Gold nanoparticles supported on passivated silica: Access to an efficient aerobic epoxidation catalyst and the intrinsic oxidation activity of gold

Abstract

(Figure Presented) Well-defined and perfectly dispersed [(≡SiO)AuI] surface species supported on silica have been obtained via surface organometallic chemistry and transformed upon mild reduction (H2, 300°C) into small (1.8 ± 0.6 nm) Au particles supported on silica passivated with SiMe3 functionalities. Improved performance in liquid-phase aerobic epoxidation has been achieved, and the intrinsic activity of gold in oxidation is revealed. © 2009 American Chemical Society.