Reverse reactions helps isolate important intermediate
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energys Brookhaven National Laboratory have used a new way to isolate and study an important intermediate in the epoxidation of olefins such as ethylene: They run the reaction in reverse. By starting with the final products (epoxides) and placing them on the surface of a model catalyst, the scientists are able to use surface chemistry techniques to “catch” the intermediate. Understanding this intermediate may ultimately help the scientists develop improved or new catalysts for the forward reaction — a reaction that produces important “building blocks” in the manufacture of larger organic molecules.
In the forward direction, the interaction of the reactants with the surface is either too weak to allow direct study of the mechanism, or the intermediate — a ring structure on the surface of the silver catalyst — forms and transforms too quickly for scientists to study. But in reverse, the intermediate stays on the surface longer, so scientists can apply various techniques to try to understand the reaction mechanism.
“If we find a general rule based on our studies with this model catalyst, then we can design a new catalyst, because we know how the reaction occurred on the surface,” said Brookhaven chemist Hong Piao, who is working on the project. The general goal is to improve the reactivity and selectivity of the catalyst for producing particular products.
Piao will present a talk on this work during the Division of Colloid and Surface Chemistry poster session, “Fundamental Research in Colloid and Surface Chemistry,” on Monday, September 8, 2003, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Hilton New York, Rhinelander Room. This work was funded by the Division of Chemical Sciences, Office of Basic Energy Sciences at DOEs Office of Science.
Media Contact
More Information:
http://www.bnl.gov/All latest news from the category: Life Sciences and Chemistry
Articles and reports from the Life Sciences and chemistry area deal with applied and basic research into modern biology, chemistry and human medicine.
Valuable information can be found on a range of life sciences fields including bacteriology, biochemistry, bionics, bioinformatics, biophysics, biotechnology, genetics, geobotany, human biology, marine biology, microbiology, molecular biology, cellular biology, zoology, bioinorganic chemistry, microchemistry and environmental chemistry.
Newest articles
Breakthrough in magnetism that could transform quantum computing and superconductors
Researchers discover new magnetic and electronic properties in kagome magnet thin films. A discovery by Rice University physicists and collaborators is unlocking a new understanding of magnetism and electronic interactions…
NASA to launch innovative solar coronagraph to Space Station
NASA’s Coronal Diagnostic Experiment (CODEX) is ready to launch to the International Space Station to reveal new details about the solar wind including its origin and its evolution. Launching in…
Boosting efficiency in mining with AI and automation
“Doing instead of procrastinating”. This is the AI strategy presented by Prof. Constantin Haefner, Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT, at the “AKL’24 – International Laser Technology…