A gold ketenylidene species (Au2=C=C=O) has been identified as a key intermediate in the partial oxidation of acetic acid over a gold/TiO2 catalyst – a reaction that could have important consequences for environmentally friendly organic synthesis. Gold and TiO2 both play a part in the catalysis, with C–H bond scission occurring at the former and C–O scission at the latter.
Such reactions could represent important routes to the de-oxygenation of acids and esters derived from bio-renewable intermediates, and hence the green manufacture of important bulk chemicals.
Read this fascinating Faraday Discussions article today:
Mechanistic insights into the partial oxidation of acetic acid by O2 at the dual perimeter sites of a Au/TiO2 catalyst
Matthew Neurock, Isabel Xiaoye Green, Wenjie Tang and John Yates
DOI: 10.1039/C3FD00002H
This exciting work will be discussed FD162: Fabrication, Structure and Reactivity of Anchored Nanoparticles.
Registration for this exciting event closes on Friday 15th March so hurry to secure your place!
