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Molecular mechanism of heterogeneous supramolecular catalysis of metal-free cucurbituril solid for epoxide alcoholysis.

Authors :
Xu, Lina
Fang, Guoyong
Yu, Yanghong
Ma, Yuefan
Ye, Zihang
Li, Zhenyu
Source :
Molecular Catalysis. Apr2019, Vol. 466, p1-8. 8p.
Publication Year :
2019

Abstract

[Display omitted] • Alcoholysis mechanisms of styrene oxide (StyOx) are discussed. • Hydronium ion via homogenous catalysis can catalyze StyOx alcoholysis. • The product of StyOx alcoholysis catalyzed by CB7 solid has a good selectivity to produce pure β -alkoxy alcohol. Heterogeneous and supramolecular catalysis are fundamental processes in chemistry. To understand the synergistic role between heterogeneous and supramolecular catalysis, the catalytic mechanism of cucurbituril solid for epoxide alcoholysis was investigated by performing density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The results reveal that styrene oxide (StyOx) ethanolysis has an inherent regioselectivity, which results from different groups linked to the epoxy group. The hydronium ion can catalyze the ring-opening of StyOx ethanolysis and lead to the formation of a planar carbenium ion. StyOx can also be hydrolyzed via the homogenous catalysis of acid to produce 1, 2-diol. Cucurbituril solid can catalyze epoxide alcoholysis because of its acidic property. Its unique cavity can lead to a favorable frontside-attack of the alcohol on the carbenium ion. The product from the heterogeneous catalysis of cucurbituril solid is pure β -alkoxy alcohol. The results are important to understand heterogeneous and supramolecular catalysis and the design of new and effective supramolecular catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
24688231
Volume :
466
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Molecular Catalysis
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
162178944
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcat.2019.01.021