Gold-nanoparticle-based catalysts for the oxidative esterification of 1,4-butanediol into dimethyl succinate

Gemma L. Brett, Peter J. Miedziak, Qian He, Jennifer K. Edwards, Stuart H. Taylor, Christopher J. Kiely, Graham J. Hutchings*, David Knight

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The oxidation of 1,4-butanediol and butyrolactone have been investigated by using supported gold, palladium and gold-palladium nanoparticles. The products of such reactions are valuable chemical intermediates and, for example, can present a viable pathway for the sustainable production of polymers. If both gold and palladium were present, a significant synergistic effect on the selective formation of dimethyl succinate was observed. The support played a significant role in the reaction, with magnesium hydroxide leading to the highest yield of dimethyl succinate. Based on structural characterisation of the fresh and used catalysts, it was determined that small gold-palladium nanoalloys supported on a basic Mg(OH)2 support provided the best catalysts for this reaction. Twice as nice: The oxidation of 1,4-butanediol and butyrolactone has been investigated over supported gold, palladium and gold-palladium nanoparticles. The oxidation of both hydroxyl groups of α,γ-diols has previously proved to be difficult. Small AuPd alloy nanoparticles on a basic Mg(OH)2 support provide the best catalysts for this reaction.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1952-1958
Number of pages7
JournalChemsuschem
Volume6
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • alloys
  • gold
  • nanoparticles
  • oxidation
  • supported catalysts

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