Mononuclear metal complex catalysts on supports: foundations in organometallic and surface chemistry and insights into structure, reactivity, and catalysis

Catalysts that consist of isolated metal atoms bonded to solid supports have drawn wide attention by researchers, with recent work emphasizing noble metals on metal oxide and zeolite supports. Progress has been facilitated by methods for atomic-scale imaging the metals and spectroscopic characterization of the supported structures and the nature of metal-support bonding, even with catalysts in the working state. Because of the intrinsic heterogeneity of support surface sites for bonding of metals and the tendency of noble metal cations on supports to be reduced and aggregated, it is challenging to determine structures of individual metal complexes among the mixtures that may be present and to determine structures of catalytically active species and reactive intermediates. A central premise of this perspective is that synthesis of supported metal complexes that have nearly uniform structures-on supports such as dealuminated HY zeolite, chosen to have relatively uniform surfaces-is a key to fundamental understanding, facilitating progress toward determining the roles of the ligands on the metals, which include the supports and reactive intermediates in catalysis. Characterization of relatively uniform and well-defined samples nonetheless requires multiple spectroscopic, microscopic, and theory-based techniques used in concert and still leaves open many questions about the nature of reactive intermediates and catalytic reaction mechanisms.

Single-Atom Catalysts across the Periodic Table

Isolated atoms featuring unique reactivity are at the heart of enzymatic and homogeneous catalysts. In contrast, although the concept has long existed, single-atom heterogeneous catalysts (SACs) have only recently gained prominence. Host materials have similar functions to ligands in homogeneous catalysts, determining the stability, local environment, and electronic properties of isolated atoms and thus providing a platform for tailoring heterogeneous catalysts for targeted applications. Within just a decade, we have witnessed many examples of SACs both disrupting diverse fields of heterogeneous catalysis with their distinctive reactivity and substantially enriching our understanding of molecular processes on surfaces. To date, the term SAC mostly refers to late transition metal-based systems, but numerous examples exist in which isolated atoms of other elements play key catalytic roles. This review provides a compositional encyclopedia of SACs, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the introduction of this term. By defining single-atom catalysis in the broadest sense, we explore the full elemental diversity, joining different areas across the whole periodic table, and discussing historical milestones and recent developments. In particular, we examine the coordination structures and associated properties accessed through distinct single-atom-host combinations and relate them to their main applications in thermo-, electro-, and photocatalysis, revealing trends in element-specific evolution, host design, and uses. Finally, we highlight frontiers in the field, including multimetallic SACs, atom proximity control, and possible applications for multistep and cascade reactions, identifying challenges, and propose directions for future development in this flourishing field.

Catalytic asymmetric synthesis of geminal-dicarboxylates

Stereogenic acetals, spiroacetals and ketals are well-studied stereochemical features that bear two heteroatoms at a common carbon atom. These stereocenters are normally found in cyclic structures while linear (or acyclic) analogues bearing two heteroatoms are rare. Chiral geminal-dicarboxylates are illustrative, there is no current way to access this class of compounds while controlling the stereochemistry at the carbon center bound to two oxygen atoms. Here we report a rhodium-catalysed asymmetric carboxylation of ester-containing allylic bromides to form stereogenic carbon centers bearing two different carboxylates with high yields and enantioselectivities. The products, which are surprisingly stable to a variety of acidic and basic conditions, can be manipulated with no loss of enantiomeric purity as demonstrated by ring closing metathesis reactions to form chiral lactones, which have been extensively used as building blocks in asymmetric synthesis.

Acetylene hydrochlorination using Au/carbon: a journey towards single site catalysis

The replacement of mercuric chloride in the production of vinyl chloride monomer, a precursor to PVC, would greatly reduce the environmental impact of this large scale industrial process.

Fabrication, characterization, and stability of supported single-atom catalysts

Strong metal–support interactions are key requirements for development of stable single-atom catalysts with pronounced catalytic activity.

Synthesis and high electrocatalytic activity of Au-decorated Pd heterogeneous nanocube catalysts for ethanol electro-oxidation in alkaline media

In this study, highly active Au-decorated Pd heterogeneous nanocubes with Pd/Au molar ratios ranging from 15 : 1 to 2 : 1 were successfully synthesized based on a successive reduction strategy.

Heterogeneous catalysis

A heterogeneous catalyst is a functional material that continually creates active sites with its reactants under reaction conditions. These sites change the rates of chemical reactions of the reactants localized on them without changing the thermodynamic equilibrium between the materials.

Ultrasound assisted the chemoselective 1,1-diacetate protection and deprotection of aldehydes catalyzed by poly(4-vinylpyridinium)hydrogen sulfate salt as a eco-benign, efficient and reusable solid acid catalyst

Poly(4-vinylpyridinium) hydrogen sulfate solid acid was found to be efficient catalyst for preparation of 1,1-diacetate using ultrasound irradiation at ambient temperature and neat condition. Deprotection of the resulting 1,1-diacetates were achieved using the same catalyst in methanol solvent under ultrasound irradiation at room temperature. This new method consistently has the advantage of excellent yields and short reaction times. Utilization of solvent free, simple reaction conditions, isolation, and purification makes this manipulation very interesting from an economic and environmental perspective. Further, the catalyst can be reused and recovered for several times.

Metal–organic frameworks of the MIL-101 family as heterogeneous single-site catalysts

In this short review paper, we survey our recent findings in the catalytic applications of mesoporous metal–organic frameworks of the MIL-101 family (Fe- and Cr-MIL-101) and demonstrate their potential in two types of liquid-phase processes: (i) selective oxidation of hydrocarbons with green oxidants—O 2 and tert -butyl hydroperoxide—and (ii) coupling reaction of organic oxides with CO 2 . A comparison with conventional single-site catalysts is made with special attention to issues of the catalyst's resistance to metal leaching and the nature of catalysis.

Aerobic oxidation of hydrocarbons in Mn-doped aluminophosphates: a computational perspective to understand mechanism and selectivity

We discuss the mechanism and energetics for the aerobic oxidation of hydrocarbons catalysed by Mn-doped nanoporous aluminophosphates with the AFI structure (Mn-APO-5), obtained computationally using electronic structure techniques. Calculations have been performed employing hybrid exchange density functional theory methods under periodic boundary conditions. The active sites of the catalyst are tetrahedral Mn ions isomorphously replacing Al in the microporous crystalline framework of the AlPO host. Since all Al sites in AFI are symmetry equivalent, all Mn dopants are in an identical chemical and structural environment, and hence satisfy the definition of a single-site heterogeneous catalyst. We focus in particular on the atomic-level origin of selectivity in this catalytic reaction.

Single-site photocatalysts with a porous structure

A photocatalytic reaction involves charge separation and transfer under photo-irradiation, and the photogenerated charge carriers (holes and electrons) are responsible for the photocatalytic activity of the catalyst. The active centres in a single-site photocatalyst are the isolated and spatially separated sites that may interact with reactants after photo-irradiation. Generally, single-site photocatalysts perform better than other types of photocatalysts owing to the presence of the efficient active centres. A porous structure can provide more single sites and special passages for charge transport. Thus, the introduction of a porous structure into a photocatalyst may result in markedly enhanced photocatalytic reactivity, providing a promising strategy for the design and fabrication of novel photocatalysts with high performances. In this review, we summarize the developments in single-site photocatalysts, particularly those with a porous structure, such as metal-incorporated zeolites, metal–organic frameworks and porous semiconductor photocatalysts. The synthesis, structures and catalytic performances of these single-site photocatalysts have been described, and characterization and reaction mechanisms for single-site photocatalysts have also been detailed. Finally, we point out the significance of study on single-site photocatalysts with a porous structure.

Catalytic properties of a series of coordination networks: cyanosilylation of aldehydes catalyzed by Zn(II)-4,4'-bpy-carboxylato complexes

Three porous crystalline coordination polymers, i.e. the three-dimensional framework {[Zn(3)(4,4'-bpy)(3.5)(mu-O(2)CH)(4)(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(2)(H(2)O)(2)}(n) (1), the one-dimensional three-leg ladder {[Zn(3)(4,4'-bpy)(3)(mu-O(2)CCH(3))(4)(H(2)O)(2)](PF(6))(2)(H(2)O)(2)}(n) (2), and the two-dimensional layered network {[Zn(3)(4,4'-bpy)(4)(mu-O(2)CCH(2)CH(3))(4)](ClO(4))(2)(4,4'-bpy)(2)(H(2)O)(4)}(n) (3), have been investigated. All networks exhibit voids that contain the counter-ions and guest molecules, namely water for compounds 1 and 2, and water/4,4'-bpy for compound 3. In addition, compounds 2 and 3 are further stabilized by hydrogen bonds and pi-pi stacking interactions to form intricate supramolecular frameworks. The removal and reintroduction of guest water molecules for compounds 2 and 3 have been explored for their dynamic structural transformation. Interestingly, all Zn(II) compounds are active heterogeneous catalysts for the high-yield cyanosilylation of acetaldehydes in dichloromethane.

Design and use of nanostructured single-site heterogeneous catalysts for the selective transformation of fine chemicals

Nanostructured single-site heterogeneous catalysts possess the advantages of classical solid catalysts, in terms of easy recovery and recycling, together with a defined tailored chemical and steric environment around the catalytically active metal site. The use of inorganic oxide supports with selected shape and porosity at a nanometric level may have a relevant impact on the regio- and stereochemistry of the catalytic reaction. Analogously, by choosing the optimal preparation techniques to obtain spatially isolated and well-characterised active sites, it is possible to achieve performances that are comparable to (or, in the most favourable cases, better than) those obtained with homogeneous systems. Such catalysts are therefore particularly suitable for the transformation of highly-functionalised fine chemicals and some relevant examples where high chemo-, regio- and stereoselectivity are crucial will be described.

Exploiting nanospace for asymmetric catalysis: confinement of immobilized, single-site chiral catalysts enhances enantioselectivity

In the mid-1990s, it became possible to prepare high-area silicas having pore diameters controllably adjustable in the range ca. 20-200 Å. Moreover, the inner walls of these nanoporous solids could be functionalized to yield single-site, chiral, catalytically active organometallic centers, the precise structures of which could be determined using in situ X-ray absorption and FTIR and multinuclear magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy. This approach opened up the prospect of performing heterogeneous enantioselective conversions in a novel manner, under the spatial restrictions imposed by the nanocavities within which the reactions occur. In particular, it suggested an alternative method for preparing pharmaceutically and agrochemically useful asymmetric products by capitalizing on the notion, initially tentatively perceived, that spatial confinement of prochiral reactants (and transition states formed at the chiral active center) would provide an altogether new method of boosting the enantioselectivity of the anchored chiral catalyst. Initially, we anchored chiral single-site heterogeneous catalysts to nanopores covalently via a ligand attached to Pd(II) or Rh(I) centers. Later, we employed a more convenient and cheaper electrostatic method, relying in part on strong hydrogen bonding. This Account provides many examples of these processes, encompassing hydrogenations, oxidations, and aminations. Of particular note is the facile synthesis from methyl benzoylformate of methyl mandelate, which is a precursor in the synthesis of pemoline, a stimulant of the central nervous system; our procedure offers several viable methods for reducing ketocarboxylic acids. In addition to relying on earlier (synchrotron-based) in situ techniques for characterizing catalysts, we have constructed experimental procedures involving robotically controlled catalytic reactors that allow the kinetics of conversion and enantioselectivity to be monitored continually, and we have access to sophisticated, high-sensitivity chiral chromatographic facilities and automated high-throughput combinatorial test rigs so as to optimize the reaction conditions (e.g., H(2) pressure, temperature, time on-stream, pH, and choice of ligand and central metal ion) for high enantioselectivity. This Account reports our discoveries of selective hydrogenations and aminations of synthetic, pharmaceutical, and biological significance, and the findings of other researchers who have achieved similar success in oxidations, dehydrations, cyclopropanations, and hydroformylations. Although the practical advantages and broad general principles governing the enhancement of enantioselectivity through spatial confinement are clear, we require a deeper theoretical understanding of the details pertaining to the phenomenology involved, particularly through molecular dynamics simulations. Ample scope exists for the general exploitation of nanospace in asymmetric hydrogenations with transition metal complexes and for its deployment for the formation of C-N, C-C, C-O, C-S, and other bonds.

Single crystal structure refinement of tetramethylammonium-hectorite

A synthetic Cs-fluorohectorite was intercalated with Tetramethylammonium-cations (TMA+). Under appropriate reaction conditions, a complete cation exchange is feasible while preserving the phase relationship between adjacent silicate layers. Starting from a three-dimensionally (3D) ordered [1] and homogeneously charged [2], synthetic Cs-hectorite it is possible to synthesize single crystals of a 3D ordered intercalation compound (TMA-hectorite). Single crystal structure refinement (TMA0.5 interMg2.5Li0.5 octSi4 tetO10F2, monoclinic, C2/m, a = 5.2735(11) Å, b = 9.1165(14) Å, c = 13.5609(35) Å, β = 97.693(3)°, V = 646.1(2) Å3, Z = 2) conclusively reveals the arrangement of the TMA-cations in the interlayer space. The results are compared with an earlier structure refinement of an analogous TMA-intercalated natural vermiculite [3] and the results of a computer simulation carried out on TMA-vermiculite [4].

Ordered Mesoporous Materials in the Context of Drug Delivery Systems and Bone Tissue Engineering

Chemistry, materials science and medicine are research areas that converge in the field of drug delivery systems and tissue engineering. This paper tries to introduce an example of such an interaction, aimed at solving health issues within the world of biomaterials. Ordered mesoporous materials can be loaded with different organic molecules that would be released afterwards, in a controlled fashion, inside a living body. These materials can also react with the body fluids giving rise to carbonated nanoapatite particles as the products of such a chemical interaction; these particles, equivalent to biological apatites, enable the regeneration of bone tissue.

Single-Site Heterogeneous Catalysts

Intellectually, the advantages that flow from the availability of single-site heterogeneous catalysts (SSHC) are many. They facilitate the determination of the kinetics and mechanism of catalytic turnover-both experimentally and computationally-and make accessible the energetics of various intermediates (including short-lived transition states). These facts in turn offer a rational strategic principle for the design of new catalysts and the improvement of existing ones. It is generally possible to prepare soluble molecular fragments that circumscribe the single-site, thus enabling a direct comparison to be made, experimentally, between the catalytic performance of the same active site when functioning as a heterogeneous (continuous solid) as well as a homogeneous (dispersed molecular) catalyst. This approach also makes it possible to modify the immediate atomic environment as well as the central atomic structure of the active site. From the practical standpoint, SSHC exhibit very high selectivities leading to the production of sharply defined molecular products, just as do their homogeneous analogues. Given that mesoporous silicas with very large internal surface areas are ideal supports for SSHC, and that more than a quarter of the elements of the Periodic Table may be grafted as active sites onto such silicas, there is abundant scope for creating new catalytic opportunities.

Design of a "green" one-step catalytic production of epsilon-caprolactam (precursor of nylon-6)

The ever-increasing industrial demand for nylon-6 (polycaprolactam) necessitates the development of environmentally benign methods of producing its precursor, epsilon-caprolactam, from cyclohexanone. It is currently manufactured in two popular double-step processes, each of which uses highly aggressive reagents, and each generates substantial quantities of largely unwanted ammonium sulfate as by-product. Here we describe a viable laboratory-scale, single-step, solvent-free process of producing epsilon-caprolactam using a family of designed bifunctional, heterogeneous, nanoporous catalysts containing isolated acidic and redox sites, which smoothly convert cyclohexanone to epsilon-caprolactam with selectivities in the range 65-78% in air and ammonia at 80 degrees C. The catalysts are microporous (pore diameter 7.3 A) aluminophosphates in which small fractions of the Al(III)O4(5-) and P(V)O4(3-) tetrahedra constituting the 4-connected open framework are replaced by Co(III)PO4(5-) and Si(IV)O4(4-) tetrahedra, which become the loci of the redox and acidic centers, respectively. The catalysts may be further optimized, and already may be so designed as to generate selectivities of approximately 80% for the intermediate oxime, formed from NH2OH, which is produced in situ within the pore system. The advantages of such designed heterogeneous catalysts, and their application to a range of other chemical conversions, are also adumbrated.

Controlled Polymerization in Mesoporous Silica toward the Design of Organic−Inorganic Composite Nanoporous Materials

Free-radical polymerization inside mesoporous silica has been investigated in order to open a route to functional polymer-silica composite materials with well-defined mesoporosity. Various vinyl monomers, such as styrene, chloromethyl styrene, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and methacrylic acid, were polymerized after impregnation into mesoporous silicas with various structures, which were synthesized using polyalkylene oxide-type block copolymers. The location of the polymers was systematically controlled with detailed structures of the silica framework and the polymerization conditions. Particularly noteworthy is the polymer-silica composite structure obtained by in situ polymerization after the selective adsorption of monomers as a uniform film on silica walls. The analysis of XRD data and the N(2) adsorption isotherms indicates the formation of uniform polymer nanocoating. The resultant polymer-silica composite materials can easily be post-functionalized to incorporate diverse functional groups in high density, due to the open porous structure allowing facile access for the chemical reagent. The fundamental characteristics of the composite materials are substantiated by testing the biomolecule's adsorption capacity and catalytic reactivity. Depending on the structure and composition of polymers, the resultant polymer-silica composite materials exhibit notably distinct adsorption properties toward biomolecules, such as proteins. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the nanocoatings of polymers deposited on the mesopore walls have remarkably enhanced catalytic activity and selectivity, as compared to that of bulk polymer resins. We believe that, due to facile functionalization and attractive textural properties, the mesoporous polymer-silica composite materials are very useful for applications, such as adsorption, separation, host-guest complexes, and catalysis.

Novel One-Dimensional Polymers Generated from p-Ferrocenylbenzoate: Syntheses, Structures, and Magnetic Properties

Treatment of p-ferrocenylbenzoate [p-HOOCH4C6Fc, Fc = (eta5-C5H5)Fe(eta5-C5H5)] with Mn(OAc)2 x 2H2O or Cd(OAc)2 x 2H2O afforded one-dimensional linear chain polymer [[Mn(OOCH4C6Fc)2(mu2-OH2)(H2O)2](H2O)]n (1), double-bridge polymer [Mn(mu2-OOCH4C6Fc)2(phen)]n (phen = phenanthroline) (2), and ladderlike framework [[Cd(mu2-OOCH4C6Fc)(eta2-OOCH4C6Fc)(bbp)](CH3OH)]n (bbp = 4,4'-trimethylene-dipyridine) (3). The solution-state cyclic voltammograms indicate that the half-wave potentials of the ferrocenyl moieties in these polymers are all shifted to positive potential compared to that of sodium p-ferrocenylbenzoate. Both 1 and 2 behave as 1D Heisenberg Mn(II) chains with weak intrachain antiferromagnetic interactions between the local high-spin Mn(II) ions, and the exchange coupling parameters J (-5.20 and -3.25 cm(-1) for 1 and 2, respectively) are larger than those of most of the reported di-Mn(II) complexes that contain mu2-aqua and mu2-carboxylato units and one-dimensional Mn(II) carboxylic polymers.

Diffusion anomaly as a function of molecular length of linear molecules: levitation effect

Previous work on monatomic spherical sorbates has shown the existence of an anomalous peak in self-diffusivity (D) when plotted as a function of size of the diffusant. Molecular dynamics studies on linear molecules of different lengths l in zeolite NaY at 140 and 200 K are reported. It is seen that there is a peak in D as a function of l, suggesting that the levitation effect exists for linear molecules, the simplest member of polyatomics. This is confirmed by the lowering of the activation energy for the molecule whose length l exhibits highest D. Related quantities of interest such as the guest-host interaction energy and preexponential factor are discussed.