Structure and some properties of [UO<Subscript>2</Subscript>CrO<Subscript>4</Subscript>{CH<Subscript>3</Subscript>CON(CH<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>}<Subscript>2</Subscript>]

A new complex [UO₂CrO₄{CH₃CON(CH₃)₂}₂] (I) was studied by thermal analysis, IR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. The crystals are monoclinic: a = 13.8108(11) Å, b = 8.6804(7) Å, c = 13.0989(10) Å, β = 104.777(1)°, V = 1518.4(2) ų, space group P2₁/c, Z = 4, R = 2.39%. The structure of I contains infinite chains of the [UO₂CrO₄{CH₃CON(CH₃)₂}₂] composition running along [001]; the complex belongs to the AT¹¹M¹ ₂ crystal-chemical group (A = UO ₂ ²⁺ , T¹¹ = CrO ₄ ^2? , M¹ = CH₃CON(CH₃)₂) of uranyl complexes. The chains are linked into a three-dimensional framework due to hydrogen bonds between oxygen atoms of chromate ions and hydrogen atoms of methyl groups of the dimethylacetamide.     

Monolithic FeO<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>/Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> catalysts for ammonia oxidation and nitrous oxide decomposition

(1.2–8.3)%FeO_х/Al₂O₃ monolith catalysts have been prepared by impregnating alumina with aqueous solutions of iron(III) nitrate and oxalate and have been tested in NH₃ oxidation and in the selective decomposition of N₂O in mixtures resulting from ammonia oxidation over a Pt–Rh gauze pack under conditions of nitric acid synthesis (800–900°C). In the case of the support calcined at 1200°C, the catalyst is dominated by bulk Fe₂O₃ particles localized on the Al₂O₃ surface. The activity of these samples in both reactions decreases with a decreasing active component content, thus limiting the potential of Fe₂(C₂O₄)₃ · 5H₂O, an environmentally friendlier but poorly soluble compound, as a substitute for Fe(NO₃)₃ · 9H₂O. Decreasing the support calcination temperature to 1000°C or below leads to the formation of a highly defective Fe–Al–O solid solution in the (1.2–2.7)%FeO_х/Al₂O₃ catalysts. The surface layers of the solid solution are enriched with iron ions or stabilize ultrafine FeO_х particles. The catalytic activity of these samples in both reactions is close to the activities measured for ~8%FeO_х/Al₂O₃ samples prepared using iron nitrate.     

Catalytic Systems for the H<Subscript>2</Subscript>S Wet Oxidation at room Temperature

The catalytic wet oxidation process is the most attractive process for small-scale hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) removal from natural gas. The catalytic wet oxidation process is anticipated to be cost effective and simple so that it can be used for treating sour gases containing small amounts of H₂S and can be easily operated even in isolated sites. The development of effective catalyst is the key technology in the wet catalytic oxidation of H₂S. The scale of operation for the process has to be flexible so its use will not be limited by the flow rates of the gas to be treated. The heterogeneous catalytic wet oxidation of H₂S has been attempted on activated carbons, but the H₂S removal capacity still shows the low removal efficiency. The catalytic wet oxidation of H₂S was studied over Fe/MgO for an effective removal of H₂S. In order to develop a sulfur removal technology, one has to know what surface species of catalyst are the most active. This article discusses the following systematic studies: (i) the catalytic preparation to disperse Fe metal well on MgO support for enhancing H₂S removal capacity, (ii) the effect of the catalytic morphology on the activity of Fe/MgO for the H₂S wet oxidation, (iii) the influence of precursor and support on the activity of Fe/MgO for catalytic wet oxidation of H₂S to sulfur.     

Catalytic activity and physicochemical properties of Ni-Au/Al<Subscript>3</Subscript>CrO<Subscript>6</Subscript> system for partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas

This work is focused on the role of gold and Al₃CrO₆ support for physicochemical properties, and catalytic activity of supported nickel catalysts in partial oxidation of methane (POM). Catalysts, containing 5% Ni and 5% Ni-2% Au active phases dispersed on mono- (Al₂O₃, Cr₂O₃) and bi-oxide Al₃CrO₆ support, were investigated by TPR, BET and XRD methods, and the activity tests in POM reaction were carried out. Bimetallic Ni-Au catalysts dispersed on Al₃CrO₆ support remained highly stable and active. The amorphous binary oxide Al₃CrO₆ can stabilize considerable amount of Cr⁴⁺, Cr⁵⁺, and Cr⁶⁺ species in Ni-Au/Al₃CrO₆ catalyst network during its calcination in the air. Nickel supported on binary oxide Ni/Al₃CrO₆ can form Ni(III)CrO₃ bi-oxide phase in reductive conditions. During TPR H2 reduction of Ni-Au/Al₃CrO₆ catalyst chromium(II) oxide Cr(II)O phase is observed. After POM reaction the existence of bimetallic Au-Ni alloy was experimentally confirmed on mono-oxide Al₂O₃ support surface, but its formation was not identified on bioxide Al₃CrO₆ support. Published in Russian in Kinetika i Kataliz, 2009, Vol. 50, No. 1, pp. 149–156. The article is published in the original. Based on a report at the VII Russ. Conf. on Mechanisms of Catalytic Reactions (with international participation), St. Petersburg, July 2–8, 2006.     

Selective oxidation of carbon monoxide in hydrogen-containing gas on CuO-CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> catalysts prepared by surface self-propagating thermal synthesis

The CuO-CeO₂/Al₂O₃ catalysts for the selective oxidation of CO in hydrogen-containing mixtures were prepared by surface self-propagating thermal synthesis (SSTS) with the use of cerium nitrate Ce(NO₃)₃, the ammonia complex of copper acetate [Cu(NH₃)₄](CH₃COO)₂, and citric acid C₆H₈O₇ as a fuel additive. The effect of the C₆H₈O₇/Ce(NO₃)₃ molar ratio on the catalyst activity and selectivity for oxygen was studied. The catalyst samples were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, temperature-programmed reduction (TPR-H₂), IR spectroscopy of adsorbed CO, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that an increase in the C₆H₈O₇/Ce(NO₃)₃ ratio resulted in an increase in the degree of dispersion of the resulting CeO₂ phase. The greatest amount of dispersed CuO particles, which are responsible for catalytic activity in the oxidation of CO, was formed at C₆H₈O₇/Ce(NO₃)₃ = 1.     

Selective oxidation of organic compounds using pyridinium-1-sulfonate fluorochromate,C<Subscript>5</Subscript>H<Subscript>5</Subscript>NSO<Subscript>3</Subscript>H [CrO<Subscript>3</Subscript>F] (<Emphasis Type="Italic">PSFC</Emphasis>)

Efficient selective oxidation of primary, secondary, and benzylic alcohols to the corresponding carbonyl compounds by a new chromium oxidizing reagent, pyridinium-1-sulfonate fluorochromate, C₅H₅NSO₃H [CrO₃F] (PSFC) is reported. Various cholesterol derivatives were easily converted to related oxocholesterol from allylic oxidation at lower temperature in comparison to other general oxidants. This oxidation procedure is simple and affords good yields. Correspondence: Ahmad R. Bekhradnia, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Mazandaran, Iran.     

NH<Subscript>3</Subscript>(CH<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>5</Subscript>NH<Subscript>3</Subscript>BiCl<Subscript>5</Subscript>: an efficient and recyclable catalyst for the synthesis of benzoxazole,benzimidazole and benzothiazole heterocycles

In this work, the condensation of aromatic aldehydes with different two-substituted aniline catalyzed by NH₃(CH₂)₅NH₃BiCl₅ as heterogeneous and recyclable catalyst was reported. It was demonstrated that NH₃(CH₂)₅NH₃BiCl₅ can act as an efficient and active catalyst and is reusable for six runs without a significant loss of their catalytic activity. Simple preparation of the catalyst, high catalytic activity and good reusability are noteworthy advantages of this catalytic system in the synthesis of benzoxazole, benzimidazole and benzothiazole heterocycles at room temperature under solvent-free conditions.     

Selective catalytic oxidation of ammonia into nitrogen and water vapour over transition metals modified Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>, TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> and ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Copper or iron supported on commercially available oxides, such as γ-Al₂O₃, TiO₂ (anatase) and monoclinic tetragonal ZrO₂ (mt-ZrO₂) were tested as catalysts for selective catalytic oxidation of ammonia into nitrogen and water vapour (NH₃-SCO) in the low temperature range. Different commercial oxides were used in this study to determine the influence of the specific surface area, acidic nature of the support and crystalline phases as well as of the type of species and aggregation state of transition metals on the catalytic performance in selective ammonia oxidation. Copper modified oxide supports were found to be more active and selective to nitrogen than catalysts impregnated with iron. Activities of both transition metal modified samples decreased in the following order: mt-ZrO₂, TiO₂ (anatase), γ-Al₂O₃. Quantitative total ammonia conversion was achieved with the Cu/ZrO₂ catalytic system at 400°C. Characterisation techniques, e.g. H₂-temperature programmed reduction, UV-VIS-diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, suggest that easily reducible copper oxide species are important in achieving high catalytic performances at low temperatures.     

Effect of the microstructure of the supported catalysts CuO/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> and CuO/(CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>) on their catalytic properties in carbon monoxide oxidation

The effect of the microstructure of titanium dioxide on the structure, thermal stability, and catalytic properties of supported CuO/TiO₂ and CuO/(CeO₂-TiO₂) catalysts in CO oxidation was studied. The formation of a nanocrystalline structure was found in the CuO/TiO₂ catalysts calcined at 500°C. This nanocrystalline structure consisted of aggregated fine anatase particles about 10 nm in size and interblock boundaries between them, in which Cu²⁺ ions were stabilized. Heat treatment of this catalyst at 700°C led to a change in its microstructure with the formation of fine CuO particles 2.5–3 nm in size, which were strongly bound to the surface of TiO₂ (anatase) with a regular well-ordered crystal structure. In the CuO/(CeO₂-TiO₂) catalysts, the nanocrystalline structure of anatase was thermally more stable than in the CuO/TiO₂ catalyst, and it persisted up to 700°C. The study of the catalytic properties of the resulting catalysts showed that the CuO/(CeO₂-TiO₂) catalysts with the nanocrystalline structure of anatase were characterized by the high-est activity in CO oxidation to CO₂.     

Efficient and convenient oxidation of cyclohexene to adipic acid with H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> catalyzed by H<Subscript>2</Subscript>WO<Subscript>4</Subscript> in acidic ionic liquids

A simple, efficient, and eco-friendly catalytic system for the oxidation of cyclohexene to adipic acid with H₂O₂ catalyzed by H₂WO₄ in Brønsted acidic ionic liquids under solvent-free conditions has been developed. Reaction conditions such as the catalysts, the types of anions and cations for Brønsted acidic ionic liquids, reaction temperature, and the amount of hydrogen peroxide, were investigated. Moreover, the Hammett acidity functions (H ₀) of Brønsted acidic ionic liquids were determined using UV–visible spectrophotometry. The optimum reaction condition identified was n(H₂WO₄):n(Brønsted acidic ionic liquids):n(cyclohexene):n(H₂O₂) = 0.02:0.02:1:4.4, and the yield of adipic acid was 96% under the reaction scale of 10 mmol. The catalytic system can be easily recovered and reused for four reaction runs without significant loss of catalytic activity. Simple operation of the catalyst system and avoidance of the emission of nitrous oxide are the benefits of this work.     

Quantum-chemical analysis and experimental study of the process of the silica surface interaction with the CrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cl<Subscript>2</Subscript> and VOCl<Subscript>3</Subscript> vapor mixture

We accomplished a synthesis of the two-component vanadium-chromium containing monolayer on the silica surface by treating the latter with a mixture of CrO₂Cl₂ and VOCl₃ vapors. Analysis of the chemical reactions on the substrate surface is carried out using quantum-chemical modeling. The calculated VOCl₃ reactivity is higher than that of CrO₂Cl₂, which requires the use of an excess of the chromium oxychloride in the reaction mixture to provide a control over the coating composition in a wide range of concentrations. The quantitative forecast of the reaction product composition indicates a significant role of the synthesis temperature and structural strain at the formation of the monolayer. We carried out an experimental synthesis of the two-component coating by the method of molecular layering (ML) under the conditions derived from quantum-chemical predictions, at a concentration ratio of chromium and vanadium in the range from 0.5 to 2.6, and showed the ability of control over the product composition. Based on a comparison of experimental and calculated data the structural strains and the quantitative ratio of the surface centers of different local structure were estimated. The results obtained using infrared Fourier spectroscopy confirm the agreement between the experimental data and the quantum-chemical predictions.     

Bimetallic Pt<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Co<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>/SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Catalyst: Preparation,Structure, and Properties in Preferential Oxidation of Carbon Monoxide

The Pt_0.5Со_0.5/SiO₂ catalyst has been prepared by the decomposition of a [Pt(NH₃)₄][Co(C₂O₄)₂(H₂O)₂]. 2H₂O binary complex salt supported in the pores of SiO₂ pellets. It has been shown by a complex of physical and chemical methods that Pt_0.5Со_0.5/SiO₂ contains alloy nanoparticles with an average composition Pt0.5Co0.5. The catalytic properties of Pt_0.5Со_0.5/SiO₂ are studied in the preferential oxidation of СО in the reaction mixtures with various compositions. It was found that Pt_0.5Со_0.5/SiO₂ has a high selectivity and makes it possible to decrease the outlet concentration of CO to a level of <10 ppm, and the presence of СО₂ and/or Н₂О in the reaction mixture almost does not affect its catalytic properties. The structure of the catalyst is stable under the conditions of preferential CO oxidation.     

Gold catalysts supported on ZnO/Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> for low-temperature CO oxidation

Gold catalysts with loadings ranging from 0.5 to 7.0 wt% on a ZnO/Al₂O₃ support were prepared by the deposition–precipitation method (Au/ZnO/Al₂O₃) with ammonium bicarbonate as the precipitation agent and were evaluated for performance in CO oxidation. These catalysts were characterized by inductively coupled plasma-atom emission spectrometry, temperature programmed reduction, and scanning transmission electron microscopy. The catalytic activity for CO oxidation was measured using a flow reactor under atmospheric pressure. Catalytic activity was found to be strongly dependent on the reduction property of oxygen adsorbed on the gold surface, which related to gold particle size. Higher catalytic activity was found when the gold particles had an average diameter of 3–5 nm; in this range, gold catalysts were more active than the Pt/ZnO/Al₂O₃ catalyst in CO oxidation. Au/ZnO/Al₂O₃ catalyst with small amount of ZnO is more active than Au/Al₂O₃ catalyst due to higher dispersion of gold particles.     

Thermal decomposition of [Cd(NH<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>6</Subscript>](NO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Thermal decomposition of [Cd(NH₃)₆](NO₃)₂ was studied by thermogravimetry (TG) with simultaneous differential thermal analysis (SDTA) for two samples and at two different sets of measurement parameters. The gaseous products of the decomposition were on-line identified by evolved gas analysis (EGA) with a quadruple mass spectrometer (QMS). The decomposition of the title compound proceeds, for both cases, in the three main stages. In the first stage, deammination of [Cd(NH₃)₆](NO₃)₂ to [Cd(NH₃)](NO₃)₂ undergoes by three steps and 5/6 of all NH₃ molecules are liberated. At second stage the liberation of residual 1/6NH₃ molecules and the formation of Cd(NO₃)₂ undergoes. However, during this process simultaneously a two-step oxidation of a part of ammonia molecules also takes place. In a first step as a result a mixture of ammonia, water vapour and nitrogen is formatted. At the second step, subsequent oxidation of a next part of NH₃ molecules undergoes. As a result, a mixture of nitrogen oxide, nitrogen and water vapour is formatted, what for these both steps clearly indicates the EGA analysis. The third stage of the thermal decomposition is connected with the melting and subsequent decomposition of residual Cd(NO₃)₂ to oxygen, nitrogen dioxide and solid CdO. Additionally, third sample was measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the results are fully consistent with those obtained by TG.     

Influence of pH on the incorporation and growth of Pb<Subscript>2</Subscript>CrO<Subscript>5</Subscript> crystallites in silica matrix

Pb₂CrO₅ nanoparticles were embedded in an amorphous SiO₂ matrix by the sol–gel process. The pH and heat treatment effects were evaluated in terms of structural, microstructural and optical properties from Pb₂CrO₅/SiO₂ compounds. X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and diffuse reflectance techniques were employed. Kubelka–Munk theory was used to calculate diffuse reflectance spectra that were compared to the experimental results. Finally, colorimetric coordinates of the Pb₂CrO₅/SiO₂ compounds were shown and discussed. In general, an acid pH initially dissolves Pb₂CrO₅ nanoparticles and following heat treatment at 600 °C crystallized into PbCrO₄ composition with grain size around 6 nm in SiO₂ matrix. No Pb₂CrO₅ solubilization was observed for basic pH. These nanoparticles were incorporated in silica matrix showing a variety of color ranging from yellow to orange.     

Phase equilibria in the ternary systems NaCl–NaI–Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>CrO<Subscript>4</Subscript> and KCl–KI–K<Subscript>2</Subscript>CrO<Subscript>4</Subscript>

The ternary systems NaCl–NaI–Na₂CrO₄ and KCl–KI–K₂CrO₄ were studied by differential thermal analysis. In the systems, the melting points and compositions of alloys at ternary eutectic points were determined. The compositions of crystallizing phases in the eutectics were confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction analysis.     

Oxidation of benzyl alcohol by K<Subscript>2</Subscript>FeO<Subscript>4</Subscript> to benzaldehyde over zeolites

A novel and green procedure for benzaldehyde synthesis by potassium ferrate oxidation of benzyl alcohol employing zeolite catalysts was studied. The prepared oxidant was characterized by SEM and XRD. The catalytic activity of various solid catalysts was studied using benzyl alcohol as a model compound. USY was found to be a very efficient catalyst for this particular oxidation process. Benzaldehyde yields up to 96.0% could be obtained at the following optimal conditions: 0.2 mL of benzyl alcohol, 4 mmol of K₂FeO₄, 0.5 g of USY zeolite; 20 mL of cyclohexene, 0.3 mL of acetic acid (36 wt %), 30°C temperature, 4 h reaction time.     

Dependence of the Physicochemical and Catalytic Properties of Ce<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Zr<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> Oxide on the Means of Synthesis

The effect the means of synthesis have on the texture, phase composition, redox properties, and catalytic activity of binary oxide systems with the composition Ce_0.5Zr_0.5O₂ are studied. The obtained samples are characterized via BET, SEM, DTA, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. A comparative analysis is performed of the physicochemical properties of biomorphic systems Ce_0.5Zr_0.5O₂ obtained using wood sawdust and cellulose as templates and the properties of binary oxides of the same composition obtained by template-free means. The catalytic properties of the obtained oxide systems Ce_0.5Zr_0.5O₂ are studied in the reaction of carbon black oxidation. It is shown that the texture of the oxide depends on the means of synthesis. When biotemplates are used, fragile porous systems form from thin binary oxide plates containing micro-, meso-, and macropores. Oxide obtained via coprecipitation consists of dense agglomerates with pores around 30 Å in size. In supercritical water, nanoparticles of metal oxide form that are loosely agglomerated. The intermediate spaces between them act as pores more than 100 Å in size. A system of single-phase pseudocubic modification is obtained using a cellulose template. The crystal lattices of all the obtained systems contain a great many defects. It is shown that the system prepared via synthesis in supercritical water has the best oxygen-exchange properties. A comparative analysis is performed of the effect the physicochemical properties of the samples have on their activity in the catalytic oxidation of carbon black.     

Quantum chemical modeling of possible reactions of mononuclear iron nitrosyl complex [Fe(SC(NH<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(NO)<Subscript>2</Subscript>]Cl•H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O in an aqueous solution

Possible reactions of the mononuclear iron nitrosyl complex [Fe(SC(NH₂)₂)₂(NO)₂]Сl?H₂O in an aqueous solution were studied using quantum chemical modeling. The electronic structures of the possible intermediates were examined by the NBO and AIM methods. The substitution of the thio ligand in the iron—sulfur nitrosyl complex by a water molecule and the formation of dimeric intermediate complexes were found to facilitate the NO-donation process.     

Synthesis of the mixed oxide catalysts based upon the nickel-copper hydrotalcites of the type Ni<Subscript>x</Subscript>Cu<Subscript>6-x</Subscript>Cr<Subscript>2</Subscript>(OH)<Subscript>16</Subscript>(CO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)×4H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O

Summary High resolution TG coupled to a gas evolution mass spectrometer has been used to study the thermal properties of a chromium based series of Ni/Cu hydrotalcites of formulae Ni_xCu_6-xCr₂(OH)₁₆(CO₃)×4H₂O where x varied from 6 to 0. The effect of increased Cu composition results in the increase of the endotherms and mass loss steps to higher temperatures. Evolved gas mass spectrometry shows that water is lost in a number of steps and that the interlayer carbonate anion is lost simultaneously with hydroxyl units. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to determine the heat flow steps for the thermal decomposition of the synthetic hydrotalcites. Hydrotalcites in which M²⁺ consist of Cu, Ni or Co form important precursors for mixed metal-oxide catalysts. The application of these mixed metal oxides is in the wet catalytic oxidation of low concentrations of retractable organics in water. Therefore, the thermal behaviour of synthetic hydrotalcites, Ni_xCu_6-xCr₂(OH)₁₆CO₃×nH₂O was studied by thermal analysis techniques in order to determine the correct temperatures for the synthesis of the mixed metal oxides.