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Highly efficient one-step conversion of cyclohexane to adipic acid using single-site heterogeneous catalysts
Robert Raja1, John Meurig Thomas, Mingcan Xu
1Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, UK CB2 1EW. robert@ri.ac.uk
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|February 24, 2006
Summary
A novel catalytic system using acetylperoxyborate (APB) and redox-active microporous catalysts efficiently converts cyclohexane to adipic acid. This method also effectively oxidizes styrene, pinene, and limonene to their respective epoxides.
Area of Science:
- Catalysis
- Oxidation Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Selective oxidation of hydrocarbons is crucial for synthesizing valuable chemicals.
- Developing efficient and selective catalysts for oxidation reactions remains a significant challenge in chemistry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of acetylperoxyborate (APB) as an oxidant in combination with single-site microporous catalysts.
- To achieve high-yield and high-selectivity conversion of cyclohexane to adipic acid.
- To explore the applicability of this system for epoxidation of various organic substrates.
Main Methods:
- Dissolving acetylperoxyborate (APB) in aqueous solution.
- Utilizing single-site microporous catalysts with redox centers (Fe(III)AlPO-31, Mn(III)AlPO-5, Fe(III)AlPO-5).
- Conducting oxidation reactions at 383 K.
Main Results:
- Achieved approximately 88% efficiency and 81% selectivity in converting cyclohexane to adipic acid.
- Demonstrated effectiveness in the epoxidation of styrene to styrene oxide.
- Successfully converted -pinene and (+)-limonene to their corresponding epoxides.
Conclusions:
- The APB/redox-active microporous catalyst system offers a highly efficient and selective route for adipic acid synthesis.
- This catalytic approach is versatile and effective for the epoxidation of diverse organic molecules.
- The study highlights a promising method for industrial chemical synthesis and green chemistry applications.
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