C-H bond activation of propane on Ga_(2)O_(2)^(2+) in Ga/H-ZSM-5 and its mechanistic implications

Propane dehydrogenation(PDH)on Ga/H-ZSM-5 catalysts is a promising reaction for propylene production,while the detail mechanism remains debatable.Ga_(2)O_(2)^(2+) stabilized by framework Al pairs have been identified as the most active species in Ga/H-ZSM-5 for PDH in our recent work.Here we demonstrate a strong correlation between the PDH activity and a fraction of Ga_(2)O_(2)^(2+) species corresponding to the infrared GaH band of higher wavenumber(GaHHW)in reduced Ga/H-ZSM-5,instead of the overall Ga_(2)O_(2)^(2+) species,by employing five H-ZSM-5 supports sourced differently with comparable Si/Al ratio.This disparity in Ga_(2)O_(2)^(2+) species stems from their differing capacity in completing the catalytic cycle.Spectroscopic results suggest that PDH proceeds via a two-step mechanism:(1)C-H bond activation of propane on H-Ga_(2)O_(2)^(2+) species(rate determining step);(2)β-hydride elimination of adsorbed propyl group,which only occurs on active Ga_(2)O_(2)^(2+) species corresponding to GaHHW.

Density Functional Studies of the Reaction of Ytterbium Monocation with Fluoromethane:C-F Bond Activation and Electron-Transfer Reactivity

The potential energy surface and reaction mechanism corresponding to the reaction of ytterbium monocation with fluoromethane, which represents a prototype of the activation of C-F bond in fluorohydrocarbons by bare lanthanide cations, have been investigated for the first time by using density functional theory. A direct fluorine abstraction mechanism was revealed, and the related thermochemistry data were determined. The electron-transfer reactivity of the reaction was analyzed using the two-state model, and a strongly avoided crossing behavior on the transition state region was shown. The present results support the reaction mechanism inferred from early experimental data and the related thermochemistry data can provide a guide for further experimental researches.

Synthesizing active and durable cubic ceria catalysts(<6 nm)for fast dehydrogenation of bio-polyols to carboxylic acids coproducing green H_(2)

Dehydrogenation is considered as one of the most important industrial applications for renewable energy.Cubic ceria-based catalysts are known to display promising dehydrogenation performances in this area.Large particle size(>20 nm)and less surface defects,however,hinder further application of ceria materials.Herein,an alternative strategy involving lactic acid(LA)assisted hydrothermal method was developed to synthesize active,selective and durable cubic ceria of<6 nm for dehydrogenation reactions.Detailed studies of growth mechanism revealed that,the carboxyl and hydroxyl groups in LA molecule synergistically manipulate the morphological evolution of ceria precursors.Carboxyl groups determine the cubic shape and particle size,while hydroxyl groups promote compositional transformation of ceria precursors into CeO_(2) phases.Moreover,enhanced oxygen vacancies(Vo)on the surface of CeO_(2) were obtained owing to continuous removal of O species under reductive atmosphere.Cubic CeO_(2) catalysts synthesized by the LA-assisted method,immobilized with bimetallic PtCo clusters,exhibit a record high activity(TOF:29,241 h^(-1))and Vo-dependent synergism for dehydrogenation of bio-derived polyols at 200℃.We also found that quenching Vo defects at air atmosphere causes activity loss of PtCo/CeO_(2) catalysts.To regenerate Vo defects,a simple strategy was developed by irradiating deactivated catalysts using hernia lamp.The outcome of this work will provide new insights into manufacturing durable catalyst materials for aqueous phase dehydrogenation applications.

Ab initio molecular dynamics simulation reveals the influence of entropy effect on Co@BEA zeolite-catalyzed dehydrogenation of ethane

The C–H bond activation in alkane dehydrogenation reactions is a key step in determining the reaction rate.To understand the impact of entropy,we performed ab initio static and molecular dynamics free energy simulations of ethane dehydrogenation over Co@BEA zeolite at different temperatures.AIMD simulations showed that a sharp decrease in free energy barrier as temperature increased.Our analysis of the temperature dependence of activation free energies uncovered an unusual entropic effect accompanying the reaction.The unique spatial structures around the Co active site at different temperatures influenced both the extent of charge transfer in the transition state and the arrangement of 3d orbital energy levels.We provided explanations consistent with the principles of thermodynamics and statistical physics.The insights gained at the atomic level have offered a fresh interpretation of the intricate long-range interplay between local chemical reactions and extensive chemical environments.

Light-driven activation of carbon-halogen bonds by readily available amines for photocatalytic hydrodehalogenation

A straightforward protocol using readily available aromatic amines,N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine or N,N,N',N'-tetramethylbenzidine,as photocatalysts was developed for theefficient hydrodehalogenation of organic halides,such as 4'-bromoacetophenone,polyfluoroarenes,cholorobenzene,and 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether(a resistant and persistent organic pollu-tant).The strongly reducing singlet excited states of the amines enabled diffusion-controlled disso-ciative electron transfer to effectively cleave carbon-halogen bonds,followed by radical hydrogena-tion.Diisopropylethylamine served as the terminal electron/proton donor and regenerated theamine sensitizers.

A Mechanistic Switch in C-H Bond Activation by Elusive Fe^(V)(O)(TAML)Reaction Intermediate:A Theoretical Study

The divergent behavior of C-H bond oxidations of aliphatic substrates compared to those of aromatic substrates shown in Gupta’s experiment was mechanistically studied herein by means of density functional theory calculations.Our calculations reveal that such difference is caused by different reaction mechanisms between two kinds of substrates(the aliphatic cyclohexane,2,3-dimethylbutane and the aromatic toluene,ethylbenzene and cumene).For the aliphatic substrates,C-H oxidation by the oxidant Fe^(V)(O)(TAML)is a hydrogen atom transfer process;whereas for the aromatic substrates,C-H oxidation is a proton-coupled electron transfer(PCET)process with a proton transfer character on the transition state,that is,a proton-coupled electron transfer process holding a proton transfer-like transition state(PCET(PT)).This difference is caused by the strongπ-πinteractions between the tetra-anionic TAML ring and the phenyl ring of the aromatic substrates,which has a“pull”effect to make the electron transfer from substrates to the Fe=O moiety inefficient.

Photocatalytic C-H Bonds Activation:Ambient Carbonylation of Cyclohexane by Co(acac)_2 Under Ultraviolet Irradiation

A high turnover number was achieved in the photocatalytic carbonylation of C - H bonds of cyclohexane catalyzed by Co (acac)2 under ambient conditions (1 atm,25℃) to give mainly cyclohexanecarboxaldehyde.

Catalytic transformation of cellulose and its derived carbohydrates into chemicals involving C–C bond cleavage

The catalytic transformation of cellulose, the major component of abundant and renewable lignocellulosic biomass, into building-block chemicals is a key to establishing sustainable chemical processes. Cellulose is a polymer of glucose and a lot research effort has been devoted to the conversion of cellulose to six-carbon platform compounds such as glucose and glucose derivatives through C-O bond activation. There also ex- ist considerable studies on the catalytic cleavage of C-C bonds in biomass for the production of high-value chemicals, in particular polyols and organic acids such as ethylene glycol and lactic acid. This review article highlights recent advances in the development of new catalytic systems and new strategies for the selective cleavage of C-C bonds in cellulose and its derived carbohydrates under inert, reductive and oxidative atmospheres to produce Q -Cs polyols and organic acids. The key factors that influence the catalytic performance will be clarified to provide insights for the design of more efficient catalysts for the transformation of cellulose with precise cleavage of C-C bonds to high-value chemicals. The reaction mechanisms will also be discussed to understand deeply how the selective cleavage of C-C bonds can be achieved in biomass.

A FACILE SYNTHESIS OF 2-TRIFLUOROMETHYLPYRROLE VIA 1,3-DIPOLAR CYCLOADDITION REACTION OF 2-TRIFLUOROMETHYLOXAZOLONE AND THE ACTIVATED CARBON-CARBON MULTIPLE BOND

The 1.3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of 2-trifluoromethyl- oxazolone and the activated carbon-carbon multiple bond was studied and gave a convenient way to synthesize 2-trifluoromethylpyrrole derivatives.

Structural Probing on the Sn-C(C5 ring)Bond of the Sn(Ⅱ)Metallocenes in Both the Solid State and the Temperature-dependent Solution Relaxation State

Various bond modes of the M-C（C5 ring） exist in metallocene compounds of group 14 heavier elements,mostly due to an intricate interaction between the lone electron pairs at the M center and the 6 p-electrons of the C5 ring.The tin（Ⅱ） metallocene complexes LSn R（L = HC[CMe（N-2,6-iPr2C6H3）]2,R = cyclopentadienyl,C5H5（1）; indenyl,C9H7（2）; fluorenyl,C（13）H9（3）） stabilized by the β-diketiminato ligand were prepared and utilized in the study on their solid and solution state structures.X-ray single-crystal diffraction data revealed an η~1-mode of the Sn-C（C5 ring） bond in each 1~3.However,the room temperature ~1H NMR spectral studies disclosed such a fluxional bonding mode in solution.The 119 Sn NMR studies suggested a quadruple coordination nature of the Sn center in 1 while the triple coordination manner was for the Sn atom in both 2 and 3.Then the variable-temperature（25~–75 ℃） ~1H NMR spectral studies for each 1~3 were performed,which detected the relaxation state structures of 1~3 at lower temperature.All of these results indicate a stereochemical activity of the lone electron pairs at the tin（Ⅱ） atom that definitely has an electronic interaction with the 6 p-electrons of the C5 ring.The observed Sn-C（C5 ring） bond modes appear influenced by either the metallocene size or the compound state existed.

Divergent defluorocarboxylation of α-CF_(3) alkenes with formate via photocatalyzed selective mono-or triple C-F bond cleavage

Unprecedented divergent synthesis of gem-difluorovinylacetic acid and glutaric acid derivatives fromα-CF_(3)alkenes with formate as the carbonyl source was disclosed.The reaction can undergo selective mono-or triple C-F bond cleavage by simply switching the photocatalyst and hydrogen atom transfer(HAT)catalyst under visible-light-induced conditions at room temperature.Foramte acts as both the C1 source and the reductant through the generation of CO_(2)^(·-)species,which underwent Giese radical addition to electron-deficient alkenes to trigger the consecutive C-F bond cleavage and carboxylation process.

Recent Advances in the Electrochemical Defluorinative Transformations of C-F Bonds

Organic fluorine compounds are ubiquitous and pivotally important organic molecules,yet their activation and transformation have long been a formidable challenge due to the high energy and low reactivity of C-F bonds.Organic electrosynthesis,an environmentally benign synthetic method in organic chemistry,enables a myriad of chemical transformations without the need for external redox reagents.In recent years,organic electrochemistry has emerged as a powerful tool for achieving the activation and transformation of C-F bonds in fluorine-containing compounds.This review aims to succinctly recapitulate the latest advancements in the electrochemical defluorinative transformations of C-F bonds and to delve into the reaction design,mechanistic insights,and developmental prospects ofthese methods.

Ag(I)-Catalyzed Addition of Cyclopropenones and Alcohols via C—C Bond Cleavage

An efficient method for the synthesis of α-phenylcinnamates via silver catalyzed C—C bond activation reaction of cyclopropenone and alcohol was developed.This protocol features a simple reaction system,specific regioselectivity,good functional group compatibility and good yields.It is of great significance for the later modification of natural products.

Atomically Dispersed Pt and NiO Clusters Synergistically Enhanced C–O Bond Hydrogenolysis

C–Obond activation is a highly efficient,fundamental strategy in the depolymerization and hydrodeoxygenation of chemicals with oxygen-containing functional groups such as oil,coal,and biomass.Developing efficient catalysts for C–Oactivation with ultralow-loading noble and non-noble metals is highly desirable for the improvement of metal atomic utilization.Herein,bimetallic catalysts with atomically dispersed Pt and NiO clusters on different supports were fabricated,and the prepared Pt^(δ+)-NiO/Nb_(2)O_(5)and Pt^(δ+)-NiO/TiO_(2)showed outstanding activity for the hydrogenolysis of benzyl phenyl ether with>99%yield of phenol and toluene due to the excellent cooperation of atomically dispersed Pt and NiO clusters.The synergy mechanism between Pt and Ni and their respective roles in the bimetallic catalyst for C–O hydrogenolysis were clearly clarified.These findings deepen our understanding of the synergy of the two active components and are expected to provide new design concepts for the development of multicomponents catalysts.

Silver(I)-promoted Oxidation and Ring-enlargement Reactions of Unstrained Hydrocarbons, Polyphenyl-cyclopentadiene

A unique sliver(I)-promoted oxidation reaction of polyphenyl-cyclopentadiene is described, in which an oxygen is inserted into the cyclopentadiene-ring, forming a six-membered pyrylium cation.

Mn-corrolazine-based 2D-nanocatalytic material with single Mn atoms for catalytic oxidation of alkane to alcohol

Heterogenization of organic-macrocyclic metal catalysts is one of the simplest and most efficient methods for effective separation of products and cyclic application of a catalyst.By using an environmentally friendly Mn-corrolazine catalyst as the building unit,which can directly oxidize organic substrates under oxygen atmosphere and mild conditions,we theoretically constructed a novel two-dimensional(2D)Mn-corrolazine nanocatalytic material with high catalytic activity.In this material,each Mn atom maintains its electronic configuration in the monomer and can directly activate O2 as the single-atom catalyst(SAC)center to form a radical-like[Mn]-O-O under mild visible-light irradiation conditions.The newly generated[Mn]–O–O can efficiently and selectively oxidize C–H bonds to form alcohol species through H-abstraction and the rebound reaction.Moreover,the catalytic reaction is easily regulated by an external electric field along its intrinsic Mn–O–O reaction axis.The current study provides a theoretical foundation for further experimental studies and practical applications of the Mn-corrolazine-based SAC.

Single-atom catalysis: Bridging the homo-and heterogeneous catalysis

Single-atom catalysis,the catalysis by single-atom catalysts(SACs),has attracted considerable attention in recent years as a new frontier in the heterogeneous catalysis field.SACs have the advantages of both homogeneous catalysts(isolated active sites)and heterogeneous catalysts(stable and easy to separate),and are thus predicted to be able to bridge the homo-and heterogeneous catalysis.This prediction was first experimentally demonstrated in 2016.In this mini-review,we summarize the few homogeneous catalysis progresses reported recently where SACs have exhibited promising application:a)Rh/ZnO and Rh/CoO SAC have been used successfully in hydroformylation of olefin of which the activity are comparable to the homogeneous Wilkinson’s catalyst;b)a Pt/Al2O3 SAC has shown excellent performance in hydrosilylation reaction;and c)M-N-C SACs(M=Fe,Co etc.)have been applied in the activation of C–H bonds.All of these examples suggest that fabrication of suitable SACs could provide a new avenue for the heterogenization of homogeneous catalysts.These pioneering works shed new light on the recognition of single-atom catalysis in bridging the homo-and heterogeneous catalysis.

The mechanism of hydrogen abstraction by high valence transition metal oxo compounds

We present here a systematic theoretical study to explore the underlying mechanisms of the H abstraction reaction from methane. Various abstracting agents have been modeled, using oxygen radicals and a set of high valence metal oxo compounds. Our calculations demonstrate that although H abstraction from CH3-H by metal oxoes can be satisfactorily fitted into the Polanyi correlation on the basis of oxygen radicals, the mechanisms behind are significantly different. The frontier orbital analyses show that there are three electrons and three active orbitals (3e, 3o) involved in H abstraction by oxygen radicals; whereas an additional orbital of pi(M-O)* is involved in H abstraction by M = O, resulting in a (4e, 4o) interaction. In terms of valence bond state correlation diagram, we find that H abstraction by a metal oxo may benefit from the contribution of ionic resonance structures, which could compensate the penalty of opening the M-O pbond. We believe that these findings can help to design more effective catalysts for the activation of light alkanes. (C) 2016 Science Press and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B. V. and Science Press. All rights reserved.

Vicarious Michael Addition

C-H bond can undergo vicarious Michael addition reaction （VMA） with doubleactivated double bond in the absence of strong base and catalyst under mild conditions. Intramolecular H-bonding, electron-withdrawing inductive effect, and steric hindrance at aposition of nucleophile facilitates C-H addition over N-H addition. By using VMA, high branching multiplicity, novel branching pattern, controllable density and distribution of functional groups can be envisioned for novel dendrimer synthesis.

Ionization and Dissociation of Benzene and Aniline under Deep Ultraviolet Laser Irradiation

We report a study on photo-ionization of benzene and aniline with incidental subsequent dissociation by the customized reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer utilizing a deep ultraviolet 177.3 nm laser.Highly efficient ionization of benzene is observed with a weak C4H3+fragment formed by undergoing disproportional C-C bond dissociation.In comparison,a major C5H6+·fragment and a minor C6H6+·radical are produced in the ionization of aniline pertaining to the removal of CNH·and NH·radicals,respectively.First-principles calculation is employed to reveal the photo-dissociation pathways of these two molecules having a structural difference of just an amino group.It is demonstrated that hydrogen atom transfer plays an important role in the cleavage of C-C or C-N bonds in benzene and aniline ions.This study is helpful to understand the underlying mechanisms of chemical bond fracture of benzene ring and related aromatic molecules.