On the Environment of the Active Sites in Phosphate Modified Silica–Zirconia Acid Catalysts

The acid sites of a series of phosphated silica–zirconia catalysts have been quantified by the combined use of FTIR and TGA and the data related to the activity of the samples for the isomerisation of but-1-ene. The catalyst series show a linear correlation indicative of constant TOF when the number of Brønsted acid sites is plotted against catalytic activity. However, this relationship only holds when the number of Lewis acid sites exceeds that of Brønsted acid sites suggesting that an optimal arrangement may involve both types of site. The TOF is less when the Lewis/Brønsted ratio falls below 1, a scenario that dominates at high Brønsted acid site densities. When this site arrangement prevails, a higher than expected cis/trans ratio is found in the isomerisation selectivity. These differences in the environment of the active Brønsted acid site may also be deduced from differences in the molar absorption coefficients of adsorbed basic probe molecules.     

Cracking reactions of C6 paraffins on HZSM-5

Cracking reactions on HZSM-5 at 500°C have been studied for n-hexane, 2-methylpentane, 3-methylpentane and 2,3-dimethylbutane. A detailed examination of selectivity and kinetic phenomena is consistent with a cracking mechanism initiated via protonation of the paraffins at Brønsted sites. The study also reveals that previous conclusions based on the “α-test” and “constraint index” may need to be re-examined.     

Theoretical study of the enhanced Brønsted acidity of Zn2+‐exchanged zeolites

The effect of Zn²⁺ exchange on the Brønsted acidity of a protonic zeolite has been studied by the ab initio DFT (density functional theory) approach using the BLYP generalized gradient approximation. Three different zeolite cluster models have been compared: two 6“T” models (two 4“T” rings with an oxygen atom bridge) with Si/Al=1 and Si/Al=2 and a 4“T” model (ring form) with Si/Al=1. The Brønsted acidity has been probed by computation of the acetonitrile adsorption and the cluster deprotonation energy. The presence of Zn²⁺ does not affect the cluster Brønsted acidity but it creates a very strong Lewis site (Zn²⁺) in all models studied. On the other hand, the presence of ZnOH⁺ enhanced the Brønsted site acidity in the case of the 6T model with Si/Al=1. This enhancement is due to a change in cluster geometry and position of OH group in ZnOH⁺ upon acetonitrile adsorption.     

Polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers synthesis from methanol and formaldehyde solution over one-pot synthesized spherical mesoporous sulfated zirconia

The synthesis of polyoxymethylene dimethyl ethers as an ideal diesel fuel additive is the current hot topic of modern petrochemical industry for their expedient properties in mitigating air pollutants emission during combustion. In this work, a series of spherical sulfated zirconia catalysts were prepared by a one-pot hydrothermal method assisted with surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The prepared sulfated zirconia catalysts were used to catalyze PODE_n synthesis from methanol and formaldehyde solution. Various characterization (XRD, BET, SEM, TGA, NH₃-TPD, FTIR, and Py-IR) were employed to elaborate the structure–activity relationship of the studied catalytic system. The results demonstrated that S/Zr molar ratio in precursor solution played an effective role on catalyst morphology and acidic properties, where the weak Brønsted acid sites and strong Lewis acid sites were favorable to the conversion of methanol and formation of long-chain PODE_n, respectively. The reaction parameters such as catalyst amount, molar ratio of FA/MeOH, reaction time, temperature and pressure were optimized. The speculated reaction pathway for PODE_n synthesis was proposed based on the synergy of Brønsted and Lewis acid sites, which suggested that Brønsted and Lewis acid sites might be advantageous to the activation of polyoxymethylene hemiformals [CH₃(OCH₂)_nOH] and methylene glycol (HOCH₂OH), respectively.     

Novel Brønsted acidic ionic liquids based on benzimidazolium cation: Synthesis and catalyzed acetalization of aromatic aldehydes with diols

In this article, a new group of Brønsted acidic task-specific ionic liquids based on benzimidazolium cation was synthesized and used as environmentally benign catalysts for acetalization of aromatic aldehydes with diols. Hammett method had been used to determine the acidity order of these ionic liquids, which was consistent with the catalytic activities observed in acetalization reaction. Maximum substrate conversion of 98% and product selectivity of 100% were obtained using [PSebim]HSO₄ as catalyst, which could be reused at least 10 times without obvious loss of catalytic activity.     

Brønsted βNu Values and Leaving Group Effects in SN2 Reactions. Tests of the Reactivity—Selectivity Postulate

The rate constants for reactions of a family of 19 carbanions, ArCHSO₂Ph⁻ (derived from benzyl phenyl sulfones) with n-butyl chloride have been measured in Me₂SO solution. A plot of log k vs. the pK_a of the conjugate acids for 12 of these carbanions give a linear plot (R² = 0.999) with a Brønsted coefficient of β_Nu = 0.402. Points for para electron-withdrawing substituents, SPh, SOPh, SO₂Ph. COPh, CN and NO₂, deviate substantially from the plot. The deviations are attributed to the enhanced solvation of these remote substituents in the anion which leads to rate retardation. A curved Brønsted plot can be drawn through all the points, which would be consistent with the predictions of the Hammond–Leffler postulate (HLP) and the reactivity–selectivity postulate (RSP), but this interpretation is rejected. Instead, it is suggested that the apparent curvature in Brønsted plots for acid–base reactions – upon which HLP and RSP are based – is also caused by deviations due to solvent effects, donor atom effects in the bases, mechanistic changes and/or the failure to keep electronic and steric effects constant. A reactivity–selectivity plot for reactions of 9 ArCHSO₂Ph⁻ ions with n-butyl bromide and n-butyl chloride indicated constant selectivity. A similar plot for 4 carbanions derived from α-methylbenzyl phenyl sulfones reacting with n-butyl bromide and n-butyl chloride also showed constant selectivity. Based on these results and an examination of the literature, it is concluded that there is no firm experimental basis for HLP and RSP.     

Efficient Addition Reaction of Dibutylphosphane Oxide with Alkynes: New Mechanistic Proposal Involving a Duo of Palladium and Brønsted Acid

The addition reaction of dibutylphosphane oxide [Bu₂P(O)H] with alkynes proceeds efficiently in the presence of palladium‐chelating phosphane–Brønsted acid catalyst systems. Terminal alkynes afford branched‐structured products selectively. On the other hand, the same reaction using monodentate phosphane ligands or the reaction run in the absence of a Brønsted acid affords a much lower yield. A mechanistic study has revealed that Brønsted acids (XOH) interact with oxygen in M P(O)R₂ species (M=Pd, Pt) through hydrogen bonding to transform them to ionic M⁺←PR₂(OH⋅⋅⋅O⁻X) species, which was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography. The phosphane‐like PR₂(OH⋅⋅⋅O⁻X) moiety is coordinatively labile, as substantiated by the ligand exchange reaction with tert‐butyl isocyanide. A new mechanism that accommodates these observations has been proposed to rationalize the enhancement of catalytic activity and the regioselectivity induced by the Brønsted acid.     

Catalytic hydrogenation of alkenes on acidic zeolites: Mechanistic connections to monomolecular alkane dehydrogenation reactions

Brønsted acid sites in zeolites (H-FER, H-MFI, H-MOR) selectively hydrogenate alkenes in excess H₂ at high temperatures (>700 K) and at rates proportional to alkene and H₂ pressures. This kinetic behavior and the De Donder equations for non-equilibrium thermodynamics show that, even away from equilibrium, alkene hydrogenation and monomolecular alkane dehydrogenation occur on predominantly uncovered surfaces via microscopically reverse elementary steps, which involve kinetically-relevant (C–H–H)⁺ carbonium-ion-like transition states in both directions. As a result, rate constants, activation energies and activation entropies for these two reactions are related by the thermodynamics of the overall stoichiometric gas-phase reaction. The ratios of rate constants for hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions do not depend on the identity or reactivity of active sites; thus, sites within different zeolite structures (or at different locations within a given zeolite) that favor alkane dehydrogenation reactions, because of their ability to stabilize the required transition states, also favor alkene hydrogenation reactions to the exact same extent. These concepts and conclusions also apply to monomolecular alkane cracking and bimolecular alkane–alkene reaction paths on Brønsted acids and, more generally, to any forward and reverse reactions that proceed via the same kinetically-relevant step on vacant surfaces in the two directions, even away from equilibrium. The evidence shown here for the sole involvement of Brønsted acids in the hydrogenation of alkoxides with H₂ is unprecedented in its mechanistic clarity and thermodynamic rigor. The scavenging of alkoxides via direct H-transfer from H₂ indicates that H₂ can be used to control the growth of chains and the formation of unreactive deposits in alkylation, oligomerization, cracking and other acid-catalyzed reactions.     

Modification of pillared MFI zeolite nanosheets by nitridation with tailored activity in benzylation of mesitylene and benzyl alcohol

The modification of pillared MFI zeolites was performed by nitridation of silica pillared MFI zeolite nanosheets under NH₃ atmosphere with different time. The resultant zeolites were characterized by a complementary combination of X-ray power diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), pyridine-IR spectroscopy and N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms. The analyses showed that the nitridation didn't destroy the crystallinity and specific surface area of zeolites, and the acidity of zeolites can be tailored by tuning the time of nitridation, resulting in the different concentration ratios of Brønsted-to-Lewis (B/L) acid sites. Moreover, the nitrided zeolites exhibited high selectivity to 2-benzyl-1,3,5-trimethylbenzene than parent silica pillared MFI zeolite nanosheets in benzylation of mesitylene with benzyl alcohol. A balance between Brønsted acid sites and Lewis acid sites can inhibit the self-etherification of benzyl alcohol and enhance the selectivity of alkylated product. These experimental data implied that nitridation was an effective method to modulate the acidity of zeolites and the synergy between Brønsted acid sites and Lewis acid sites was a decisive factor to determine the selectivity.     

Recent Progress in Chiral Brønsted Acid Catalysis

Hydrogen bond catalysis and Brønsted acid catalysis are rapidly growing areas in organocatalysis. A number of chiral acid catalysts has been developed recently. Recent progress in the chiral Brønsted acid catalysis has been reviewed with a focus being placed on thiourea, TADDOL, and phosphoric acids. 1 Introduction 2 Hydrogen Bond Catalysis 2.1 Monofunctional Thiourea Catalysts 2.2 Bifunctional Thiourea Catalysts 2.3 TADDOL Derivatives 2.4 BINOL Derivatives 3 Brønsted Acid Catalysis 3.1 Ammonium Salts 3.2 Phosphoric Acids 4 Conclusion     

A Possible Mechanism of Hydrogen Reverse Spillover in Platinum-Zeolite Catalysts

Quantum chemical methods (X3LYP and MP2) were applied to investigate the structure and reactivity of anion-radical site in HZSM-5 zeolite. The interaction of hydrogen zeolite with a platinum particle can involve electron transfer to a Brønsted acid site to form an anion-radical fragment. A low stability of the latter favors the elimination of atomic hydrogen from the OH-group, an exothermic process with low activation energy. In the metal-zeolite catalysts, the anion-radical fragment formed due to withdrawal of electronic density from the metal particle can be responsible for the reverse spillover of Brønsted hydrogen onto the metal surface.     

Improving bifunctional zeolite catalysts for alkane hydroisomerization via gas phase sulfation

Pt-containing H-BEA zeolites were functionalized with sulfate anions via H₂S chemisorption followed by oxidation. This treatment generates sulfate groups and Brønsted acidic sites, modifies the supported metal particles, and leads to higher activity and selectivity for pentane hydroisomerization. The strength and the accessibility of the acid sites present in the parent material were not affected by this procedure. The concentration of Brønsted acidic sites and the catalytic activity for light alkane isomerization varied sympathetically. The parallel increase in isomerization selectivity indicates that either the residence time of the alkoxy intermediates decreases for the modified samples (suppressing undesired cracking reactions on the acid sites) or the selective decoration of the Pt particles with sulfur reduces hydrogenolysis on the metal particles.     

Improving the Stability and Efficiency of Dimeric Fatty Acids Production by Increasing the Brønsted Acidity and Basal Spacing of Montmorillonite

Montmorillonite (MMT) is widely used as the catalyst in the commercial production of dimeric fatty acids (DAs). However, the dimerization activity of MMTs from different mineral sources is usually different, leading to unstable yield of DAs. In order to obtain a high and stable yield of DAs, the relationship between the dimerization activity and characteristics of MMT should be clarified. The characteristics of seven MMTs from different mineral sources, including the acidity (the type, strength, and amount of the acid sites), composition (interlayer cations, Si/Al ratio, water content, pH), and structure (basal spacing) are determined and correlated with their dimerization activity. Additionally, the relationship between dimerization activity and characteristics of MMT is quantified by nonlinear‐regression. It is found that the dimerization activity of MMT is mainly influenced by its Brønsted acidity and basal spacing. Stable DA yield of around 70% on MMT is obtained at the amount of weak Brønsted acid sites of more than 0.20 mmol g^?1 and basal spacing of larger than 1.50 nm. Additionally, it is found that acid treatment is an effective method to adjust the Brønsted acidity and basal spacing of MMT. Practical Applications: The positive effect of Brønsted acid sites amount and basal spacing on the activity of MMT has practical value on the selection of highly efficient MMT catalyst for DA production. In addition, some MMT with poor activity can be activated by the acid treatment method mentioned in the paper.     

n-heptane hydroconversion over aluminosilicate mesoporous molecular sieves

Aluminosilicate mesoporous molecular sieves (designated Al-MMS) have been prepared at room temperature using the primary amine hexadecylamine as organic templating surfactant. The materials have textural properties typical of mesoporous materials with short-range hexagonal order but exhibit higher Brønsted acidity compared to aluminium-containing MCM-41. The Pt-impregnated materials are efficient catalysts for the hydroconversion of n-heptane. At low Si/Al ratio (≤ 10) the materials have total conversions and selectivity comparable to that of USY zeolite (Si/Al = 21) and in addition exhibit considerable cyclisation at temperatures above 350°C. Our catalytic results show that the Pt-impregnated Al-MMS samples attain a good balance between the metal and acidic functions and that activity and selectivity are dependent on the Brønsted acid content and consequently on the amount of tetrahedral aluminium in the catalysts. The amount of Pt (in the range 0.25-1 wt%) mainly affects the selectivity to cyclised products which increases with Pt content at the expense of cracking; total conversion and selectivity to isomers remain largely unaffected.     

Ethanol dehydration on silica-aluminas: Active sites and ethylene/diethyl ether selectivities

Commercial silica-alumina catalysts prepared by different procedures have been characterized. Both present strong Lewis acidity together with Brønsted sites able to protonate pyridine. No evidence of “zeolitic” bridging OH's but significant heterogeneity of terminal silanol groups, part of which are likely “pseudobridging”, was found. Similar high activity in ethanol conversion but markedly different selectivities to ethylene and diethyl ether were found. They are less active than both zeolites and γ-Al₂O₃. Lewis sites with alumina-like acidobasic neighbor are more selective for ethylene production while Lewis sites with silica-like covalent neighbor are more selective for diethyl ether.     

Synthesis and application of a novel strong and stable supported ionic liquid catalyst with both Lewis and Brønsted acid sites

Poly(4-vinylpyridine)-supported ionic liquid with both Lewis and Brønsted acid sites was easily prepared from its starting materials and used as a novel and highly efficient heterogeneous catalytic system for the synthesis of biscoumarins by two-component one-pot domino Knoevenagel-type condensation/Michael reaction between various aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes with 4-hydroxycoumarin. The Lewis and Brønsted acidic sites loading in [P₄VPy-BuSO₃H]Cl-X(AlCl₃) were found to be 2.15 and 0.9 mmol per gram of catalyst, respectively. The effect of the simultaneous presence of Lewis and Brønsted acid sites was evaluated. The catalyst was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental analysis, and atomic absorption technique. The catalyst is stable (as a bench top catalyst) and reusable.     

Preparation of ZSM-5 containing vanadium and Brønsted acid sites with high promoting of styrene oxidation using 30% H2O2

Design and synthesis of low cost and efficacious industrial catalyst for the oxidation of styrene has been an important research project. Herein, ZSM-5 zeolite containing tetrahedral vanadium(V) and Br?nsted acid sites(V-H-ZSM-5)was prepared, and identified by characterizations such as XRD, SEM, UV–vis, NH_3-TPD, H_2-TPR N_2-adsorption/desorption and FTIR. V-H-ZSM-5 performed extremely enhanced catalytic activity for the oxidation of styrene with 30% H_2O_2 at 40 °C. Moreover, in-situ FTIR spectrum was used to investigate the catalytic mechanism. The results demonstrate that Br?nsted acid site could not only increase the adsorption concentration of styrene in the micropores of V-H-ZSM-5 via the π complex interaction between double bond of styrene and Br?nsted acid sites, but also increase the oxidation potential of H_2O_2. The synergetic action of tetrahedral vanadium(V) and Br?nsted acid enhanced the catalytic activity for the oxidation of styrene with 30% H_2O_2. Impressively, V-H-ZSM-5 performed high reusability within five runs at a low reaction temperature(40 °C) for the first time.     

Palladium-catalyzed hydroesterification of olefins with isosorbide in standard and Brønsted acidic ionic liquids

The palladium catalyzed hydroesterification of 1-octene with isosorbide was studied in standard and Brønsted acidic ionic liquids as reaction media. High conversions and selectivities towards the targeted isosorbide diesters have been achieved by using a catalytic system composed of Pd(OAc)₂ and trisulfonated triphenylphosphine dissolved in 1-(4-sulfonic acid)-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tosylate. The catalytic phase can be reused several times without any significant decrease in activity and selectivity.     

Ionization of Acetylacetone in Me2SO—Water Mixtures. Reactivity—Selectivity Principle or Principle of Imperfect Synchronization?

Rate constants for the reversible deprotonation of acetylacetone were measured in carboxylate and amine buffers in water and in 50%, 90% and 95% Me₂SO at 20°C. The Brønsted plot for the carboxylate ions is curved in the Me₂SO—water mixtures, but straight in water. The curvature is in the direction predicted by the Reactivity—Selectivity Principle (RSP). However, the Brønsted plot for the reaction with primary amines is straight in all solvents. This suggests that the curvature observerd with the carboxylate ions is caused by loss of solvation of the base; this loss of solvation is ahead of bond formation in the transition state rather than being a manifestation of the RSP. (Note that all Brønsted plots are based on pK_a values measured in the respective solvents.) The intrinsic rate constant (k₀) for proton transfer increases with the addition of Me₂SO, and more so with the carboxylate buffers than with the amines. This increase in k₀ is attributed to delayed solvation of the developing enolate ion in the transition state; with the carboxylate buffers, an additional factor is the early loss of solvation of the base. The various solvation effects observed in this study can all be understood in the context of the Principle of Imperfect Synchronization (PIS).     

Promotion effects of Pt and Rh on catalytic performances of Mo/HZSM-5 and Mo/HMCM-22 in selective methane-to-benzene reaction

The promotion effects of Pt and Rh on catalytic performances of Mo/HZSM-5 and Mo/HMCM-22 in selective methane-to-benzene reaction were studied in the presence of additive H₂. The selectivity to naphthalene was effectively suppressed and highly selective and stable benzene formation was obtained by the addition of noble metal to the Mo/HZSM-5 and Mo/HMCM-22 catalysts, due to the suppression of carbon deposition on the Brønsted acid sites of zeolite.