Oxidative C—C bond scission of 1,2-dicarbonyl on a metallic copper surface: a surface-enhanced Raman scattering study

Abstract

Surface reaction of the 1,2-dicarbonyl compound, benzil, with freshly etched copper metal in the presence of air has been studied by the use of surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy. It was found that oxygen coadsorbed on a metallic copper surface promoted the C—C bond scission of benzil, while a copper surface covered with Cu^I and Cu^II oxides appeared to be inactive. The Raman spectrum of the reactive intermediate on a metallic copper surface has been obtained.