The first montmorillonite-supported surface single-structure titanium complex: Synthesis, characterization and catalytic activity in alkene epoxidation

Abstract

A well-defined single-site titanium-modifiedmontmorillonite (MMT) with only one geometric construction ((ΞSiO)3-Ti-NMe2) was obtained in moderate conditions. Reaction of tetrakis(dimethylamido)titanium with hydroxylatedMMT was conducted by surface organometallic chemistry technique, and the surface structure was characterized by in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 13C cross polarization magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, extended X-ray absorption fine structure, and elemental analysis. The catalytic activity in alkene epoxidation was evaluated, and the results revealed that the steric hindrance of the substances is responsible for the catalytic activity of theMMT-supported titaniumcomplex but to the characteristic restricted layer-like structure of the MMT.