Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 21, 2026

Synthesis of In37P20O2CR51 Clusters and Their Conversion to InP Quantum Dots
Published on: May 7, 2019
A hexagonal Ni6 cluster protected by 2-phenylethanethiol for catalytic conversion of toluene to benzaldehyde
Anthony M S Pembere1, Chaonan Cui, Rajini Anumula
1State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences; and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing, 100190, China. zxluo@iccas.ac.cn.
Abstract:
We have synthesized single crystals of a 2-phenylethanethiol-protected Ni6 nanocluster, namely Ni6(C8H9S)12, which shows a hexagonal metallic core structure and reasonable stability. Interestingly this cluster is found to be an excellent candidate for the catalytic oxidation of toluene to benzaldehyde, with 100% conversion and 91% selectivity, showing application potential as an aromatic aldehyde in industry. Using DFT calculations, we rationalize the catalytic reaction mechanism for the conversion of toluene to benzaldehyde, and demonstrate that the presence of H2O2 initiates the Ni6 cluster via a highly exothermic step to form a Ni6O* intermediate which then results in active sites for the oxidation of toluene. What is interesting is that the likely steric geometry matching of the six-ring Ni6 core, a dozen phenylethanethiol ligands and the aromatic reactant toluene could attain a synergistic effect to facilitate the production of benzaldehyde free of catalyst support.
More Related Videos
11:33Laboratory Production of Biofuels and Biochemicals from a Rapeseed Oil through Catalytic Cracking Conversion
Published on: September 2, 2016
12:08Catalytic Reactions at Amine-Stabilized and Ligand-Free Platinum Nanoparticles Supported on Titania During Hydrogenation of Alkenes and Aldehydes
Published on: June 24, 2022
Related Concept Videos
Gene Conversion
Gene Conversion
Turnover Number and Catalytic Efficiency
Chymotrypsin is a pancreatic enzyme that breaks down proteins during digestion....
Catalytically Perfect Enzymes
Most enzymes...
Conversion of Units
The first step in the unit conversion is to list the given units and the units required...
Zones of Protection
Protective zones are defined by closed dashed lines, containing one or more components. A key characteristic of these zones is the strategic placement of...