Infrared studies of oxidation of alkynes adsorbed on ZnO

Abstract

The oxidation of alkynes on zinc oxide has been studied by infrared spectroscopy. On oxidation of the propargyllic species formed from adsorbed propyne or butynes, diketone-like species were formed predominantly at 353 K, formation of ketene-like species taking place to a small extent at ca. 423 K. The former species resulted from interaction of lattice oxygen with the propargyllic species. These species were converted to formate species or carbonate species at higher temperatures in the presence of gaseous oxygen.