Abstract
Metalloproteins feature protein scaffolds and metal centers, which can contain one or more metal atoms such as iron, copper, or zinc. Dinuclear copper assemblies are encountered in the active centers of various metalloproteins and can catalyze intricate chemical reactions of biological importance, such as the conversion of methane to methanol. Methane is a highly stable molecule difficult to activate. Despite decades of research, direct methane to methanol conversion with high selectivity is still a great challenge and a need remains for cost-effective catalysts. Further, the oxidation/oxygenation of hydrocarbons has been recognized to play a role in infectious and neurodegenerative diseases. Accordingly, the production of synthetic catalysts that can mimic the functionality of those metalloproteins has broad applications.FIU inventors have synthesized a dinuclear copper complex showing catalytic activity towards oxidation or oxygenation of hydrocarbons. The Cu(I)-Cu(I) resting state of the complex is oxidized by dioxygen to a Cu(II)-OH-Cu(II) species. The latter reacts with hydrocarbons either dehydrogenating them with formation of H2O or oxygenating them by adding its O-atom to the substrate. Upon reaction with hydrocarbons, the complex returns to the Cu(I)-Cu(I) state, closing the catalytic cycle.
Benefit
Cost-effective and sustainable as copper is an Earth-abundant metal Catalysts use atmospheric oxygen as oxidant at ambient temperatureLigands of the complexes are readily availablePeripheral ligand substitution can produce catalysts tailored to specific applicationsCatalysts are easy to prepare under ambient conditions: no inert atmosphere or special instrumentation requiredLow grade hydrocarbons can be used as substrates
Market Application
PetrochemicalsPharmaceuticalsSpecialty chemicals
Brochure
