High-Throughput Kinetic Study of Hydrogenation over Palladium Nanoparticles: Combination of Reaction and Analysis

Metal-Organic Framework Accelerated One-Step Capture and Reduction of Palladium to Catalytically Active Nanoparticles

Recovery of noble metals and in situ transforming to functional materials hold great promise in the sustainability of natural resources but remain as a challenge. Herein, the variable chemical microenvironments created by the inorganic-organic hybrid composition of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were exploited to tune the metal-support interactions, thus establishing an integrated strategy for recovering and reducing palladium (Pd). Assisted by sonic waves and alcoholic solvent, selective capture of Pd(II) from a complicated matrix to directly afford Pd nanoparticles (NPs) in MOFs can be achieved in one step within several minutes. Mechanism investigation reveals that the Pd binding site and the energy barriers between ionic and metallic status are sensitive to chemical environments in different frameworks. Thanks to the clean, dispersive, and uniform nature of Pd NPs, Pd@MOFs synthesized from a complicated environment exhibited high catalytic activity toward 4-nitrophenol reduction and Suzuki coupling reactions.

Palladium nanoparticles anchored on polymer vesicles as Pickering interfacial catalysts for hydrolytic oxidation of organosilanes

The self-assembly of functional polymer vesicles embedded with PdNPs at water–chloroform interfaces provides a novel catalytic route for the synthesis of poly(hydrosiloxane)s, H₂RSi[OSiRH]_nOSiRH₂.

Investigation of the Hydrogenation of 5-Methylfurfural by Noble Metal Nanoparticles in a Microcapillary Reactor

On-column reaction gas chromatography (ocRGC) was successfully utilized as high-throughput platform for monitoring of the conversion and selectivity of hydrogenation of 5-methylfurfural catalyzed by polymer-stabilized Ru and Pd nanoparticles. We were able to elucidate the effect of various reaction conditions, mainly together with the catalyst loading on the conversion rate and the selectivity of the reaction. Our strategy yields significant improvements in reaction analysis times and cost effectiveness in comparison to standard methods. We are able to demonstrate that ocRGC approach provides valuable information about the reaction system that gives scientists a tool to design suitable catalytic systems for enhanced sustainable chemistry in the future.

Nanocatalysis in Flow

Nanocatalysis in flow is catalysis by metallic nanoparticles (NPs; 1-50 nm) performed in microstructured reactors. These catalytic processes make use of the enhanced catalytic activity and selectivity of NPs and fulfill the requirements of green chemistry. Anchoring catalytically active metal NPs within a microfluidic reactor enhances the reagent/catalyst interaction, while avoiding diffusion limitations experienced in classical approaches. Different strategies for supporting NPs are reviewed herein, namely, packed-bed reactors, monolithic flow-through reactors, wall catalysts, and a selection of novel approaches (NPs embedded on nanotubes, nanowires, catalytic membranes, and magnetic NPs). Through a number of catalytic reactions, such as hydrogenations, oxidations, and cross-coupling reactions, the advantages and possible drawbacks of each approach are illustrated.

Continuous-flow technology—a tool for the safe manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients

In the past few years, continuous-flow reactors with channel dimensions in the micro- or millimeter region have found widespread application in organic synthesis. The characteristic properties of these reactors are their exceptionally fast heat and mass transfer. In microstructured devices of this type, virtually instantaneous mixing can be achieved for all but the fastest reactions. Similarly, the accumulation of heat, formation of hot spots, and dangers of thermal runaways can be prevented. As a result of the small reactor volumes, the overall safety of the process is significantly improved, even when harsh reaction conditions are used. Thus, microreactor technology offers a unique way to perform ultrafast, exothermic reactions, and allows the execution of reactions which proceed via highly unstable or even explosive intermediates. This Review discusses recent literature examples of continuous-flow organic synthesis where hazardous reactions or extreme process windows have been employed, with a focus on applications of relevance to the preparation of pharmaceuticals.

A catalytic chiral gel microfluidic reactor assembled via dynamic covalent chemistry

A novel dynamic covalent gel strategy is reported to immobilize an asymmetric catalyst within the channels of a microfluidic flow reactor. A layer of a catalytically active Mn-salen dynamic covalent imine gel matrix was coated onto a functionalized capillary. Mn-salen active moiety was incorporated into dynamic covalent imine gel matrix via the reaction of a chiral Mn-salen dialdehyde unit with a tetraamine linker. The catalytic activity of the capillary reactor has been demonstrated in enantioselective kinetic resolution of secondary alcohols.

From stereodynamics to high-throughput screening of catalysed reactions

In this review we summarised recent developments in high-throughput kinetic monitoring of reactions including the dynamics of interconverting stereoisomers and the simultaneous combination of (catalysed) reactions with chemical analysis in on-column reaction chromatographic devices.

Integrating reaction and analysis: investigation of higher-order reactions by cryogenic trapping

A new approach for the investigation of a higher-order reaction by on-column reaction gas chromatography is presented. The reaction and the analytical separation are combined in a single experiment to investigate the Diels-Alder reaction of benzenediazonium-2-carboxylate as a benzyne precursor with various anthracene derivatives, i.e. anthracene, 9-bromoanthracene, 9-anthracenecarboxaldehyde and 9-anthracenemethanol. To overcome limitations of short reaction contact times at elevated temperatures a novel experimental setup was developed involving a cooling trap to achieve focusing and mixing of the reactants at a defined spot in a fused-silica capillary. This trap functions as a reactor within the separation column in the oven of a gas chromatograph. The reactants are sequentially injected to avoid undefined mixing in the injection port. An experimental protocol was developed with optimized injection intervals and cooling times to achieve sufficient conversions at short reaction times. Reaction products were rapidly identified by mass spectrometric detection. This new approach represents a practical procedure to investigate higher-order reactions at an analytical level and it simultaneously provides valuable information for the optimization of the reaction conditions.

Stereodynamics of small 1,2-dialkyldiaziridines

Diaziridines are very interesting representatives of organic compounds containing stereogenic nitrogen atoms. In particular, 1,2-dialkyldiaziridines show extraordinarily high stereointegrity. The lone electron pairs of the nitrogen atoms are in trans configuration, avoiding a four-electron repulsive interaction. Furthermore, the trans configuration of the substituents at the nitrogen atoms is energetically favored because of reduced steric interactions. Therefore only two stereoisomers (enantiomers) are observed. At elevated temperatures the enantiomers are interconverting because of the limited stereointegrity of the chirotopic nitrogen atoms. The enantiomerization rate constants and the activation parameters of interconversion are of great interest. Here, we investigated the stereodynamics of a set of small 1,2-dialkyldiaziridines bearing short substituents (Me, Et, iPr, tBu), using enantioselective dynamic gas chromatography (DGC). Separation of enantiomers of all compounds, including the highly volatile 1,2-dimethyldiaziridine, was achieved using heptakis(2,3-di-O-ethyl-6-O-tert-butyldimethylsilyl)-β-cyclodextrin in 50% PS086 (w/w) as chiral stationary phase in fused silica capillaries with a length of up to 50 m. Measurements at variable temperatures were performed and reaction rate constants were determined using the unified equation of chromatography implemented in the software DCXplorer. The activation barriers at room temperature for 1-(tert-butyl)-2-ethyldiaziridine, ΔG(╪)(298K) = 123.8 kJ mol(-1) (ΔH(╪) = 115.5±2.9 kJ mol(-1), ΔS(╪) = -28±1 J mol(-1) K(-1)), and 1-ethyl-2-isopropyldiaziridine, ΔG(╪)(298K) = 124.2 kJ mol(-1) (ΔH(╪) = 113.1±2.4 kJ mol(-1), ΔS(╪) = -37±2 J mol(-1) K(-1)), were determined, representing some of the highest values observed for nitrogen inversion in diaziridines.

Combinatorial and high-throughput screening of materials libraries: review of state of the art

Rational materials design based on prior knowledge is attractive because it promises to avoid time-consuming synthesis and testing of numerous materials candidates. However with the increase of complexity of materials, the scientific ability for the rational materials design becomes progressively limited. As a result of this complexity, combinatorial and high-throughput (CHT) experimentation in materials science has been recognized as a new scientific approach to generate new knowledge. This review demonstrates the broad applicability of CHT experimentation technologies in discovery and optimization of new materials. We discuss general principles of CHT materials screening, followed by the detailed discussion of high-throughput materials characterization approaches, advances in data analysis/mining, and new materials developments facilitated by CHT experimentation. We critically analyze results of materials development in the areas most impacted by the CHT approaches, such as catalysis, electronic and functional materials, polymer-based industrial coatings, sensing materials, and biomaterials.

Nanoantenna-enhanced gas sensing in a single tailored nanofocus

Metallic nanostructures possess plasmonic resonances that spatially confine light on the nanometre scale. In the ultimate limit of a single nanostructure, the electromagnetic field can be strongly concentrated in a volume of only a few hundred nm(3) or less. This optical nanofocus is ideal for plasmonic sensing. Any object that is brought into this single spot will influence the optical nanostructure resonance with its dielectric properties. Here, we demonstrate antenna-enhanced hydrogen sensing at the single-particle level. We place a single palladium nanoparticle near the tip region of a gold nanoantenna and detect the changing optical properties of the system on hydrogen exposure by dark-field microscopy. Our method avoids any inhomogeneous broadening and statistical effects that would occur in sensors based on nanoparticle ensembles. Our concept paves the road towards the observation of single catalytic processes in nanoreactors and biosensing on the single-molecule level.

Stereodynamics of tetramezine

The antidepressant drug tetramezine [1,2-bis-(3,3-dimethyldiaziridin-1-yl)ethane] consists of two bridged diaziridine moieties with four stereogenic nitrogen centers, which are stereolabile and, therefore, are prone to interconversion. The adjacent substituents at the nitrogen atoms of the diaziridines moieties exist only in an antiperiplanar conformation, which results in a coupled interconversion. Therefore, three stereoisomers exist (meso form and two enantiomeric forms), which epimerize when the diaziridine moieties are regarded as stereogenic units due to the coupled interconversion. Here, we have investigated the epimerization between the meso and enantiomeric forms by dynamic gas chromatography. Temperature-dependent measurements were performed, and reaction rate constants were determined using the unified equation of chromatography implemented in the software DCXplorer. The activation barriers of the epimerization were found to be ΔG(≠) = 100.7 kJ mol(-1) at 25°C and ΔG(≠) = 104.5 kJ mol(-1) at 37°C, respectively. The activation enthalpy and entropy were determined to be ΔH(≠) = 70.3 ± 0.4 kJ mol(-1) and ΔS(≠) = -102 ± 2 J mol(-1) K(-1) .

In situ immobilization of palladium nanoparticles in microfluidic reactors and assessment of their catalytic activity

We report on the synthesis and characterization of catalytic palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) and their immobilization in microfluidic reactors fabricated from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The Pd NPs were stabilized with D-biotin or 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) to promote immobilization inside the microfluidic reactors. The NPs were homogeneous with narrow size distributions between 2 and 4 nm, and were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Biotinylated Pd NPs were immobilized on APTMS-modified PDMS and glass surfaces through the formation of covalent amide bonds between activated biotin and surface amino groups. By contrast, APTMS-stabilized Pd NPs were immobilized directly onto PDMS and glass surfaces rich in hydroxyl groups. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results showed successful attachment of both types of Pd NPs on glass and PDMS surfaces. Both types of Pd NPs were then immobilized in situ in sealed PDMS microfluidic reactors after similar surface modification. The effectiveness of immobilization in the microfluidic reactors was evaluated by hydrogenation of 6-bromo-1-hexene at room temperature and one atmosphere of hydrogen pressure. An average first-run conversion of 85% and selectivity of 100% were achieved in approximately 18 min of reaction time. Control experiments showed that no hydrogenation occurred in the absence of the nanocatalysts. This system has the potential to provide a reliable tool for efficient and high throughput evaluation of catalytic NPs, along with assessment of intrinsic kinetics.

Electrochemical surface structuring with palladium nanoparticles for signal enhancement

Surface nanostructuring with metal nanoparticles has gained importance because of the unique physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles. We have fabricated nanostructured surfaces on the basis of the sequential electrochemical deposition of palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) onto glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs). To increase the number density of the Pd NPs at the GC electrode surface, successive rounds of deposition/protection cycles were realized. Freshly deposited Pd NPs were immediately capped with 6-ferrocenylhexanethiol (Fc-C(6)SH) to prevent secondary nucleation processes from occurring during subsequent deposition rounds. This approach allowed us to maintain a narrow size distribution and, as such, the inherent properties of the deposited Pd NPs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to confirm the successful deposition as well as to measure the size and spatial distribution of the deposited Pd NPs. SEM image analysis results showed that the number density of Pd NPs increased in each sequential deposition stage. The anodic peak current signal recorded for the electroactive SAM of Fc-C(6)SH following six consecutive deposition/protection cycles was found to be 75 times higher than that formed on a bulk palladium electrode. Finally, for comparison, gold NPs were deposited on GCEs following the same approach and exhibited considerably reduced signal enhancement properties as compared to the Pd NPs. The work presented here should find wide applicability for enhancing sensor signals by specifically structuring transducer surfaces on the nanoscale.

The stereodynamics of 1,2-dipropyldiaziridines

N-alkylated trans-diaziridines are an intriguing class of compounds with two stereogenic nitrogen atoms which easily interconvert. In the course of our investigations of the nature of the interconversion process via nitrogen inversion or electrocyclic ring opening ring closure, we synthesized and characterized the three constitutionally isomeric diaziridines 1,2-di-n-propyldiaziridine 1, 1-isopropyl-2-n-propyldiaziridine 2, and 1,2-diisopropyldiaziridine 3 to study the influence of the substituents on the interconversion barriers. Enantiomer separation was achieved by enantioselective gas chromatography on the chiral stationary phase Chirasil-beta-Dex with high separation factors alpha (1-isopropyl-2-n-propyldiaziridine: 1.18; 1, 2-diisopropyldiaziridine: 1.24; 100 degrees C 50 kPa He) for the isopropyl substituted diaziridines. These compounds showed pronounced plateau formation between 100 and 150 degrees C, and peak coalescence at elevated temperatures. The enantiomerization barriers DeltaG(double dagger) and activation parameters DeltaH(double dagger) and DeltaS(double dagger) were determined by enantioselective dynamic gas chromatography (DGC) and direct evaluation of the elution profiles using the unified equation implemented in the software DCXplorer. Interestingly, 1-isopropyl-2-n-propyldiaziridine and 1,2-diisopropyldiaziridine exhibit similar high interconversion barriers DeltaG(double dagger) (100 degrees C) of 128.3 +/- 0.4 kJ mol(-1) and 129.8 +/- 0.4 kJ mol(-1), respectively, which indicates that two sterically demanding substituents do not substantially increase the barrier as expected for a distinct nitrogen inversion process.

Granulated Carbon Nanotubes as the Catalyst Support for Pt for the Hydrogenation of Nitrobenzene

Granulated Pt/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were found to have a much better catalytic activity in the liquid phase hydrogenation of nitrobenzene than Pt/activated carbon (AC). The granulated CNTs had much larger pores than the AC particles, which gave a faster mass transfer rate of H2 that helped produce aniline with high selectivity.