12880mol-H_2·h~(-1)·mol-Rh~(-1),远高于Rh和Co单金属纳米颗粒的催化活性。     

MIL-100(Fe) Supported Pt−Co Nanoparticles as Active and Selective Heterogeneous Catalysts for Hydrogenation of 1,3-Butadiene

Superior catalytic performance for selective 1,3-butadiene (1,3-BD) hydrogenation can usually be achieved with supported bimetallic catalysts. In this work, Pt−Co nanoparticles and Pt nanoparticles supported on metal–organic framework MIL-100(Fe) catalysts (MIL=Materials of Institut Lavoisier, PtCo/MIL-100(Fe) and Pt/MIL-100(Fe)) were synthesized via a simple impregnation reduction method, and their catalytic performance was investigated for the hydrogenation of 1,3-BD. Pt1Co1/MIL-100(Fe) presented better catalytic performance than Pt/MIL-100(Fe), with significantly enhanced total butene selectivity. Moreover, the secondary hydrogenation of butenes was effectively inhibited after doping with Co. The Pt1Co1/MIL-100(Fe) catalyst displayed good stability in the 1,3-BD hydrogenation reaction. No significant catalyst deactivation was observed during 9 h of hydrogenation, but its catalytic activity gradually reduces for the next 17 h. Carbon deposition on Pt1Co1/MIL-100(Fe) is the reason for its deactivation in 1,3-BD hydrogenation reaction. The spent Pt1Co1/MIL-100(Fe) catalyst could be regenerated at 200 °C, and regenerated catalysts displayed the similar 1,3-BD conversion and butene selectivity with fresh catalysts. Moreover, the rate-determining step of this reaction was hydrogen dissociation. The outstanding activity and total butene selectivity of the Pt1Co1/MIL-100(Fe) catalyst illustrate that Pt−Co bimetallic catalysts are an ideal alternative for replacing mono-noble-metal-based catalysts in selective 1,3-BD hydrogenation reactions.     

Synthesis of magnetically recyclable Fe3O4@[(EtO)3Si–L1H]/Pd(II) nanocatalyst and application in Suzuki and Heck coupling reactions

A Pd(II) Schiff base complex as an efficient and highly heterogeneous catalyst was developed by immobilization of a palladium complex on the surface of modified Fe₃O₄ magnetite nanoparticles. These surface‐modified nanoparticles were characterized using various techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, vibrating sample magnetometry, elemental analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The palladium catalyst exhibited efficient catalytic activity in Suzuki and Heck coupling reactions. This method has notable advantages such as excellent chemoselectivity, mild reaction conditions, short reaction times and excellent yields. The yields of the products were in the range 85–100%. Also, the nanocatalyst can be easily recovered with a permanent magnet and reused at least five times without noticeable leaching or loss of its catalytic activity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Atomic‐Scale Observation of the Metal–Promoter Interaction in Rh‐Based Syngas‐Upgrading Catalysts

The direct conversion of syngas to ethanol, typically using promoted Rh catalysts, is a cornerstone reaction in CO₂ utilization and hydrogen storage technologies. A rational catalyst development requires a detailed structural understanding of the activated catalyst and the role of promoters in driving chemoselectivity. Herein, we report a comprehensive atomic‐scale study of metal–promoter interactions in silica‐supported Rh, Rh–Mn, and Rh–Mn–Fe catalysts by aberration‐corrected (AC) TEM. While the catalytic reaction leads to the formation of a Rh carbide phase in the Rh–Mn/SiO₂ catalyst, the addition of Fe results in the formation of bimetallic Rh–Fe alloys, which further improves the selectivity and prevents the carbide formation. In all promoted catalysts, Mn is present as an oxide decorating the metal particles. Based on the atomic insight obtained, structural and electronic modifications induced by promoters are revealed and a basis for refined theoretical models is provided.     

Evidence of Structure Sensitivity in the Fischer–Tropsch Reaction on Model Cobalt Nanoparticles by Time-Resolved Chemical Transient Kinetics

The Fischer–Tropsch process, or the catalytic hydrogenation of carbon monoxide (CO), produces long chain hydrocarbons and offers an alternative to the use of crude oil for chemical feedstocks. The observed size dependence of cobalt (Co) catalysts for the Fischer–Tropsch reaction was studied with colloidally prepared Co nanoparticles and a chemical transient kinetics reactor capable of measurements under non-steady-state conditions. Co nanoparticles of 4.3 nm and 9.5 nm diameters were synthesized and tested under atmospheric pressure conditions and H₂/CO=2. Large differences in carbon coverage (Θ_C) were observed for the two catalysts: the 4.3 nm Co catalyst has a Θ_C less than one while the 9.5 nm Co catalyst supports a Θ_C greater than two. The monomer units present on the surface during reaction are identified as single carbon species for both sizes of Co nanoparticles, and the major CO dissociation site is identified as the B₅-B geometry. The difference in activity of Co nanoparticles was found to be a result of the structure sensitivity caused by the loss of these specific types of sites at smaller nanoparticle sizes.     

Evidence of Structure Sensitivity in the Fischer–Tropsch Reaction on Model Cobalt Nanoparticles by Time‐Resolved Chemical Transient Kinetics

The Fischer–Tropsch process, or the catalytic hydrogenation of carbon monoxide (CO), produces long chain hydrocarbons and offers an alternative to the use of crude oil for chemical feedstocks. The observed size dependence of cobalt (Co) catalysts for the Fischer–Tropsch reaction was studied with colloidally prepared Co nanoparticles and a chemical transient kinetics reactor capable of measurements under non‐steady‐state conditions. Co nanoparticles of 4.3 nm and 9.5 nm diameters were synthesized and tested under atmospheric pressure conditions and H₂/CO=2. Large differences in carbon coverage (Θ_C) were observed for the two catalysts: the 4.3 nm Co catalyst has a Θ_C less than one while the 9.5 nm Co catalyst supports a Θ_C greater than two. The monomer units present on the surface during reaction are identified as single carbon species for both sizes of Co nanoparticles, and the major CO dissociation site is identified as the B₅‐B geometry. The difference in activity of Co nanoparticles was found to be a result of the structure sensitivity caused by the loss of these specific types of sites at smaller nanoparticle sizes.     

A Cooperative Rhodium/Secondary Phosphine Oxide [Rh/P(O)nBu2] Template for Catalytic Hydrodefluorination of Perfluoroarenes

The selective activation of C−F bonds under mild reaction conditions remains an ongoing challenge of bond activation. Here, we present a cooperative [Rh/P(O)nBu₂] template for catalytic hydrodefluorination (HDF) of perfluoroarenes. In addition to substrates presenting electron-withdrawing functional groups, the system showed an exceedingly rare tolerance for electron-donating functionalities and heterocycles. The high chemoselectivity of the catalyst and its readiness to be deployed at a preparative scale illustrate its practicality. Empirical mechanistic studies and a density functional theory (DFT) study have identified a rhodium(I) dihydride complex as a catalytically relevant species and the determining role of phosphine oxide as a cooperative fragment. Altogether, we demonstrate that molecular templates based on these design elements can be assembled to create catalysts with increased reactivity for challenging bond activations.     

Catalytic Oxidation of Veratryl Alcohol Derivatives Using RuCo/rGO Composites

Chemoselectively oxidizing C_α−OH to C=O has been considered as a key step for the oxidative depolymerization of lignin. In this work, we design and prepare a series of composites of RuCo alloy nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide (RuCo/rGO) with different Ru to Co ratios and explore their catalytic activities in the oxidation of veratryl alcohol derivatives, which usually serve as the model compounds for studying lignin oxidation. It is illustrated that the Ru to Co ratio determines the morphology and average size of the RuCo alloy nanoparticles on rGO, and the overall catalytic activities of the composites. The RuCo alloy nanoparticles on rGO with Ru to Co ratios of 1 : 0 to 1.2 : 1 show a unique flower-shaped morphology that increases the exposure of the active sites and thus promotes their contact with the substrates. The RuCo/rGO composites exhibit high catalytic activities for the oxidation of C_α−OH to aldehydes at 100 °C for 2 h. Additionally, the Co component affords the RuCo/rGO composites with magnetic properties that make the separation and recovery of the catalyst simple. Given the high catalytic performances and easy recovery, the RuCo/rGO composites would be potentially useful for the depolymerization of lignin.     

Pd/Co双金属纳米颗粒的制备及催化制氢性能

采用聚乙烯吡咯烷酮(PVP)保护的化学共还原法制备了Pd/Co双金属纳米颗粒, 研究了PVP及还原剂(NaBH₄)的用量、金属盐浓度、金属比例等对Pd/Co双金属纳米颗粒催化NaBH₄制氢性能的影响. 透射电子显微镜(TEM)的结果表明, 所制备的Pd/Co双金属纳米颗粒的平均粒径在1.5-2.8 nm之间. Pd/Co双金属纳米颗粒(BNPs)的催化活性远高于Pd与Co单金属纳米颗粒的活性; 当Pd/Co的理论原子比为1/9时, 双金属纳米颗粒的催化活性最高可达15570 mol·mol^-1·h^-1 (文中纳米颗粒的催化活性均为每摩尔Pd的活性). 密度泛函理论(DFT)的计算结果表明, Pd原子与Co原子之间发生电荷转移, 使得Pd原子带负电而Co原子带正电, 荷电的Pd和Co原子进而成为催化反应的活性中心. 所制备的Pd/Co双金属纳米颗粒具有很好的催化耐久性, 即使重复使用5次后, 该催化剂仍具有较高的催化活性, 且使用后的纳米颗粒催化剂也没有出现团聚现象. 双金属纳米颗粒催化NaBH₄水解反应的活化能约为54 kJ·mol^-1.     

Efficient and green synthesis of dihydropyrimido[4,5-b]quinolinetriones using MWCNTs@TEPA/Co (II) as a novel and eco-friendly catalyst

A new heterogeneous nanocatalyst [MWCNTs@TEPA/Co (II)] was successfully prepared using multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as a suitable and efficient support for covalent anchoring of tetraethylene pentaamine (TEPA)/Co (II). The new heterogeneous catalyst was prepared through an easy and applicable method, and characterized by various techniques such as Fourier transform-infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, mapping, field emission-scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry and Brunauer−Emmett−Teller. Synthesized catalyst was used efficiently for the preparation of dihydropyrimido [4,5-b]quinolinetrione derivatives via the four-components reaction of barbituric acid, dimedone, aryl aldehyde and amines under thermal conditions. The nanostructure catalyst was easily recovered by filtration and reused several times without noticeable loss of its catalytic activity. Low amounts of catalyst (0.005 g), short reaction times and green conditions are some merits of the presented method.     

Enhanced Electrocatalytic Activity of Methanol and Ethanol Oxidation in Alkaline Medium at Bimetallic Nanoparticles Electrochemically Decorated Fullerene-C60 Nanocomposite Electrocatalyst: An Efficient Anode Material for Alcohol Fuel Cell Applications

Direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs) have been recently playing a pivotal role in electrochemical energy sources and portable electronics. Research in DAFCs has proceeded to engage major attention due to their high catalytic activity, long-term stability, portability, and low cost. Herein, we present a facile surfactant-free route to anchor bimetallic Pd−W nanoparticles supported fullerene-C₆₀ catalyst (Pd-W@Fullerene-C₆₀) for high-performance electrooxidation of alcohols (methanol & ethanol) for DAFCs applications. Structural, elemental composition, and morphological analysis of the proposed catalyst were carried out using UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Electrochemical properties such as electrochemical activity, electrochemical active surface area (ECSA), and long-term stability of the Pd-W@Fullerene-C₆₀ catalyst for ethanol and methanol oxidation in the alkaline medium were explored by using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and chronoamperometry (CA). Results revealed that the proposed catalyst showed enlarged ECSA, tremendous electrocatalytic activity, high poison tolerance limit, good reproducibility, and enhanced long-term stability as compared to the monometallic catalyst and commercially available catalyst (Pt/C) towards ethanol and methanol oxidation reaction. This enhanced potentiality of the Pd-W@Fullerene-C₆₀ catalyst is due to the synergistic effect of W−Pd nanoparticles and excellent electron kinetic from fullerene support material. These findings strongly suggest the Pd-W@Fullerene-C₆₀ catalyst as potential anode material for the alcohol oxidation reaction.     

Magnetically water‐dispersible and recoverable rhodium organometallic catalyst derived from Wilkinson's catalyst for promoting organic reactions

A novel magnetic rhodium catalyst was prepared through immobilizing Wilkinson's catalyst on the surface of silica‐coated iron oxide nanoparticles. After (thio)diphenylphosphine (─S&─PPh₂) was modified on the surface of the silica‐coated iron oxide nanoparticles, tris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium(I) chloride was employed to synthesize the Rh(Cl)(PPh₃)₂(Ph₂P&─S&─) complex, affording a rhodium loading of 0.16 mmol g⁻¹. The Rh(I) organometallic magnetic nanoparticles form a novel class of heterogeneous catalyst which is particularly suitable for the practice of organic synthesis. The prepared system exhibits high catalytic efficiency in Suzuki–Miyaura and Miyaura–Michael reactions in ethanol–water solution. High yield, low reaction times, use of green solvents and non‐toxicity of the catalyst are the main merits of this protocol. Also, magnetic separation is an environmentally friendly alternative for the recovery of the catalyst, since it minimizes energy and catalyst loss by preventing mass loss and oxidation. The produced catalyst was characterized using a variety of techniques.     

Co(III), Rh(III) & Ir(III)-Catalyzed Direct C−H Alkylation/Alkenylation/Arylation with Carbene Precursors

Metal carbenes play a pivotal role in transition-metal-catalyzed synthetic transfer reactions. The metal carbene is generated either from a diazo compound through facile extrusion of N₂ with a metal catalyst or in situ generated from other sources like triazoles, pyriodotriazoles, sulfoxonium ylides and iodonium-ylide. On the other hand, Co(III), Rh(III) & Ir(III)-catalyzed C−H functionalizations have been well established as a key synthetic step to enable the construction of various synthetic transformations. Interestingly, in recent years, merging of these two concepts C−H activation and carbene migratory insertion gained much attention, in particular group 9 metal-catalyzed arene C−H functionalizations with carbene precursors via carbene migratory insertion. In this review, we summarize recent advances in Co(III), Rh(III) & Ir(III)-catalyzed direct C−H alkylation/alkenylation/arylation with carbene precursors and also discuss key synthetic intermediates within the catalytic cycles.     

Mesoporous Metal–Organic Frameworks for Catalytic RNA Deprotection and Activation

A metal–organic framework (MOF) with mespores (2 to 50 nm) allows the inclusion of large biomolecules, such as nucleic acids. However, chemical reaction on the nucleic acids, to further regulate their bioactivity, is yet to be demonstrated within MOF pores. Here, we report the deprotection of carbonate protected RNA molecules (21 to 102 nt) to restore their original activity using a MOF as a heterogeneous catalyst. Two MOFs, MOF-626 and MOF-636 are designed and synthesized, with mesopores of 2.2 and 2.8 nm, respectively, carrying isolated metal sites (Ni, Co, Cu, Pd, Rh and Ru). The pores favor the entrance of RNA, while the metal sites catalyze C−O bond cleavage at the carbonate group. Complete conversion of RNA is achieved by Pd-MOF-626, 90 times more efficiently than Pd(NO₃)₂. MOF crystals are also removable from the aqueous reaction media, leaving a negligible metal footprint, 3.9 ppb, only 1/55 of that using homogeneous Pd catalysts. These features make MOF potentially suited for bioorthogonal chemistry.     

Support-Free Pd3Co NCs as an Efficient Heterogeneous Nanocatalyst for New Organic Transformations of C−C Coupling Reactions

A support-free heterogeneous Pd₃Co nanostructured composite (NC), synthesized through a hydrothermal route, acted as an effective catalytic system in multivariate Heck-, Sonogashira-, and Suzuki-type coupling reactions of iodonium ylides. The XPS analysis of the bimetallic Pd₃Co NCs confirmed the elemental composition as 75 % palladium and 25 % cobalt. Furthermore, high-resolution (HR) TEM analysis confirmed the spherical morphology of the Pd₃Co bimetallic nanoparticles. The average diameter of the NCs is 14.8 nm. The coupling reaction proceeded through the generation of α-iodoenones with simultaneous migration of the phenyl group, thereby giving a scaffold with higher atom economy. The heterogeneous Pd₃Co NCs were recycled and reused without any significant change in catalytic ability for up to five reaction cycles. The high concentration of Pd and association of cobalt into the lattice of palladium appears to enhance its catalytic ability for the diverse coupling reactions in comparison with its monometallic counterparts as well as with bimetallic NCs with a comparatively lesser amount of Pd.