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Title: Activation of Surface ReO x Sites on Al 2 O 3 Catalysts for Olefin Metathesis

Journal Article · · ACS Catalysis

The nature of activated surface ReOx sites and surface reaction intermediates for supported ReOx/Al2O3 catalysts during propylene self-metathesis were systematically investigated for the first time using in situ spectroscopy (Raman, UV–vis, XAS (XANES/EXAFS) and IR). In situ Raman spectroscopy reveals that olefins selectively interact with the surface dioxo ReO4 sites anchored at acidic alumina hydroxyls. In situ UV–vis indicates that surface Re5+ and some Re6+ sites form, and in situ XAS indicates a reduction in the number of Re=O bond character in the propylene self-metathesis reaction environment, especially as the temperature is increased. The appearance of oxygenated products during propylene activation supports the conclusion that catalyst activation involves removal of oxygen from the surface rhenia sites (pseudo-Wittig mechanism). Isotopic CD3CD=CD2 → CH3CH=CH2 switch experiments demonstrate the presence of surface Re=CD2 and Re=CDCD3 reaction intermediates, with the surface Re=CD2 species being the most abundant reaction intermediate. In situ IR spectroscopy indicates the presence of significant surface propylene π complexes on alumina and rhenia sites of the catalyst, which complicates analysis of surface reaction intermediates during propylene self-metathesis.

Research Organization:
Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)
DOE Contract Number:
SC00112704
OSTI ID:
1354257
Report Number(s):
BNL-112773-2016-JA¿¿¿
Journal Information:
ACS Catalysis, Vol. 5, Issue 11; ISSN 2155-5435
Publisher:
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English