Opportunities in upgrading biomass crudes.

An unconventional crude from biomass (biocrude) has been processed to yield a hydrocarbon stream that is not only fully processable in conventional refineries but is already close to the specification of commercial fuels such as transportation diesel. The upgrading of biocrude was carried out with a combination of hydrotreatment and catalytic cracking, yielding middle distillate as the main product.

Multinuclear silver(I) XPhos complexes with cyclooctatetraene: photochemical C-C bond cleavage of acetonitrile and cyanide bridged Ag cluster formation.

Cationic mono-, di-, tri- and tetra-nuclear silver complexes with Buchwald-type phosphane (XPhos) and cyclooctatetraene (COT) have been synthesized and characterized. Formation of [(XPhos-Ag)n(COT)][SbF6]n (n = 1 and 2) complexes was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray crystallography and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. Variable-temperature NMR spectroscopy in CD2Cl2 solution shows the fluxionality of the COT ring in the mono-Ag(i) XPhos complex. Fluxionality of COT was also confirmed in the case of the di-Ag(i) XPhos complex by solid-state and solution (31)P NMR spectroscopy. The C-C bond cleavage of coordinated acetonitrile [XPhos-Ag(i)-NCCH3] resulting in cyanide bridged Ag cluster formation [(XPhos-Ag)2(µ-CN)n(µ-Ag)n-1] (n = 1, 2, 3 and 4) upon light excitation of [(XPhos-Ag)n(COT)] was confirmed by HRESI-MS, UV-Absorption and HR-TEM.

Propene epoxidation with O2 or H2-O2 mixtures over silver catalysts: theoretical insights into the role of the particle size.

The adsorption and dissociation of molecular O2 over silver extended surfaces, nanoparticles and clusters of different size, as well as the reaction between adsorbed O2 and H2 to form less nucleophilic hydroperoxide groups have been investigated by means of periodic DFT calculations. Hydroperoxide formation from O2 and H2 is in all systems kinetically favoured over O2 dissociation, which becomes energetically forbidden on small planar clusters. The nature and reactivity towards propene of all oxygen species present on silver, including adsorbed molecular O2, atomic O, and hydroperoxide groups, have been theoretically explored. Formation of the oxametallacycle intermediate involved in propene epoxidation is energetically accessible on subnanometric three-dimensional silver nanoparticles, but competitive pathways leading to hydrogen abstraction and allyl formation always involve lower activation barriers. Theoretical findings have been experimentally confirmed by Raman spectroscopy of O2 adsorption and catalytic testing of planar and three dimensional silver clusters.

Euphorbia characias as bioenergy crop: a study of variations in energy value components according to phenology and water status.

Euphorbia characias has drawn much attention as a potential bioenergy crop given its considerable amount of latex, rich in hydrocarbon-like compounds, and its ability to grow in large areas of semiarid lands. Compositions of major constituents with an energy value have been determined for the three phenological stages of this plant (preflowering, flowering, and postflowering) and different irrigation treatments. Metabolites from both nonpolar and polar extracts have been identified and quantified by GC-MS, GC-FID, HPLC-ELSD, and UPLC-PDA-MS. The results highlight that the end of the flowering period is the optimal harvesting time to maximize the yields of E. characias as a potential energy crop. The total water requirements to obtain the maximum yields of hexane- and methanol-extractables were determined for its annual development cycle.

MOFs as multifunctional catalysts: one-pot synthesis of menthol from citronellal over a bifunctional MIL-101 catalyst.

A bifunctional MOF catalyst containing coordinatively unsaturated Cr(3+) sites and palladium nanoparticles (Pd@MIL-101) has been used for the cyclization of citronellal to isopulegol and for the one-pot tandem isomerization/hydrogenation of citronellal to menthol. The MOF was found to be stable under the reaction conditions used, and the results obtained indicate that the performance of this bifunctional solid catalyst is comparable with other state-of-the-art materials for the tandem reaction: Full citronellal conversion was attained over Pd@MIL-101 in 18 h, with 86% selectivity to menthols and a diastereoselectivity of 81% to the desired (-)-menthol, while up to 30 h were necessary for attaining similar values over Ir/H-beta under analogous reaction conditions.

Extra-large pore zeolite (ITQ-40) with the lowest framework density containing double four- and double three-rings.

The first zeolite structure (ITQ-40) that contains double four (D4) and double three (D3) member ring secondary building units has been synthesized by introducing Ge and NH(4)F and working in concentrated synthesis gels. It is the first time that D3-Rs have been observed in a zeolite structure. As was previously analyzed [Brunner GO, Meier, WM (1989) Nature 337:146-147], such a structure has a very low framework density (10.1 T/1,000 A(3)). Indeed, ITQ-40 has the lowest framework density ever achieved in oxygen-containing zeolites. Furthermore, it contains large pore openings, i.e., 15-member rings parallel to the [001] hexagonal axis and 16-member ring channels perpendicular to this axis. The results presented here push ahead the possibilities of zeolites for uses in electronics, control delivery of drugs and chemicals, as well as for catalysis.

Molecular mobility of nematic E7 confined to molecular sieves with a low filling degree.

The nematic liquid crystalline mixture E7 was confined with similar filling degrees to molecular sieves with constant composition but different pore diameters (from 2.8 to 6.8 nm). Fourier transform infrared analysis proved that the E7 molecules interact via the cyanogroup with the pore walls of the molecular sieves. The molecular dynamics of the system was investigated by broadband dielectric spectroscopy (10(-2)-10(9) Hz) covering a wide temperature range of approximately 200 K from temperatures well above the isotropic-nematic transition down to the glass transition of bulk E7. A variety of relaxation processes is observed including two modes that are located close to the bulk behavior in its temperature dependence. For all confined samples, two relaxation processes, at frequencies lower than the processes observed for the bulk, were detected. At lower temperatures, their relaxation rates have different temperature dependencies whereas at higher temperatures, they seem to collapse into one chart. The temperature dependence of the slowest process (S-process) obeys the Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann law indicating a glassy dynamics of the E7 molecules anchored to the pore surface. The pore size dependence of both the Vogel temperature and fragility revealed a steplike transition around 4 nm pore size, which indicates a transition from a strong to a fragile behavior. The process with a relaxation rate in between the bulklike and the S-process (I-process) shows no dependence on the pore size. The agreement of the I-process with the behavior of a 5CB surface layer adsorbed on nonporous silica leads to the assignment of E7 molecules anchored at the outer surface of the microcrystals of the molecular sieves.

Support vector machines for predictive modeling in heterogeneous catalysis: a comprehensive introduction and overfitting investigation based on two real applications.

This works provides an introduction to support vector machines (SVMs) for predictive modeling in heterogeneous catalysis, describing step by step the methodology with a highlighting of the points which make such technique an attractive approach. We first investigate linear SVMs, working in detail through a simple example based on experimental data derived from a study aiming at optimizing olefin epoxidation catalysts applying high-throughput experimentation. This case study has been chosen to underline SVM features in a visual manner because of the few catalytic variables investigated. It is shown how SVMs transform original data into another representation space of higher dimensionality. The concepts of Vapnik-Chervonenkis dimension and structural risk minimization are introduced. The SVM methodology is evaluated with a second catalytic application, that is, light paraffin isomerization. Finally, we discuss why SVMs is a strategic method, as compared to other machine learning techniques, such as neural networks or induction trees, and why emphasis is put on the problem of overfitting.

Single-site homogeneous and heterogeneized gold(III) hydrogenation catalysts: mechanistic implications.

Au(III)-Schiff base complexes are active hydrogenation catalysts, giving turnover frequencies similar to those of the corresponding complexes of Pd(II), which has the same d8 electronic structure as Au(III). The mechanism of the reaction has been studied in detail by a combination of kinetic experiments and theoretical calculations. It is predicted and tested that the nature of the solvent plays a critical role for the heterolytic cleavage of H2 (controlling step). Taking this into account, and by properly selecting the nature of solid supports (polarity and proton-donating ability), it was possible to strongly increase the activity of the homogeneous Au(III) and Pd(II) catalysts by grafting them onto the surface.

Homogeneous and heterogenized Au(III) Schiff base-complexes as selective and general catalysts for self-coupling of aryl boronic acids.

A series of homogeneous and heterogenized gold metal complexes show high activity and selectivity for the homocoupling of a large variety of aryl boronic acids, being of general utility for the synthesis of C2-symmetric biaryls.

Surface characterization and properties of ordered arrays of CeO2 nanoparticles embedded in thin layers of SiO2.

We demonstrated the surface composite character down to the nanometer scale of SiO(2)-CeO(2) composite high surface area materials, prepared using 5 nm colloidal CeO(2) nanoparticle building blocks. These materials are made of a homogeneous distribution of CeO(2) nanoparticles in thin layers of SiO(2), arranged in a hexagonal symmetry as shown by small-angle X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Since the preparation route of these composite materials was selected in order to produce SiO(2) wall thickness in the range of the CeO(2) nanoparticle diameter, these materials display surface nanorugosity as shown by inverse chromatography. Accessibility through the porous volume to the functional CeO(2) nanoparticle surfaces was evidenced through an organic acid chemisorption technique allowing quantitative determination of CeO(2) surface ratio. This surface composite nanostructure down to the nanometer scale does not affect the fundamental properties of the functional CeO(2) nanodomains, such as their oxygen storage capacity, but modifies the acid-base properties of the CeO(2) surface nanodomains as evidenced by Fourier transform IR technique. These arrays of accessible CeO(2) nanoparticles displaying high surface area and high thermal stability, along with the possibility of tuning their acid base properties, will exhibit potentialities for catalysis, sensors, etc.

Reaction intermediates in acid catalysis by zeolites: prediction of the relative tendency to form alkoxides or carbocations as a function of hydrocarbon nature and active site structure.

The mechanism of protonation of ethene, propene, and isobutylene adsorbed on seven different Brønsted acid sites of mordenite has been studied at the ONIOM (B3PW91/6-31G(d,p):MNDO) theoretical level to assess the influence of olefin size and local geometry of the active site on the species and energies involved. The activation energies for olefin protonation are determined by short- and medium-range electrostatic effects and reflect the order of stability of primary, secondary, and tertiary carbenium ions. On the other hand, the stability of covalent alkoxides depends linearly on the AlO(b)Si angle value in the complex, which in turn is determined by the corresponding value in the deprotonated zeolite. It is also shown that the mechanism of protonation of isobutylene is different from that of ethene and propene and involves a free tert-butyl carbenium ion as a true reaction intermediate. Whether this carbenium ion is converted into a covalent alkoxide depends on the T position on which the Al is located. All these findings allow us to predict, on the basis of the position and local geometry of the Brønsted acid site, whether the reaction intermediates of olefin protonation will be covalent alkoxides or free carbenium ions.

Synthesis of ITQ-21 in OH- media.

ITQ-21 has been synthesized from F- free gels; aluminum can be incorporated and this does not affect the rate of nucleation. The introduction of stoichiometric amounts of NH4F with respect to the number of double four rings (D4R) present in the structure leads to an increase in the nucleation and crystallization rate with a quantitative incorporation of fluoride ions into the solid.

Zeolites as pheromone dispensers.

Modification of the chemical and structural properties of zeolites has led to the preparation of an optimized zeolitic dispenser for insect attractants such as n-decanol and trimedlure. The impact of zeolite variables such as the framework Si/Al ratio, nature of compensating cation, nature and strength of acid groups, and pore dimensions on the kinetics of emission has been studied, and the results are as follows. Zeolite pore dimensions and the presence or absence of acid sites have the greatest effect on the rate of release, decreasing with decreasing pore diameter and increasing acidity. Further tuning of the release characteristics is achieved by controlling the polarity and the polarizability of the framework by increasing the Si/Al ratio and nature of the compensating cations, i.e., the higher the polarizability and the lower the polarity, the slower the release of attractants.

Sn-zeolite beta as a heterogeneous chemoselective catalyst for Baeyer-Villiger oxidations.

The Baeyer-Villiger oxidation, first reported more than 100 years ago, has evolved into a versatile reaction widely used to convert ketones-readily available building blocks in organic chemistry-into more complex and valuable esters and lactones. Catalytic versions of the Baeyer-Villiger oxidation are particularly attractive for practical applications, because catalytic transformations simplify processing conditions while minimizing reactant use as well as waste production. Further benefits are expected from replacing peracids, the traditionally used oxidant, by cheaper and less polluting hydrogen peroxide. Dissolved platinum complexes and solid acids, such as zeolites or sulphonated resins, efficiently activate ketone oxidation by hydrogen peroxide. But these catalysts lack sufficient selectivity for the desired product if the starting material contains functional groups other than the ketone group; they perform especially poorly in the presence of carbon-carbon double bonds. Here we show that upon incorporation of 1.6 weight per cent tin into its framework, zeolite beta acts as an efficient and stable heterogeneous catalyst for the Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of saturated as well as unsaturated ketones by hydrogen peroxide, with the desired lactones forming more than 98% of the reaction products. We ascribe this high selectivity to direct activation of the ketone group, whereas other catalysts first activate hydrogen peroxide, which can then interact with the ketone group as well as other functional groups.

Cluster and periodic calculations of the ethene protonation reaction catalyzed by theta-1 zeolite: influence of method, model size, and structural constraints.

The protonation of ethene by three different acid sites of theta-1 zeolite was theoretically studied to analyze the extent and relevance of the following aspects of heterogeneous catalysis: the local geometry of the Brønsted acid site in a particular zeolite, the size of the cluster used to model the catalyst, the degree of geometry relaxation around the active site, and the effects related to medium- and long-range interactions between the reaction site and its environment. It has been found that while the reaction energy is very sensitive to the local geometry of the site, the activation energy is mainly affected by the methodology used and by electrostatic effects on account of the carbocationic nature of the transition state.

Sn-MCM-41--a heterogeneous selective catalyst for the Baeyer-Villiger oxidation with hydrogen peroxide.

A new heterogeneous catalyst, Sn-MCM-41, is described for the Baeyer-Villiger reaction with hydrogen peroxide which selectively activates the carbonyl function for the nucleophilic attack by the oxidant, with high chemoselectivities when double bonds are present in the molecule.

Characterization of germanium site distribution in zeolite ITQ-7 by photoluminescence.

Zeolite ITQ-7 containing germanium emits luminescence upon excitation at the wavelength of the absorption maxima; control experiments with amorphous GeO2 and all-silica zeolites indicate that the emission is attributable to Ge atoms occupying framework positions; the emission decays on the nanosecond time scale and it fits to variable proportions of three exponential kinetics, this being compatible with the presence of three families of Ge atoms in the solid.