Studying Deactivation Pathways of Molecular Catalysts Ex Situ: An Accessible Method Using Standard Analytical Equipment

Abstract

In this contribution we propose a new ex-situ method to monitor catalyst stability during continuous reactions as an alternative to in operando spectroscopy. This is achieved by analyzing samples from the product collector of a continuous operated miniplant using gas chromatography, X-ray fluorescence, and mass spectrometry. Combining these standard analytical techniques allowed us to study the decomposition pathway of the molecular catalyst. The degradation of the ligand system followed a alkyl/aryl exchange. This new method will allow accessible, real-time monitoring of catalyst stability. In future this method can be used to adjust reaction conditions on the fly to maintain the lifetime and performance of the catalyst system.