Abstract
The synthesis, characterization, and activity of Pd-doped layered double hydroxides (Pd-LDHs) for for acceptorless amine dehydrogenation is reported. These multifunctional catalysts comprise Brønsted basic and Lewis acidic surface sites that stabilize Pd species in 0, 2+, and 4+ oxidation states. Pd speciation and corresponding cataytic performance is a strong function of metal loading. Excellent activity is observed for the oxidative transamination of primary amines and acceptorless dehydrogenation of secondary amines to secondary imines using a low Pd loading (0.5 mol%), without the need for oxidants. N-heterocycles, such as indoline, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline, and piperidine, are dehydrogenated to the corresponding aromatics with high yields. The relative yields of secondary imines are proportional to the calculated free energy of reaction, while yields for oxidative amination correlate with the electrophilicity of primary imine intermediates. Reversible amine dehydrogenation and imine hydrogenation determine the relative imine:amine selectivity. Poisoning tests evidence that Pd-LDHs operate heterogeneously, with negligible metal leaching; catalysts can be regenerated by acid dissolution and re-precipitation.
Supplementary materials
