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At least 109 records · Page 6

Ion-Pair Reorganization Regulates Reactivity in Photoredox Catalysts

Cyclometalated and polypyridyl complexes of d6 metals are promising photoredox catalysts, using light to drive reactions with high kinetic or thermodynamic barriers via the generation of reactive radical intermediates. However, while tuning of their redox potentials, absorption energy, excited-state lifetime and quantum yield are well-known criteria for modifying activity, other factors could be important. Here we show that dynamic ion-pair reorganization controls the reactivity of a photoredox catalyst, [Ir[dF(CF3)ppy]2(dtbpy)]X. Time-resolved dielectric-loss experiments show how counter-ion identity influences excited-state charge distribution, evincing large differences in both the ground- and excited-state dipole moment depending on whether X is a small associating anion (PF6-) that forms a contact-ion pair versus a large one that either dissociates or forms a solvent-separated pair (BArF4-). These differences correlate with the reactivity of the photocatalyst toward both reductive and oxidative electron transfer, amounting to a 4-fold change in selectivity toward oxidation versus reduction. These results suggest that ion pairing could be an underappreciated factor that modulates reactivity in ionic photoredox catalysts.

catalysis↗

Single-molecule reaction mapping uncovers diverse behaviours of electrocatalytic surface Pd–H intermediates

Many vital electrocatalytic transformations hinge on reactive surface metal–hydrogen intermediates (M–H*), yet the low concentration and transient nature of such intermediates present formidable challenges to in-depth investigation. Here we use single-molecule super-resolution reaction imaging to directly probe surface palladium–hydrogen (Pd–H*) intermediates on individual palladium nanocubes during electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Our approach visualizes hydrogen spillover from palladium to the surrounding substrate surface over hundreds of nanometres away and dissects substantial inter- and intraparticle heterogeneity. Through Gaussian-broadening kinetic analysis, we reveal that ensemble-averaged measurements systematically overestimate the stability of Pd–H*. Moreover, we resolve three subpopulations of palladium nanocubes with distinct reactivity features, uncovering critical correlations between intermediate stability, hydrogenation reactivity and transition-state properties. Finally, our findings highlight the necessity of single-particle resolution for capturing the intrinsic complexity of electrocatalysts; our approach is also broadly applicable to interrogate surface-reactive intermediates across a wide array of electrocatalytic pathways.

electrocatalysis↗

Rapid Electrochemical Methane Functionalization Involves Pd–Pd Bonded Intermediates

High-valent Pd complexes are potent agents for the oxidative functionalization of inert C-H bonds, and it was previously shown that rapid electrocatalytic methane monofunctionalization could be achieved by electro-oxidation of Pd II to a critical dinuclear Pd III intermediate in concentrated or fuming sulfuric acid. However, the structure of this highly reactive, unisolable intermediate, as well as the structural basis for its mechanism of electrochemical formation, remained elusive. Herein, we use X-ray absorption and Raman spectroscopies to assemble a structural model of the potent methane-activating intermediate as a Pd III dimer with a Pd-Pd bond and a 5-fold O atom coordination by H x SO 4 (x-2) ligands at each Pd center. We further use EPR spectroscopy to identify a mixed-valent M-M bonded Pd 2 II,III species as a key intermediate during the Pd II -to-Pd III 2 oxidation. Combining EPR and electrochemical data, we quantify the free energy of Pd dimerization as <-4.5 kcal/mol for Pd 2 II,III and <-9.1 kcal/mol for Pd III 2 . The structural and thermochemical data suggest that the aggregate effect of metal-metal and axial metal-ligand bond formation drives the critical Pd dimerization reaction in between electrochemical oxidation steps. This work establishes a structural basis for the facile electrochemical oxidation of Pd II to a M-M bonded Pd III dimer and provides a foundation for understanding its rapid methane functionalization reactivity.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Dramatic Conformer-Dependent Reactivity of the Acetaldehyde Oxide Criegee Intermediate with Dimethylamine Via a 1,2-Insertion Mechanism

The reactivity of carbonyl oxides has previously been shown to exhibit strong conformer and substituent dependencies. Through a combination of synchrotron multiplexed photoionization mass spectrometry experiments (298 K, 4 Torr) and high-level theory (CCSD(T)-F12/cc-pVTZ-F12//B2PLYP-D3/cc-pVTZ with an added CCSDT(Q) correction), we explore the conformer dependence of the reaction of acetaldehyde oxide (CH 3 CHOO) with dimethyl amine (DMA). The experimental data supports the theoretically predicted 1,2-insertion mechanism and the formation of an amine-functionalized hydroperoxide reaction product. Tunable-VUV photoionization probing of anti- or anti- + syn-CH 3 CHOO reveals a strong conformer dependence of the title reaction. Here, the rate coefficient of DMA with anti-CH 3 CHOO is predicted to exceed that for the reaction with syn-CH 3 CHOO by a factor of ~34,000, which is attributed to submerged barrier (syn) vs. barrierless (anti) mechanisms for energetically downhill reactions.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Third-body stabilization of supercritical CO 2 in CO oxidation: development and application of a ReaxFF force field for the CO/O/CO 2 system

Supercritical CO 2 (scCO 2 ) plays a crucial role as a solvent in separation processes, advanced power cycles, and materials processing. Nonetheless, the atomistic comprehension of how the dense scCO 2 matrix influences the fundamental reaction of carbon monoxide (CO) is still insufficiently explored. Experimental studies and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations frequently fail to detect the highly reactive, transient intermediates, such as atomic oxygen (O), that drive these reactions. Here, to address this issue, we have developed a novel ReaxFF reactive force field for the CO 2 /CO/O system. The force field parameters were calibrated using density functional theory and second-order Møller-Plesset calculations to model CO 2 crystal properties, intermolecular interactions, bond dissociation curves, and reaction energy barriers. The force field reproduces the cohesive energy of the CO 2 crystal, the pressure characteristics of bulk scCO 2 , the equation-of-state behavior over a wide pressure–density range, the pressure dependence of the C–O bond length under compression, and the structural properties of liquid and scCO 2 , as documented by experiments, ab-initio MD, and prominent non-reactive models. The force field was subsequently applied to study the CO + O → CO 2 reaction. In a dilute environment, the reaction is inefficient as the newly formed CO 2 rapidly dissociates due to excess kinetic and potential energy acquired from the exothermic reaction. Conversely, in a dense scCO 2 environment, the surrounding matrix acts as an efficient third body, stabilizing the emerging CO2 product via molecular collisions. Statistical analysis confirms an average excess energy dissipation of 133.9 ± 3.6 kcal/mol over 112.4 ± 17.9 ps. Kinetic energy decomposition reveals that ∼ 92% of the excess kinetic energy is stored in internal (rotational and vibrational) degrees of freedom. This ReaxFF force field establishes a mechanistic foundation for third-body stabilization in dense reactive environments.

Chowdhury, Emdadul Haque [Pennsylvania State Univ.↗

Interplay between copper redox and transfer and support acidity and topology in low temperature NH 3 -SCR

Low-temperature standard NH 3 -SCR over copper-exchanged zeolite catalysts occurs on NH 3 -solvated Cu-ion active sites in a quasi-homogeneous manner. As key kinetically relevant reaction steps, the reaction intermediate Cu II (NH 3 ) 4 ion hydrolyzes to Cu II (OH)(NH 3 ) 3 ion to gain redox activity. The Cu II (OH)(NH 3 ) 3 ion also transfers between neighboring zeolite cages to form highly reactive reaction intermediates. Via operando electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and SCR kinetic measurements and density functional theory calculations, we demonstrate here that such kinetically relevant steps become energetically more difficult with lower support Brønsted acid strength and density. Consequently, Cu/LTA displays lower Cu atomic efficiency than Cu/CHA and Cu/AEI, which can also be rationalized by considering differences in their support topology. By carrying out hydrothermal aging to eliminate support Brønsted acid sites, both Cu II (NH 3 ) 4 ion hydrolysis and Cu II (OH)(NH 3 ) 3 ion migration are hindered, leading to a marked decrease in Cu atomic efficiency for all catalysts.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Accessing metal-specific orbital interactions in C–H activation with resonant inelastic X-ray scattering

Photochemically prepared transition-metal complexes are known to be effective at cleaving the strong C–H bonds of organic molecules in room temperature solutions. There is also ample theoretical evidence that the two-way, metal to ligand (MLCT) and ligand to metal (LMCT), charge-transfer between an incoming alkane C–H group and the transition metal is the decisive interaction in the C–H activation reaction. What is missing, however, are experimental methods to directly probe these interactions in order to reveal what determines reactivity of intermediates and the rate of the reaction. Here, using quantum chemical simulations we predict and propose future time-resolved valence-to-core resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (VtC-RIXS) experiments at the transition metal L-edge as a method to provide a full account of the evolution of metal–alkane interactions during transition-metal mediated C–H activation reactions. For the model system cyclopentadienyl rhodium dicarbonyl (CpRh(CO) 2 ), we demonstrate, by simulating the VtC-RIXS signatures of key intermediates in the C–H activation pathway, how the Rh-centered valence-excited states accessible through VtC-RIXS directly reflect changes in donation and back-donation between the alkane C–H group and the transition metal as the reaction proceeds via those intermediates. We benchmark and validate our quantum chemical simulations against experimental steady-state measurements of CpRh(CO) 2 and Rh(acac)(CO)2 (where acac is acetylacetonate). Our study constitutes the first step towards establishing VtC-RIXS as a new experimental observable for probing reactivity of C–H activation reactions. More generally, the study further motivates the use of time-resolved VtC-RIXS to follow the valence electronic structure evolution along photochemical, photoinitiated and photocatalytic reactions with transition metal complexes.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

External perturbation-driven Sabatier breakthrough

The Sabatier reaction (CO 2 + 4H 2 → CH 4 + 2H 2 O) is gaining renewed interest due to its potential to reduce energy carrier storage costs, serve as a feedstock for various organic chemicals, and supply in-situ propellant and life-support resources for long-duration Mars missions. This study demonstrates that combining a modest 2 mA electric field with H 2 feed modulation markedly elevates the CO 2 hydrogenation activity of 2 wt% Ru/CeO 2 catalyst. CO 2 conversion reaches 88 % and 93 % with a CH 4 yield of 83 % and 89 % at 350 °C and 450 °C, respectively. A simple lumped kinetic model reveals that the combined external perturbations not only shift the reaction mechanism but also redistribute key surface-adsorbed intermediates such as hydrogen adatoms and hydrogen-activated CO 2 among the Ru clusters, Ru/CeO 2 interface, and ceria surface. The electric field accelerates the conversion of adsorbed CO 2 to the hydrogenated CO 2 species on Ru and boosts CH 4 formation rate constant, while simultaneously suppresses the formation of undesired, non-reactive surface intermediates. Degree-of-rate-control analysis pinpoints proton migration across the metal-support interface as the decisive lever under these coupled perturbations. In conclusion, these findings establish that rational pairing of metal-support design with well-tuned electric fields and feed oscillations can unlock unprecedented Sabatier rates, guiding the development of next-generation reactors for efficient CO 2 to CH 4 conversion.

10 - SYNTHETIC FUELS↗

Systematic Influence of Electronic Modification of Ligands on the Catalytic Rate of Water Oxidation by a Single-Site Ru-Based Catalyst

Catalytic water oxidation is an important process for the development of clean energy solutions and energy storage. Despite the significant number of reports on active catalysts, systematic control of the catalytic activity remains elusive. In this study, descriptors are explored that can be correlated with catalytic activity. [Ru(tpy)(pic) 2 (H 2 O)](NO 3 ) 2 and [Ru(EtO-tpy)(pic) 2 (H 2 O)](NO 3 ) 2 (where tpy=2,2': 6',2“-terpyridine, EtO-tpy=4'-(ethoxy)-2,':6',2”-terpyridine, pic=4-picoline) are synthesized and characterized by NMR, UV/Vis, EPR, resonance Raman, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and electrochemical analysis. Addition of the ethoxy group increases the catalytic activity in chemically driven and photocatalytic water oxidation. Thus, the effect of the electron-donating group known for the [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(H 2 O)] 2+ family is transferable to architectures with a tpy ligand trans to the Ru-oxo unit. Under catalytic conditions, [Ru(EtO-tpy)(pic) 2 (H 2 O)](NO 3 ) 2 displays new spectroscopic signals tentatively assigned to a peroxo intermediate. In conclusion, reaction pathways were analyzed by using DFT calculations. [Ru(EtO-tpy)(pic) 2 (H 2 O)](NO 3 ) 2 is found to be one of the most active catalysts functioning by a water nucleophilic attack mechanism.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Photoenzymatic Asymmetric Hydroamination for Chiral Alkyl Amine Synthesis

Chiral alkyl amines are common structural motifs in pharmaceuticals, natural products, synthetic intermediates, and bioactive molecules. An attractive method to prepare these molecules is the asymmetric radical hydroamination; however, this approach has not been explored with dialkyl amine-derive nitrogen-centered radicals since designing a catalytic system to generate the aminium radical cation, to suppress deleterious side reactions such as α-deprotonation and H atom abstraction, and to facilitate enantioselective hydrogen atom transfer is a formidable task. Herein, we describe the application of photoenzymatic catalysis to generate and harness the aminium radical cation for asymmetric intermolecular hydroamination. In this reaction, the flavin-dependent ene-reductase photocatalytically generates the aminium radical cation from the corresponding hydroxylamine and catalyzes the asymmetric intermolecular hydroamination to furnish the enantioenriched tertiary amine, whereby enantioinduction occurs through enzyme-mediated hydrogen atom transfer. Furthermore, this work highlights the use of photoenzymatic catalysis to generate and control highly reactive radical intermediates for asymmetric synthesis, addressing a long-standing challenge in chemical synthesis.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Exploiting the Liquid Phase to Enhance the Cross-Coupling of Alcohols over Nanoporous Gold Catalysts

Controlling selectivity in the cross-coupling of two similar compounds is a classic challenge in heterogeneous catalysis. Here it is shown that the phase in which the catalysis is performed has a dramatic impact on the selectivity of the oxidative coupling of alcohols to esters over unsupported nanoporous gold catalysts, affording nearly optimal cross-coupling to a single ester at equimolar concentrations in the liquid. Operation in the liquid vs the gas phase affects 1) the relative C-H activation rates of methoxy and 1-propoxy, 2) the fraction of C-H activation which leads to esters vs aldehydes, and 3) the fraction of esters which result from cross-coupling vs self-coupling. While activation of the critical adsorbed reactive alkoxy intermediate is faster for 1-propoxy than methoxy in both phases, the liquid phase is more effective in coupling the resulting aldehyde with adsorbed methoxy or 1-propoxy to yield an ester. Additionally, operation in the liquid phase promotes cross-coupling to methyl propionate, whereas in the gas-phase self-coupling of 1-propanol to propyl propionate is favored. The promotion of self-coupling in the gas phase results from the stabilization of larger alkoxides on the surface by Au-alkyl van der Waals forces. However, such forces do not appear dominant in the liquid phase, as evidenced by similar cross-coupling selectivities of methanol with ethanol, 1-propanol, and 1-butanol. Introducing steric hindrance into the higher alcohol (i.e., 2-methyl-1-propanol) further promotes cross-coupling. Here, this promotion is attributed to a kinetic preference for an aldehyde to couple with less-hindered alkoxides. Altogether, these findings demonstrate that alcohol cross-coupling selectivities are strongly impacted by the phase in which the catalysis is conducted, thus altering the phase provides opportunities for selective and efficient chemical syntheses.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Controlling Bond Scission Pathways of Isopropanol on Fe- and Pt-Modified Mo 2 N Model Surfaces and Powder Catalysts

Biomass valorization can be used to produce value-added chemicals and fuels from renewable biomass resources by upgrading them via selective bond scission while retaining certain functional groups. Specifically, upgrading biomass through the dehydrogenation of alcohols to carbonyl compounds has gained interest as a method of utilizing biomass-derived alcohols while additionally producing H 2 . In this work, isopropanol was used as a probe molecule to control bond scission selectivity over Fe- and Pt-modified molybdenum nitride (Mo 2 N) model surfaces and powder catalysts. Trends in the selectivity toward dehydration and dehydrogenation were dependent on both the type and coverage of the metal overlayer on model surfaces. These results were then extended to the corresponding powder catalysts to demonstrate how model surface studies can inform the design of supported catalysts. Density functional theory calculations provided insights into controlling the dehydration and dehydrogenation pathways. In conclusion, this work shows that a fundamental understanding of the reactivity and intermediates on Mo 2 N-based model surfaces can be applied to understand the catalytic performance of metal-modified Mo 2 N powder catalysts, and also demonstrates that Mo 2 N-based catalysts are potentially promising materials for upgrading biomass-derived oxygenates.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Synergistic Interactions During Co-Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Food Waste and Biomass Model Compounds for Increased Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production

Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of lignocellulosic biomass is plagued with low biocrude yields owing to the tendency of highly reactive oxygenated intermediates to condense to form biochars. By contrast, the high protein content in food waste is comprised of substantial nitrogen species, which are known to interact strongly with oxygenates through Maillard, amide, and peptide bond formation reactions. Co-feeding food waste and lignocellulose opens new reaction pathways for biocrude formation but is currently poorly understood. This work evaluated the molecular level interactions between food waste and lignocellulose model compounds and the corresponding effect on product yields and quality. Food waste–cellulose and food waste–xylan feedstock blends achieved maximum biocrude carbon yield improvements of 12.2% and 10.1%, respectively, relative to a simple linear model that interpolates between the yields of the pure feedstocks. Increases in biocrude yield were balanced by corresponding decreases in char yield, indicating synergistic interactions between the feeds during HTL. Biocrude volatility analysis revealed that increased biocrude yield preferentially benefitted the jet fuel fraction, which comprised up to 22.6% of the total carbon yield for food waste–cellulose blends. Biocrude and char were analyzed using GC–MS and FT-IR spectroscopy to investigate the source of synergistic trends and provide greater mechanistic understanding. Key cofeeding effects included the promotion of retro-aldol condensation reactions and trans-esterification of fatty acids, sequestering carbon in the biocrude phase via the inhibition of char formation while increasing biocrude volatility toward jet fuel-range compounds. These results indicate the potential for judicious selection of HTL cofeeds to increase both biocrude yield and selectivity to desired fuel precursors, including sustainable aviation fuel.

Maillard reaction↗

Continuous cultivation of the lithoautotrophic nitrate‐reducing Fe( II )‐oxidizing culture KS in a chemostat bioreactor

Abstract Laboratory‐based studies on microbial Fe(II) oxidation are commonly performed for 5–10 days in small volumes with high substrate concentrations, resulting in geochemical gradients and volumetric effects caused by sampling. We used a chemostat to enable uninterrupted supply of medium and investigated autotrophic nitrate‐reducing Fe(II)‐oxidizing culture KS for 24 days. We analysed Fe‐ and N‐speciation, cell‐mineral associations, and the identity of minerals. Results were compared to batch systems (50 and 700 mL—static/shaken). The Fe(II) oxidation rate was highest in the chemostat with 7.57 mM Fe(II) d −1 , while the extent of oxidation was similar to the other experimental setups (average oxidation of 92% of all Fe(II)). Short‐range ordered Fe(III) phases, presumably ferrihydrite, precipitated and later goethite was detected in the chemostat. The 1 mM solid phase Fe(II) remained in the chemostat, up to 15 μM of reactive nitrite was measured, and 42% of visualized cells were partially or completely mineral‐encrusted, likely caused by abiotic oxidation of Fe(II) by nitrite. Despite (partial) encrustation, cells were still viable. Our results show that even with similar oxidation rates as in batch cultures, cultivating Fe(II)‐oxidizing microorganisms under continuous conditions reveals the importance of reactive nitrogen intermediates on Fe(II) oxidation, mineral formation and cell–mineral interactions.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Chemical diversity in angiosperms − monoterpene synthases control complex reactions that provide the precursors for ecologically and commercially important monoterpenoids

SUMMARY Monoterpene synthases (MTSs) catalyze the first committed step in the biosynthesis of monoterpenoids, a class of specialized metabolites with particularly high chemical diversity in angiosperms. In addition to accomplishing a rate enhancement, these enzymes manage the formation and turnover of highly reactive carbocation intermediates formed from a prenyl diphosphate substrate. At each step along the reaction path, a cationic intermediate can be subject to cyclization, migration of a proton, hydride, or alkyl group, or quenching to terminate the sequence. However, enzymatic control of ligand folding, stabilization of specific intermediates, and defined quenching chemistry can maintain the specificity for forming a signature product. This review article will discuss our current understanding of how angiosperm MTSs control the reaction environment. Such knowledge allows inferences about the origin and regulation of chemical diversity, which is pertinent for appreciating the role of monoterpenoids in plant ecology but also for aiding commercial efforts that harness the accumulation of these specialized metabolites for the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Solvent molecules form surface redox mediators in situ and cocatalyze O 2 reduction on Pd

Solvent molecules influence the reactions of molecular hydrogen and oxygen on palladium nanoparticles. Organic solvents activate to form reactive surface intermediates that mediate oxygen reduction through pathways distinct from reactions in pure water. Kinetic measurements and ab initio quantum chemical calculations indicate that methanol and water cocatalyze oxygen reduction by facilitating proton-electron transfer reactions. Methanol generates hydroxymethyl intermediates on palladium surfaces that efficiently transfer protons and electrons to oxygen to form hydrogen peroxide and formaldehyde. Formaldehyde subsequently oxidizes hydrogen to regenerate hydroxymethyl. Water, on the other hand, heterolytically oxidizes hydrogen to produce hydronium ions and electrons that reduce oxygen. These findings suggest that reactions of solvent molecules at solid-liquid interfaces can generate redox mediators in situ and provide opportunities to substantially increase rates and selectivities for catalytic reactions.

Adams, Jason S.↗

Diol-enhanced natural deep eutectic solvents for efficient poplar pretreatment

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NDESs) are promising biomass pretreatment media, but their industrial application is often hindered by high viscosity. To address this limitation, diol-enhanced ternary DESs (TDESs) were prepared by incorporating 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BDO) or ethylene glycol (EG) into a choline chloride (ChCl) and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) system. The applied TDESs maintained a liquid state at room temperature and had significantly reduced viscosity compared to the binary DES (BDES). In addition, the applied diols increased lignin solubility and suppressed lignin condensation by intercepting reactive carbocation intermediates. As a result, the recovered lignins from diol-induced TDES pretreatments showed better preservation of β-O-4 linkages and reduced condensation, improving their potential for downstream valorization. The diol-assisted DES systems showed a synergistic effect from the reduced viscosity, enhanced lignin solubility, and suppression of unwanted condensation, resulting in more effective biomass pretreatment performance, including the enhanced delignification and higher enzymatic digestibility compared to BDES. The 1,4-BDO-enhanced DES was also successfully applied to DHBA-enriched transgenic poplar, highlighting its potential for the processing of engineered biomass feedstocks.

3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid↗