Unveiling the CO Oxidation Mechanism over a Molecularly Defined Copper Single-Atom Catalyst Supported on a Metal-Organic Framework

Elucidating the reaction mechanism in heterogeneous catalysis is critically important for catalyst development, yet remains challenging because of the often unclear nature of the active sites. Using a molecularly defined copper single-atom catalyst supported on a UiO-66 metal-organic framework (Cu/UiO-66), allows a detailed mechanistic elucidation of the CO oxidation reaction. Based on a combination of in situ / operando spectroscopies, kinetic measurements including kinetic isotope effects, and density functional theory-based calculations, we identified the active site, reaction intermediates, and transition states of the dominant reaction cycle as well as the changes in oxidation/spin state during reaction. The reaction involves the continuous reactive dissociation of adsorbed O2, by reaction of O2,ad with COad, leading to the formation of an O atom connecting the Cu center with a neighboring Zr4+ ion as rate limiting step. This is removed in a second activated step.

Tailoring Active Cu2O/Copper Interface Sites for N-Formylation of Aliphatic Primary Amines with CO2/H2

Heterogenous catalyzed N-formylation of amines to formamide with CO2/H2 has been highly attractive on the valorization of the CO2. However, the relationship of the catalytic performance with the catalyst structure is still elusive. Herein, the mixed-valence catalysts containing Cu2O/Cu interface sites were constructed for this transformation. Both aliphatic primary and secondary amines with diverse structures were efficiently converted into the desired formamides with good to excellent yields. Combined ex and in situ catalyst characterizations revealed that the presence of Cu2O/Cu interface sites was vital for the excellent catalytic activity. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrated that better catalytic activity of Cu2O/Cu(111) than Cu(111) can be attributed to the assistance of oxygen at the Cu2O/Cu interface (Ointer) in formation of Ointer-H moieties, which not only reduce the apparent barrier of HCOOH formation but also benefit the desorption of the desired N-formylated amine, leading to the high activity and selectivity.

Photoexcited cobalt catalysed endo-selective alkyl Heck reaction

Herein, we report an intramolecular endo-selective Heck reaction of iodomethylsilyl ethers of phenols and alkenols. The reaction leads to the formation of seven- and eight-membered siloxycycles in excellent yields, which could be further converted into the corresponding allylic alcohols upon oxidation. Thus, this method could be used for the selective (Z)-hydroxymethylation of o-hydroxystyrenes and alkenols. Rapid scan EPR experiments and DFT calculations suggest a concerted β-hydrogen elimination event to take place in the triplet state.

Glycolaldehyde as a Bio-Based C1 Building Block for Selective N-Formylation of Secondary Amines

Biomass derived glycolaldehyde was employed as C1 building block for the N-formylation of secondary amines using air as oxidant. The reaction is atom economic, highly selective and proceeds under catalyst free conditions. This strategy can be used for the synthesis of cyclic and acyclic formylamines, including DMF. Mechanistic studies suggest a radical oxidation pathway.

Oxygen vacancies in Ru/TiO2 - drivers of low-temperature CO2 methanation assessed by multimodal operando spectroscopy

Hydrogenation of CO₂ is very attractive for transforming this greenhouse gas into valuable high energy density compounds. In this work, we developed a highly active and stable Ru/TiO₂ catalyst for CO₂ methanation prepared by a solgel method that revealed much higher activity in methanation of CO₂ (ca. 4–14 times higher turnover frequencies at 140–210°C) than state-of-the-art Ru/TiO₂ catalysts and a control sample prepared by wetness impregnation. This is attributed to a high concentration of O-vacancies, inherent to the solgel methodology, which play a dual role for 1) activation of CO₂ and 2) transfer of electrons to interfacial Ru sites as evident from operando DRIFTS and in situ EPR investigations. These results suggest that charge transfer from O-vacancies to interfacial Ru sites and subsequent electron donation from filled metal d-orbitals to antibonding orbitals of adsorbed CO are decisive factors in boosting the CO₂ methanation activity.

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Solgel prepared Ru/TiO₂ outperforms methanation activity of similar materials

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Reliable insight of O-vacancies role is gained by combined operando techniques

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Enhanced interaction of O-vacancy-Ru⁰ sites boosts methane rate

Scalable and selective deuteration of (hetero)arenes

Isotope labelling, particularly deuteration, is an important tool for the development of new drugs, specifically for identification and quantification of metabolites. For this purpose, many efficient methodologies have been developed that allow for the small-scale synthesis of selectively deuterated compounds. Due to the development of deuterated compounds as active drug ingredients, there is a growing interest in scalable methods for deuteration. The development of methodologies for large-scale deuterium labelling in industrial settings requires technologies that are reliable, robust and scalable. Here we show that a nanostructured iron catalyst, prepared by combining cellulose with abundant iron salts, permits the selective deuteration of (hetero)arenes including anilines, phenols, indoles and other heterocycles, using inexpensive D₂O under hydrogen pressure. This methodology represents an easily scalable deuteration (demonstrated by the synthesis of deuterium-containing products on the kilogram scale) and the air- and water-stable catalyst enables efficient labelling in a straightforward manner with high quality control.

A method for the selective deuteration of anilines, indoles, phenols and heterocyclic compounds, including natural products and other bioactive molecules, has been developed. The nanostructured iron catalyst that underpins this process is prepared by combining cellulose with iron salts and has been used for the preparation of deuterated compounds on up to a kilogram scale.

Catalytic and mechanistic studies of a highly active and E-selective Co(II) PNNH pincer catalyst system for transfer-semihydrogenation of internal alkynes

Herein we report the application of a Co(II) PNNH pincer catalyst system (PNNH = 2-(5-(t-butyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-6-(dialkylphosphinomethyl)pyridine) for the highly E-selective transfer semihydrogenation of internal diaryl alkynes using methanol and ammonia borane...

Correction: Catalytic and mechanistic studies of a highly active and E-selective Co(ii) PNNH pincer catalyst system for transfer-semihydrogenation of internal alkynes

Correction for ‘Catalytic and mechanistic studies of a highly active and E-selective Co(ii) PNNH pincer catalyst system for transfer-semihydrogenation of internal alkynes’ by David Decker et al., Inorg. Chem. Front., 2022, DOI: 10.1039/d1qi00998b.

Supported CuII Single-Ion Catalyst for Total Carbon Utilization of C2 and C3 Biomass-Based Platform Molecules in the N-Formylation of Amines

The shift from fossil carbon sources to renewable ones is vital for developing sustainable chemical processes to produce valuable chemicals. In this work, value‐added formamides were synthesized in good yields by the reaction of amines with C₂ and C₃ biomass‐based platform molecules such as glycolic acid, 1,3‐dihydroxyacetone and glyceraldehyde. These feedstocks were selectively converted by catalysts based on Cu‐containing zeolite 5A through the in situ formation of carbonyl‐containing intermediates. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example in which all the carbon atoms in biomass‐based feedstocks could be amidated to produce formamide. Combined catalyst characterization results revealed preferably single Cu^II sites on the surface of Cu/5A, some of which form small clusters, but without direct linking via oxygen bridges. By combining the results of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin‐trapping, operando attenuated total reflection (ATR) IR spectroscopy and control experiments, it was found that the formation of formamides might involve a HCOOH‐like intermediate and ^.NHPh radicals, in which the selective formation of ^.OOH radicals might play a key role.

Dihydroxyacetone valorization with high atom efficiency via controlling radical oxidation pathways over natural mineral-inspired catalyst

Diminishing fossil fuel resources and calls for sustainability are driving the urgent need for efficient valorization of renewable resources with high atom efficiency. Inspired from the natural goethite mineral with Mn paragenesis, we develop cost-effective MnO2/goethite catalysts for the efficient valorization of dihydroxyacetone, an important biomass-based platform molecule, into value-added glycolic acid and formic acid with 83.2% and 93.4% yields. The DHA substrates first undergo C-C cleavage to selectively form glycolic acid and hydroxymethyl (·CH2OH) radicals, which are further oxidized into formic acid. The kinetic and isotopic labeling experiments reveal that the catalase-like activity of MnO2 turns the oxidative radicals into oxygen, which then switches towards a hydroxymethyl peroxide (HMOO) pathway for formic acid generation and prevents formic acid over-oxidation. This nature-inspired catalyst design not only significantly improves the carbon efficiency to 86.6%, but also enhances the oxygen atom utilization efficiency from 11.2% to 46.6%, indicating a promising biomass valorization process.

Ni-In Synergy in CO2 Hydrogenation to Methanol

Indium oxide (In2O3) is a promising catalyst for selective CH3OH synthesis from CO2 but displays insufficient activity at low reaction temperatures. By screening a range of promoters (Co, Ni, Cu, and Pd) in combination with In2O3 using flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) synthesis, Ni is identified as the most suitable first-row transition-metal promoter with similar performance as Pd-In2O3. NiO-In2O3 was optimized by varying the Ni/In ratio using FSP. The resulting catalysts including In2O3 and NiO end members have similar high specific surface areas and morphology. The main products of CO2 hydrogenation are CH3OH and CO with CH4 being only observed at high NiO loading (≥75 wt %). The highest CH3OH rate (∼0.25 gMeOH/(gcat h), 250 °C, and 30 bar) is obtained for a NiO loading of 6 wt %. Characterization of the as-prepared catalysts reveals a strong interaction between Ni cations and In2O3 at low NiO loading (≤6 wt %). H2-TPR points to a higher surface density of oxygen vacancy (Ov) due to Ni substitution. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and electron paramagnetic resonance analysis of the used catalysts suggest that Ni cations can be reduced to Ni as single atoms and very small clusters during CO2 hydrogenation. Supportive density functional theory calculations indicate that Ni promotion of CH3OH synthesis from CO2 is mainly due to low-barrier H2 dissociation on the reduced Ni surface species, facilitating hydrogenation of adsorbed CO2 on Ov.

Insight into the properties of MnO2-Co3O4-CeO2 catalyst series for the selective catalytic reduction of NOx by C3H6 and NH3

A series of MnO₂-Co₃O₄-CeO₂ catalysts with different ceria loading (0.75, 1.26 and 1.88 Ce/Mn molar ratio) were synthesized by a co-precipitation technique and the catalytic activity was tested for selective catalytic reduction of NO_x by C₃H₆ or NH₃. The catalysts were characterized by various physicochemical techniques to examine the effect of ceria loading on the properties of catalysts, such as crystallinity of metal species, surface area, porosity, and acidity using physical adsorption analysis, SEM-EDX, H₂-TPR, XRD, NH₃-TPD and in-situ FTIR spectroscopy. Ceria loading had a significant effect on the reduction of NO_x, with the catalyst having low amount of ceria loading (Ce/Mn = 0.75) showing excellent performance at low-temperature conditions, but the activity declined at higher temperature. The high ceria loading (Ce/Mn = 1.88) catalyst showed poor activity compared to the counterparts owing to the lower number of acid sites and the resulting lower adsorption capacity.

Simultaneously Tuning the Defects and Surface Properties of Ta3N5 Nanoparticles by Mg-Zr Codoping for Significantly Accelerated Photocatalytic H2 Evolution

The simultaneous control of the defect species and surface properties of semiconducting materials is a crucial aspect of improving photocatalytic performance, yet it remains challenging. Here, we synthesized Mg-Zr-codoped single-crystalline Ta₃N₅ (Ta₃N₅:Mg+Zr) nanoparticles by a brief NH₃ nitridation process, exhibiting photocatalytic water reduction activity 45 times greater than that of pristine Ta₃N₅ under visible light. A coherent picture of the relations between the defect species (comprising reduced Ta, nitrogen vacancies and oxygen impurities), surface properties (associated with dispersion of the Pt cocatalyst), charge carrier dynamics, and photocatalytic activities was drawn. The tuning of defects and simultaneous optimization of surface properties resulting from the codoping evidently resulted in the generation of high concentrations of long-lived electrons in this material as well as the efficient migration of these electrons to evenly distributed surface Pt sites. These effects greatly enhanced the photocatalytic activity. This work highlights the importance and feasibility of improving multiple properties of a catalytic material via a one-step strategy.

Peanut-induced anaphylaxis in children and adolescents: Data from the European Anaphylaxis Registry

BACKGROUND

Peanut allergy has a rising prevalence in high-income countries, affecting 0.5%-1.4% of children. This study aimed to better understand peanut anaphylaxis in comparison to anaphylaxis to other food triggers in European children and adolescents.

METHODS

Data was sourced from the European Anaphylaxis Registry via an online questionnaire, after in-depth review of food-induced anaphylaxis cases in a tertiary paediatric allergy centre.

RESULTS

3514 cases of food anaphylaxis were reported between July 2007 - March 2018, 56% in patients younger than 18 years. Peanut anaphylaxis was recorded in 459 children and adolescents (85% of all peanut anaphylaxis cases). Previous reactions (42% vs. 38%; p = .001), asthma comorbidity (47% vs. 35%; p < .001), relevant cofactors (29% vs. 22%; p = .004) and biphasic reactions (10% vs. 4%; p = .001) were more commonly reported in peanut anaphylaxis. Most cases were labelled as severe anaphylaxis (Ring&Messmer grade III 65% vs. 56% and grade IV 1.1% vs. 0.9%; p = .001). Self-administration of intramuscular adrenaline was low (17% vs. 15%), professional adrenaline administration was higher in non-peanut food anaphylaxis (34% vs. 26%; p = .003). Hospitalization was higher for peanut anaphylaxis (67% vs. 54%; p = .004).

CONCLUSIONS

The European Anaphylaxis Registry data confirmed peanut as one of the major causes of severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reactions in European children, with some characteristic features e.g., presence of asthma comorbidity and increased rate of biphasic reactions. Usage of intramuscular adrenaline as first-line treatment is low and needs to be improved. The Registry, designed as the largest database on anaphylaxis, allows continuous assessment of this condition.

Avoiding Pitfalls in Comparison of Activity and Selectivity of Solid Catalysts for Electrochemical HMF Oxidation

Electrocatalytic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) offers a renewable approach to produce the value-added platform chemical 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA). The key for the economic viability of this approach is to develop active and selective electrocatalysts. Nevertheless, a reliable catalyst evaluation protocol is still missing, leading to elusive conclusions on criteria for a high-performing catalyst. Herein, we demonstrate that besides the catalyst identity, secondary parameters such as materials of conductive substrates for the working electrode, concentration of the supporting electrolyte, and electrolyzer configurations have profound impact on the catalyst performance and thus need to be optimized before assessing the true activity of a catalyst. Moreover, we highlight the importance of those secondary parameters in suppressing side reactions, which has long been overlooked. The protocol is validated by evaluating the performance of free-standing Cu-foam, and CuCoO modified with NaPO2 H2 and Ni, which were immobilized on boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes. Recommended practices and figure of merits in carefully evaluating the catalyst performance are proposed.

Visible-Light-Induced Palladium-Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Carbonylation of Amines to Oxalamides

The palladium-catalyzed oxidative carbonylation of amines toward the synthesis of oxalamides has been established around 30 years ago and it usually needs the presence of (over)stoichiometric amounts of oxidant. In this work, the first transformation of this type in which the oxidant was replaced by visible light is described. The new approach uses a simple robust Pd complex, which can even be partially recycled. A mechanistic reason is provided and supported by control experiments and EPR studies, showing that Pd^I was formed and Pd⁰ was the active species. Both nitrogen- and the intermediate acyl radical can be detected. Moreover, the formation of hydrogen was confirmed by gas GC.

Rhodium-catalyzed carbonylative coupling of alkyl halides with thiols: a radical process faster than easier nucleophilic substitution

How to make a carbonylative coupling faster than the easier nucleophilic substitution? In this communication, a rhodium-catalyzed radical-based carbonylative coupling of alkyl halides with thiolphenols has been realized. Thioesters were isolated in good yields in general.

Promoting Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Activity of Graphitic Carbon Nitride with Hole-Transfer Agents

Visible light-driven photocatalytic reduction of protons to H₂ is considered a promising way of solar-to-chemical energy conversion. Effective transfer of the photogenerated electrons and holes to the surface of the photocatalyst by minimizing their recombination is essential for achieving a high photocatalytic activity. In general, a sacrificial electron donor is used as a hole scavenger to remove photogenerated holes from the valence band for the continuation of the photocatalytic hydrogen (H₂ ) evolution process. Here, for the first time, the hole-transfer dynamics from Pt-loaded sol-gel-prepared graphitic carbon nitride (Pt-sg-CN) photocatalyst were investigated using different adsorbed hole acceptors along with a sacrificial agent (ascorbic acid). A significant increment (4.84 times) in H₂ production was achieved by employing phenothiazine (PTZ) as the hole acceptor with continuous H₂ production for 3 days. A detailed charge-transfer dynamic of the photocatalytic process in the presence of the hole acceptors was examined by time-resolved photoluminescence and in situ electron paramagnetic resonance studies.

Oligomerization of n-butenes over Ni/SiO2–Al2O3: influence of support modification by steam-treating

The acidic properties of a selected SiO₂–Al₂O₃ support material have been modified by steam-treating to study the influence on the formation of active nickel sites for butene oligomerization.

Selective nickel-catalyzed fluoroalkylations of olefins

Mild and selective nickel-catalyzed trifluoromethylation and perfluoroalkylation reactions of alkenes were developed to provide fluorinated olefins, including natural products, pharmaceuticals, and variety of synthetic building blocks in good to excellent yields (38 examples). Control experiments, kinetic measurements and in situ EPR studies reveal the importance of radical species and the formation of 1,2-adducts as intermediates.

Effect of Formaldehyde in Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx by Ammonia (NH3-SCR) on a Commercial V2O5-WO3/TiO2 Catalyst under Model Conditions

The impact of formaldehyde (HCHO, formed in vehicle exhaust gases by incomplete combustion of fuel) on the performance of a commercial V₂O₅-WO₃/TiO₂ catalyst in NH₃-SCR of NO_x under dry conditions has been analyzed in detail by catalytic tests, in situ FTIR and transient studies using temporal analysis of products (TAP). HCHO reacts preferentially with NH₃ to a formamide (HCONH₂) surface intermediate. This deprives NH₃ partly from its desired role as a reducing agent in the SCR and diminishes NO conversion and N₂ selectivity. Between 250 and 400 °C, HCONH₂ decomposes by dehydration (major pathway) and decarbonylation (minor pathway) to liberate toxic HCN and CO, respectively. HCN was proven to be oxidized by lattice oxygen of the catalyst to CO₂ and NO, which enters the NH₃-SCR reaction.

Cobalt Single-Atom Catalysts with High Stability for Selective Dehydrogenation of Formic Acid

Metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived Co-N-C catalysts with isolated single cobalt atoms have been synthesized and compared with cobalt nanoparticles for formic acid dehydrogenation. The atomically dispersed Co-N-C catalyst achieves superior activity, better acid resistance, and improved long-term stability compared with nanoparticles synthesized by a similar route. High-angle annular dark-field-scanning transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, and X-ray absorption fine structure characterizations reveal the formation of CoII Nx centers as active sites. The optimal low-cost catalyst is a promising candidate for liquid H2 generation.

Visible-Light Photocatalytic Ozonation Using Graphitic C3N4 Catalysts: A Hydroxyl Radical Manufacturer for Wastewater Treatment

Photocatalytic ozonation (light/O₃/photocatalyst), an independent advanced oxidation process (AOP) proposed in 1996, has demonstrated over the past two decades its robust oxidation capacity and potential for practical wastewater treatment using sunlight and air (source of ozone). However, its development is restricted by two main issues: (i) a lack of breakthrough catalysts working under visible light (42-43% of sunlight in energy) as well as ambiguous property-activity relationships and (ii) unclear fundamental reasons underlying its high yield of hydroxyl radicals (^•OH). In this Account, we summarize our substantial contributions to solving these issues, including (i) new-generation graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) catalysts with excellent performance for photocatalytic ozonation under visible light, (ii) mechanisms of charge carrier transfer and reactive oxygen species (ROS) evolution, (iii) property-activity relationships, and (iv) chemical and working stabilities of g-C₃N₄ catalysts. On this basis, the principles/directions for future catalyst design/optimization are discussed, and a new concept of integrating solar photocatalytic ozonation with catalytic ozonation in one plant for continuous treatment of wastewater regardless of sunlight availability is proposed.The story starts from our finding that bulk/nanosheet/nanoporous g-C₃N₄ triggers a strong synergy between visible light (vis) and ozone, causing efficient mineralization of a wide variety of organic pollutants. Taking bulk g-C₃N₄ as an example, photocatalytic ozonation (vis/O₃/g-C₃N₄) causes the mineralization of oxalic acid (a model pollutant) at a rate 95.8 times higher than the sum of photocatalytic oxidation (vis/O₂/g-C₃N₄) and ozonation. To unravel this synergism, we developed a method based on in situ electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy coupled with an online spin trapping technique for monitoring under realistic aqueous conditions the generation and transfer of photoinduced charge carriers and their reaction with dissolved O₃/O₂ to form ROS. The presence of only 2.1 mol % O₃ in the inlet O₂ gas stream can trap 1-2 times more conduction band electrons than pure O₂ and shifts the reaction pathway from inefficient three-electron reduction of O₂ (O₂ → ^•O₂^- → HO₂^• → H₂O₂ → ^•OH) to more efficient one-electron reduction of O₃ (O₃ → ^•O₃^- → HO₃^• → ^•OH), thereby increasing the yield of ^•OH by a factor of 17. Next, we confirmed band structure as a decisive factor for catalytic performance and established a new concept for resolving this relationship, involving "the number of reactive charge carriers". An optimum balance between the number and reducing ability of photoinduced electrons, which depends on the interplay between the band gap and the conduction band edge potential, is a key property for highly active g-C₃N₄ catalysts. Furthermore, we demonstrated that g-C₃N₄ is chemically stable toward O₃ and ^•O₂^- but that ^•OH can tear and oxidize its heptazine units to form cyameluric acid and further release nitrates into the aqueous environment. Fortunately, ^•OH usually attacks organic pollutants in wastewater in preference to g-C₃N₄, thus preserving the working stability of g-C₃N₄ and the steady operation of photocatalytic ozonation. This AOP, which serves as an in situ ^•OH manufacturer, would be of interest to a broad chemistry world since ^•OH radicals are active species not only for environmental applications but also for organic synthesis, polymerization, zeolite synthesis, and protein footprinting.

Multivariate Analysis of Coupled Operando EPR/XANES/EXAFS/UV-Vis/ATR-IR Spectroscopy: A New Dimension for Mechanistic Studies of Catalytic Gas-Liquid Phase Reactions

Operando EPR, XANES/EXAFS, UV‐Vis and ATR‐IR spectroscopic methods have been coupled for the first time in the same experimental setup for investigation of unclear mechanistic aspects of selective aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol by a Cu/TEMPO catalytic system (TEMPO=2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyloxyl). By multivariate curve resolution with alternating least‐squares fitting (MCR‐ALS) of simultaneously recorded XAS and UV‐Vis data sets, it was found that an initially formed (bpy)(NMI)Cu^I‐ complex (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine, NMI=N‐methylimidazole ) is converted to two different Cu^II species, a mononuclear (bpy)(NMI)(CH₃CN)Cu^II‐OOH species detectable by EPR and ESI‐MS, and an EPR‐silent dinuclear (CH₃CN)(bpy)(NMI)Cu^II(μ‐OH)₂⋅Cu^II (bpy)(NMI) complex. The latter is cleaved in the further course of reaction into (bpy)(NMI)(HOO)Cu^II‐TEMPO monomers that are also EPR‐silent due to dipolar interaction with bound TEMPO. Both Cu monomers and the Cu dimer are catalytically active in the initial phase of the reaction, yet the dimer is definitely not a major active species nor a resting state since it is irreversibly cleaved in the course of the reaction while catalytic activity is maintained. Gradual formation of non‐reducible Cu^II leads to slight deactivation at extended reaction times.

[Patient orientation of websites of otorhinolaryngologists in private practice in Bavaria]

OBJECTIVE

The internet plays an important role in the search for health-specific information. So far, only a few studies exist on the user-friendliness of medical websites. This study thus examines the web presence of otorhinolaryngologists in private practice in Bavaria.

METHODS

All otorhinolaryngologists registered with statutory health insurance in Bavaria were evaluated using a standardized checklist. IBM SPSS version 25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) statistical software was used for the analysis.

RESULTS

Among all otorhinolaryngologists (n = 448), 73.0% (n = 327) had their own functioning website. Only a minority of websites (1.5%) had options to adjust the font size. Regarding functional possibilities of the websites, 18.3% of the physicians offered an online appointment calendar and 3.7% the possibility of feedback. A liability disclaimer was missing on 21.6% of all websites.

CONCLUSION

The results exhibit an inadequate use of criteria catalogues for web presence. A patient-oriented website configuration could help to improve customer acquisition and satisfaction, which is particularly relevant for cities with a high density of physicians.