Metal-incorporated mesoporous oxides: Synthesis and applications

Mesoporous oxides are outstanding metal nanoparticle catalyst supports owing to their well-defined porous structures. Such mesoporous architectures not only prevent the aggregation of metal nanoparticles but also enhance their catalytic performance. Metal/metal oxide heterojunctions exhibit unique chemical and physical properties because of the surface reconstruction around the junction and electron transfer/interaction across the interface. This article reviews the methods used for synthesizing metal-supported hybrid nanostructures and their applications as catalysts for environmental remediation and sensors for detecting hazardous materials.

Transfer Hydrogenation of Alkenes Using Ethanol Catalyzed by a NCP Pincer Iridium Complex: Scope and Mechanism

The first general catalytic approach to effecting transfer hydrogenation (TH) of unactivated alkenes using ethanol as the hydrogen source is described. A new NCP-type pincer iridium complex (^BQ-NC^OP)IrHCl containing a rigid benzoquinoline backbone has been developed for efficient, mild TH of unactivated C-C multiple bonds with ethanol, forming ethyl acetate as the sole byproduct. A wide variety of alkenes, including multisubstituted alkyl alkenes, aryl alkenes, and heteroatom-substituted alkenes, as well as O- or N-containing heteroarenes and internal alkynes, are suitable substrates. Importantly, the (^BQ-NC^OP)Ir/EtOH system exhibits high chemoselectivity for alkene hydrogenation in the presence of reactive functional groups, such as ketones and carboxylic acids. Furthermore, the reaction with C₂D₅OD provides a convenient route to deuterium-labeled compounds. Detailed kinetic and mechanistic studies have revealed that monosubstituted alkenes (e.g., 1-octene, styrene) and multisubstituted alkenes (e.g., cyclooctene (COE)) exhibit fundamental mechanistic difference. The OH group of ethanol displays a normal kinetic isotope effect (KIE) in the reaction of styrene, but a substantial inverse KIE in the case of COE. The catalysis of styrene or 1-octene with relatively strong binding affinity to the Ir(I) center has (^BQ-NC^OP)Ir^I(alkene) adduct as an off-cycle catalyst resting state, and the rate law shows a positive order in EtOH, inverse first-order in styrene, and first-order in the catalyst. In contrast, the catalysis of COE has an off-cycle catalyst resting state of (^BQ-NC^OP)Ir^III(H)[O(Et)···HO(Et)···HOEt] that features a six-membered iridacycle consisting of two hydrogen-bonds between one EtO ligand and two EtOH molecules, one of which is coordinated to the Ir(III) center. The rate law shows a negative order in EtOH, zeroth-order in COE, and first-order in the catalyst. The observed inverse KIE corresponds to an inverse equilibrium isotope effect for the pre-equilibrium formation of (^BQ-NC^OP)Ir^III(H)(OEt) from the catalyst resting state via ethanol dissociation. Regardless of the substrate, ethanol dehydrogenation is the slow segment of the catalytic cycle, while alkene hydrogenation occurs readily following the rate-determining step, that is, β-hydride elimination of (^BQ-NC^OP)Ir(H)(OEt) to form (^BQ-NC^OP)Ir(H)₂ and acetaldehyde. The latter is effectively converted to innocent ethyl acetate under the catalytic conditions, thus avoiding the catalyst poisoning via iridium-mediated decarbonylation of acetaldehyde.

Size-Dependent Catalytic Activity of Palladium Nanoparticles Fabricated in Porous Organic Polymers for Alkene Hydrogenation at Room Temperature

Ultrafine palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) with 8 and 3 nm sizes were effectively fabricated in triazine functionalized porous organic polymer (POP) TRIA that was developed by nonaqueous polymerization of 2,4,6-triallyoxy-1,3,5-triazine. The Pd NPs encapsulated POP (Pd-POP) was fully characterized using several techniques. Further studies revealed an excellent capability of Pd-POP for catalytic transfer hydrogenation of alkenes at room temperature with superior catalytic performance and high selectivity of desired products. Highly flammable H2 gas balloon at high pressure and temperature used in conventional hydrogenation reactions was not needed in the present synthetic system. Catalytic activity is strongly dependent on the size of encapsulated Pd NPs in the POP. The Pd-POP catalyst with Pd NPs of 8 nm in diameter exhibited higher catalytic activity for alkene hydrogenation as compared with the Pd-POP catalyst encapsulating 3 nm Pd NPs. Computational studies were undertaken to gain insights into different catalytic activities of these two Pd-POP catalysts. High reusability and stability as well as no Pd leaching of these Pd-POP catalysts make them highly applicable for hydrogenation reactions at room temperature.

A facile and efficient synthesis of polystyrene/gold–platinum composite particles and their application for aerobic oxidation of alcohols in water

Herein a facile and effective synthesis of the polystyrene/gold–platinum composite particles with high catalytic activity and good recyclability for aerobic oxidation of 1-phenylethanol under mild conditions is reported.