Gold nanoparticle-catalyzed environmentally benign deoxygenation of epoxides to alkenes

Molecules. 2011 Sep 28;16(10):8209-27. doi: 10.3390/molecules16108209.

Abstract

We have developed a highly efficient and green catalytic deoxygenation of epoxides to alkenes using gold nanoparticles (NPs) supported on hydrotalcite [HT: Mg(6)Al(2)CO(3)(OH)(16)] (Au/HT) with alcohols, CO/H(2)O or H(2) as the reducing reagent. Various epoxides were selectively converted to the corresponding alkenes. Among the novel metal NPs on HT, Au/HT was found to exhibit outstanding catalytic activity for the deoxygenation reaction. Moreover, Au/HT can be separated from the reaction mixture and reused with retention of its catalytic activity and selectivity. The high catalytic performance of Au/HT was attributed to the selective formation of Au-hydride species by the cooperative effect between Au NPs and HT.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkenes / chemistry*
  • Aluminum Hydroxide / chemistry
  • Catalysis
  • Epoxy Compounds / chemistry*
  • Gold / chemistry*
  • Magnesium Hydroxide / chemistry
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*

Substances

  • Alkenes
  • Epoxy Compounds
  • hydrotalcite
  • Aluminum Hydroxide
  • Gold
  • Magnesium Hydroxide