Gas-phase reactions of pd with acetone: A theoretical investigation using density functional theory

The gas-phase reaction of palladium atom with acetone is investigated using density functional theory. Geometries and energies of the reactants, intermediates, and products involved are calculated. Both ground and excited state potential energy surfaces are investigated in detail. The present results show that the title reaction start with the formation of an ??²-CH₃COCH₃-metal complex, followed by C-O, C-H, and C-C activation. These reactions can lead to four different products (PdO + C₃H₆, PdCH₂COCH₃ + H, PdCH₂ + CH₃CHO, and PdCOCH₂ + CH₄). The present results may be helpful in understanding the mechanism of the title reaction and further experimental investigation of the reaction.