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Reaction-Driven Surface Restructuring and Selectivity Control in Allylic Alcohol Catalytic Aerobic Oxidation over Pd
A major challenge in catalysis is correctly identifying the active centre responsible for directing molecular transformations during reactions. In a recent JACS Communication, Professor Adam Lee and collaborators at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility have demonstrated the simultaneous application of powerful X-ray and surface sensitive IR probes to visualise heterogeneous catalysts in action and reveal the active site in Pd nanoparticle catalysed alcohol oxidation. In contrast to conventional wisdom, this in-situ DRIFTS/MS/XAS approach discovered surface Pd oxide (not metal) is the desired catalyst form, underpinning the rational design of next-generation Pd nanocatalysts for environmentally-friendly selective oxidations. The new methodology in this study also paves the way for investigating a host of diverse vapor phase reactions pertinent to fine chemicals synthesis.
Adam F. Lee, Christine V. Ellis, James N. Naughton, Mark A. Newton, Christopher M. A. Parlett and Karen Wilson
J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2011, 133 (15), pp 5724–5727
