Supported gold and silver nanoparticles for catalytic deoxygenation of epoxides into alkenes

Abstract

Taking the 'O': Supported gold and silver nanoparticles (NPs), which are wellknown epoxidation catalysts, were found to have intrinsic catalytic ability for the deoxygenation of epoxides into alkenes using alcohol as a reductant (see picture). The selectivity for all the alkenes were over 99%, and an excellent turnover number was achieved. Furthermore, these supported gold and silver nanoparticles were recyclable. Figure Presented © 2010 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH S. Co. KGaA, Weinheim.