Catalytic activity of nickel and cobalt for amination of ethylene glycol: Which is better?

Green Catalytic Synthesis of Ethylenediamine from Ethylene Glycol and Monoethanolamine: A Review

Ethylenediamine (EDA) is a crucial chemical raw material and fine chemical intermediate. Compared with the industrial approach of ammonolysis of 1,2-dichloroethane, the catalytic amination of ethylene glycol (EG) is an economical and environmentally benign route that will be the future trend for EDA synthesis. Herein, we systemically review the recent progress in direct and indirect catalytic conversion of EG to EDA. Furthermore, different types of catalysts are discussed: (i) supported metal and multimetallic catalysts, (ii) solid acid catalysts, and (iii) other active catalysts (e.g., ionic liquids and metal complexes). Finally, we conclude with the frontiers and future prospects of the catalytic synthesis of EDA from EG and monoethanolamine, providing readers a snapshot of this field.

Adsorption and activation of small molecules on boron nitride catalysts

Hexagonal boron nitride possesses a unique layered structure, high specific surface area and similar electronic properties as graphene, which makes it not only a promising catalyst support, but also a highly effective metal-free catalyst in the booming field of green chemistry. Reactions involving small molecules (e.g., oxygen, low carbon alkanes, nitrogen and carbon dioxide) have always been a hot topic in catalytic research, especially associated with the adsorption and activation regime of different forms of small molecules on catalysts. In this review, we have investigated the adsorption of different small molecules and the relevant activation mechanisms of four typical chemical bonds (OO, C-H, NN, CO) on hexagonal boron nitride. Recent progress on approaches adopted to enhance the activation capacity such as doping, defect engineering and heterostructuring are summarized, highlighting the potential applications of nonmetallic hexagonal boron nitride catalysts in various reactions. This comprehensive investigation offers a reference point for the enhanced mechanistic understanding and future design of effective and sustainable catalytic systems based on boron nitride.