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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Imine Metathesis by Silica-Supported Catalysts Using the Methodology of Surface Organometallic Chemistry
Published on: October 18, 2019
Silica-supported tantalum clusters: catalyst for alkane conversion.
Sailendra Nemana1, Bruce C Gates
1Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Tantalum clusters supported on silica catalyze ethane conversion to methane and propane at 523 K. The catalyst retains its average tantalum cluster size after the reaction, indicating stability.
Area of Science:
- Heterogeneous catalysis
- Organometallic chemistry
- Materials science
Background:
- Tantalum complexes are precursors for supported catalysts.
- Ethane conversion is a key industrial process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize silica-supported tantalum clusters.
- To investigate their catalytic activity in ethane conversion.
- To characterize the catalyst's structure after reaction.
Main Methods:
- Adsorption of Ta(CH2Ph)5 onto silica.
- Treatment with H2 or ethane at 523 K.
- Analysis of catalytic products and catalyst structure.
Main Results:
- Formation of silica-supported tantalum clusters (average tritantalum).
- Catalyst is active for ethane conversion to methane and propane.
- The used catalyst maintained the initial average cluster nuclearity.
Conclusions:
- Silica-supported tantalum clusters are effective catalysts for ethane conversion.
- The catalyst exhibits structural stability under reaction conditions.
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