In the realm of chemical synthesis, alkene hydroesterification has garnered significant attention for its atom economy and environmental compatibility. However, the catalytic systems for this reaction face challenges in efficiency and stability. Recently, the Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Catalysis and CO2 Utilization of Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Nanjing Chengzhi Clean Energy Co., Ltd. have made new progress. They have developed a novel, highly efficient aryl-based bidentate phosphine ligand that significantly improves the performance and oxygen-tolerant stability of alkene hydroesterification. Their findings were published in Nature Communications.
Reportedly, this novel phosphine ligand exhibits remarkable activity in ethylene hydroesterification experiments, with efficiency surpassing commercial phosphine ligands used in industrial settings. This advancement holds promise for reducing production costs and driving China's industrialization in this field.
Notably, the research team employed both experimental and theoretical approaches to investigate the ligand's oxygen-tolerant stability. Their findings revealed that the more intense electron delocalization resulting in electron-deficient P is the key reason for the ligand's superior oxygen-tolerant stability. This discovery provides novel insights for the design of more stable, highly efficient catalytic systems.
Furthermore, by modulating the P-Pd-P bond angle of the phosphine ligand, the research team regulated the activation energy of the rate-determining step, further enhancing the reaction activity. This strategy not only optimizes the reaction process but also provides compelling theoretical support for the design of novel phosphine ligands in the future.
The researchers expressed that this study has realized the application of a novel, highly efficient aryl-based bidentate phosphine ligand in alkene hydroesterification, infusing new energy into the development of carbonylation reactions. With the continuous development and optimization of novel phosphine ligands, alkene hydroesterification is expected to play a more significant role in pharmaceuticals, polymers, and other fine chemical industries.
Relevant paper information: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-46286-9
Studies on Ligand-Bite Angle and Solvent Effect. Image courtesy: Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics.
