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Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Synthesis and Catalytic Performance of Gold Intercalated in the Walls of Mesoporous Silica
Published on: July 9, 2015
Stereoselective stilbene epoxidation over supported gold-based catalysts
Pascal Lignier1, Franck Morfin, Stéphane Mangematin
1Institut de Recherches sur la Catalyse (CNRS), 2 avenue Albert Einstein, 69626 Villeurbanne Cedex, France.
The gold catalyst Au/TiO(2) efficiently drives stereoselective epoxidation of trans-stilbene. It utilizes a radical chain reaction involving methylcyclohexane and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) to activate molecular oxygen.
Area of Science:
- Catalysis
- Organic Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Gold catalysts supported on titanium dioxide (Au/TiO2) are recognized for their catalytic properties.
- Epoxidation reactions are crucial in organic synthesis for producing valuable intermediates.
- Understanding reaction mechanisms is key to optimizing catalytic performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the catalytic activity of Au/TiO2 in the stereoselective epoxidation of trans-stilbene.
- To elucidate the reaction mechanism, particularly the role of methylcyclohexane and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP).
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the Au/TiO2 catalyst in the epoxidation of trans-stilbene.
- Employing methylcyclohexane as a solvent and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as an oxidant.
- Analyzing the reaction pathway through mechanistic studies, including radical chain reaction investigation.
Main Results:
- The Au/TiO2 catalyst demonstrated high activity in the stereoselective epoxidation of trans-stilbene.
- The reaction proceeds via a radical chain mechanism initiated by the activation of molecular oxygen.
- Methylcyclohexane plays a role in generating radicals that propagate the chain reaction.
Conclusions:
- Au/TiO2 serves as a highly effective catalyst for the stereoselective epoxidation of trans-stilbene.
- The reaction mechanism involves a synergistic interplay between the catalyst, solvent, and oxidant.
- This study provides insights into radical-mediated catalytic processes for epoxidation reactions.
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