Acidic hierarchical zeolite ZSM-5 supported Ru catalyst with high activity and selectivity in the seleno-functionalization of alkenes

Abstract

The acidic hierarchical zeolite ZSM-5 (HZSM-5-H) was synthesized for the preparation of a supported Ru catalyst (Ru/HZSM-5-H). The obtained Ru/HZSM-5-H catalyst shows high activity and product selectivity in the seleno-functionalization of alkenes compared to γ-Al₂O₃, basic ETS-10 and acidic microporous zeolite ZSM-5 supported Ru catalysts (Ru/γ-Al₂O₃, Ru/ETS-10 and Ru/HZSM-5, respectively), as well as a homogeneous RuCl₃ catalyst. The relatively strong acidic sites in Ru/HZSM-5-H could benefit the adsorption of styrenes and the activation of the CC bond. Meanwhile, Ru⁴⁺ in Ru/HZSM-5-H could facilitate the formation of electrophilic selenium species as compared to Ru⁰ species. In addition, the Ru/HZSM-5-M catalyst exhibits broad substrate compatibility in the difunctionalization of alkenes.