Zn Single-Atom Catalysts Enable the Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation of α<i>,</i>β-Unsaturated Aldehydes
Jiawen Chen, Yongming Xia, Yuxuan Ling, Xuehui Liu, Shuyuan Li, Xiong Yin, Lipeng Zhang, Minghui Liang, Yi‐Ming Yan, Qiang Zheng, Wenxing Chen, Yanjun Guo, En‐Hui Yuan, Gaofei Hu, Xiao‐Le Zhou, Leyu Wang
Abstract
Highly active nonprecious-metal single-atom catalysts (SACs) toward catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes are of great significance but still are deficient. Herein, we report that Zn–N–C SACs containing Zn–N 3 moieties can catalyze the conversion of cinnamaldehyde to cinnamyl alcohol with a conversion of 95.5% and selectivity of 95.4% under a mild temperature and atmospheric pressure, which is the first case of Zn-species-based heterogeneous catalysts for the CTH reaction. Isotopic labeling, in situ FT-IR spectroscopy, and DFT calculations indicate that reactants, coabsorbed at the Zn sites, proceed CTH via a “Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley” mechanism. DFT calculations also reveal that the high activity over Zn–N 3 moieties stems from the suitable adsorption energy and favorable reaction energy of the rate-determining step at the Zn active sites. Our findings demonstrate that Zn–N–C SACs hold extraordinary activity toward CTH reactions and thus provide a promising approach to explore the advanced SACs for high-value-added chemicals.