Abstract The objective of this study is to compare the performance over copper oxide catalyst under nonselective catalytic reduction of nitric oxide with methane and selective catalytic reduction of nitric oxide with propane. The copper catalysts was prepared by impregnating the support Al2O3 with copper nitrate. In order to find the favorable kind and concentration of acid solution¡Awe conducted the modification of three acid solutions on the support Al2O3 in the same normal concentration in the first¡Aand followed by the test of various concentration of the most-favoured acid. The experiment operated condition was as follow¡G reaction temperature 623K-1023K¡AF/W¡×108000ml/hr.g¡Aoxygen concentration 2¢M¡ANOx inlet concentration 1000ppm. In view of the result of NSCR reactions with methane over Cu/£^-Al2O3 catalyst¡Athe conversion of De-NOx increased with the increasing loading of copper on Cu/£^-Al2O3¡Aand achieved a max. value when copper loading was 8¢Mwt.. The performance of De-NOx over the modified copper catalysts three different acid with the same normal concentraion¡Ashowed that the best reduction efficiency was with nitric acid modified¡Athen with¡Aand followed with acetic acid¡Aphosphoric acids. Through compared the conversion of De-NOx between non-modified Cu/£^-Al2O3 with modified Cu/£^-Al2O3¡Athere had the best efficiency in treating for NO conversion. It showed that the best efficiency in raising the conversion of NO over copper catalyst is modified with nitric acid¡Athere is not helpful on reduction efficiency of NO by modification with acetic and phosphatic acids. Nevertheless¡Athe higher concentration¡]N¡^ of nitric acid is¡Athe higher efficiency of De-NO is¡F For the SCR reactions with propane, when the inlet concentraion NO/C3H8 was 1¡Athere has better reductive activity. The trends for the NO conversion versus reaction temperature were similar for the same catalysts used. In general, the NO conversion was an increasing function of copper loading for these copper catalysts. The 8¢Mwt. Cu/£^-Al2O3 was found to enhance the NO conversion. The activity of acid-treated catalysts in nitric acid with 2¢MO2 present had the best NO conversion, while the same order was in NSCR reaction. Treating the supports with a higher concentration of acid would result in a higher activity for the copper catalyst, implying that acid treatment not only duces surface area to decrease on catalyst and enhance the reactivity, but also the presence of Cu+ and Cu2+ might be responsible for the reaction efficiency. no matter what the reactant is propane or methan , propane is better reactant to catalyst NO to N2.

A new protocol for direct amination of N-Methyl-2-phenylindole catalyzed by copper(II) trifluoromethanesulfonate was presented. Both of (E)-N-(1,1'-Dimethyl-2,2' -diphenyl-2,3'-biindolin-3-ylidene)-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide¡]4¡^and 4-methyl -N-(1-methyl-2-phenyl-1H-indol-3-yl)benzenesulfonamide¡]2¡^were obtained under the optimal reaction conditions (2.5 mol% Cu(OTf)2, 1.2 equiv PhI=O, 0.7 equiv PhI=NTs heated at 25 ¢J in acetonitrile for 1 hour) in 78 % and 11 % yields, respectively. In addition, (E)-N-(2-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-phenylindolin-3-ylidene)-4-methylbenzene sulfonamide ¡]6¡^and (E)-N-(1,1'-dimethyl-2,2'-diphenyl-2,3'-biindolin-3-ylidene) -4-methylbenzenesulfonamide ¡]4¡^were synthesized in 47 % and 24 % yields, respectively, by using 5 mol% Cu(OTf)2, 2 equiv PhI=O, 1.2 equiv PhI=NTs at ambient temperature in acetonitrile for 1 hour. Finally, 4-methyl-N-(1-methyl-2-oxo-3-phenyl indolin-3-yl)benzenesulfonamide ¡]3¡^and 1,1'-dimethyl-2,2'-diphenyl-2,3'-biindolin -3-one ¡]7¡^can be formed under the following reaction condition, 5 mol% Cu(OTf)2, 2 equiv PhI=O, 1.2 equiv PhI=NTs and 3 equiv Ag2CO3 heated at 100 ¢J in acetonitrile for 1 hour, in 41% and 22% yields, respectively.

Boron-doped carbon nanotubes are predicted to behave as semiconductors over a large range of diameters and chiralities and might thus constitute a suitable class of material for nanoelectronics technology. Boron-doped CNTs were reported as by-products when BC2N nanotubes were prepared by an arc-discharge method. The potential doping of CNTs with different kinds of atoms might provide a mechanism for controlling their electronic properties. We have synthesized boron-doped carbon nanotubes (CNTs) directly on copper catalyst by decomposition of B(OCH3)3 in chemical vapor deposition method. The results were characterized and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), solid-state NMR and TGA.

This study was to investigate the effect on the conversion, long-term test, product selectivity and kinetics in oxidation of ammonia over copper catalyst supported on slag powder. The operation parameters in heterogeneous reactor were performed as follows: 1000 ppm initial concentration of ammonia, temperature of reaction in ranging from 100 ¢J to 500 ¢J, 10 % of oxygen concentration, and 80000hr-1 of space velocity. In the experiments of catalyst selection, we decided to use 15% Cu catalyst for its high conversion and selectivity in oxidation of ammonia. The conversion of ammonia in catalytic reaction increased with the increasing both of reaction temperature and influent concentration of oxygen but decreased with the going up of initial concentration of ammonia and of space velocity. In the long-term test of catalyst stability, Cu catalyst had a good stability after 48 hours reaction in heterogeneous reactor. The tests such as XRD, SEM and EA were also determined. The kinetics of heterogeneous reactor over Cu catalyst supported on slag powder in oxidation of ammonia was found that a pseudo-first order could be described by Mars-Van Krevelend model. The apparent reaction order and activated energy were obtained.

The present work focusses on the borylation of aryl halides. The first chapter presents a detailed review about previously reported nickel-catalyzed borylation reactions. The second chapter of the thesis describes, the borylation reaction of C–Cl bonds in aryl chlorides mediated by an NHC-stabilized nickel catalyst. The cyclohexyl substituted NHC Cy2Im was used to synthesize novel Cy2Im-stabilized nickel complexes [Ni2(Cy2Im)4(μ-(η2:η2)-COD)] 1, [Ni(Cy2Im)2(η2-C2H4)] 2, and [Ni(Cy2Im)2(η2-COE)] 3. An optimized procedure was developed using 5 mol% of the Ni-catalyst, 1.5 equivalents of the boron reagent B2pin2, and 1.5 equivalents of NaOAc as the base in methylcyclohexane at 100 °C. With these optimized conditions, it was shown that a variety of aryl chlorides, containing either electron-withdrawing or -donating groups, were converted to the corresponding aryl boronic esters in yields up to 99% (88% isolated) yield. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the C–Cl oxidative addition product [Ni(Cy2Im)2(Cl)(4-F3C-C6H4)] 11, which has been synthesized and isolated separately, also catalyzes the reaction. Thus, rapid oxidative addition of the C–Cl bond of the aryl chloride to [Ni2(Cy2Im)4(μ-(η2:η2)-COD)] 1 to yield trans-[Ni(Cy2Im)2(Cl)(Ar)] represents the first step in the catalytic cycle. The rate limiting step in this catalytic cycle is the transmetalation of boron to nickel forming trans-[Ni(Cy2Im)2(Bpin)(Ar)], which was not possible to isolate. The boryl transfer reagent is assumed to be the anionic adduct Na[B2pin2(OAc)]. A final reductive elimination step gives the desired borylated product Ar–Bpin and regenerates [Ni(Cy2Im)2]. In the next chapter the first effective C–Cl bond borylation of aryl chlorides using NHC-stabilized Cu(I)-complexes of the type [Cu(NHC)(Cl)] was developed. The known complexes [Cu(iPr2Im)(Cl)] 15, [Cu(Me2ImMe)(Cl)] 16, and [Cu(Cy2Im)(Cl)] 17, bearing the small alkyl substituted NHCs, were synthesized in good yields by the reaction of copper(I) chloride with the corresponding free NHC at low temperature (-78 °C) in THF. A range of catalysts, bases, solvents, and boron sources were screened to determine the scope and limitations of this reaction. [Cu(Cy2Im)(Cl)] 17 revealed a significantly higher catalytic activity than [Cu(iPr2Im)(Cl)] 15. KOtBu turned out to be the only efficient base for this borylation reaction. Besides methylcyclohexane, toluene was the only solvent that gave the borylated product in moderate yields of 53%. It was shown that a variety of electron-rich and electron-poor aryl chlorides can be converted to the corresponding aryl boronic esters in isolated yields of up to 80%. A mechanism was proposed, in which a Cu-boryl complex [Cu(L)(Bpin)] is formed in the initial step. This is followed by C–B bond formation via σ-bond metathesis with the aryl chloride forming the aryl boronic ester and [Cu(L)(Cl)]. The latter reacts with KOtBu to give [Cu(L)(OtBu)], which regenerates the copper boryl complex by reaction with B2pin2. Chapter 4 describes studies directed towards the transition metal-free borylation of aryl halides using Lewis base adducts of diborane(4) compounds. A variety of novel pyridine and NHC adducts of boron compounds were synthesized. Adducts of the type pyridine·B2cat2 18-19 and NHC·B2(OR)4 20-23 were examined for their ability to transfer a boryl moiety to an aryl iodide. However, only Me2ImMe∙B2pin2 20 was found to be effective. The stoichiometric reaction of 20 with different substituted aryl iodides and bromides in benzene, at elevated temperatures, gave the desired aryl boronic esters in good yields. Interestingly, depending on the reaction temperature, C–C coupling between the aryl halide and the solvent (benzene), was detected leading to a side product which, together with observed hydrodehalogenation of the aryl halide, provided indications that the reaction might be radical in nature. When the boryl transfer reaction based on Me2ImMe∙B2pin2 20 was followed by EPR spectroscopy, a signal (though very weak and ill-defined) was detected, which is suggestive of a mechanism involving a boron-based radical. In addition, the boronium cation [(Me2ImMe)2∙Bpin]+ 37 with iodide as the counterion was isolated from the reaction residue, indicating the fate of the second boryl moiety. A preliminary mechanism for the boryl transfer from 20 to aryl iodides was proposed, which involves an NHC–Bpin˙ radical as the key intermediate. Me2ImMe–Bpin˙ is formed by homolytic B–B bond cleavage of the bis-NHC adduct (Me2ImMe)2∙B2pin2, which is formed in situ in small amounts under the reaction conditions. Me2ImMe–Bpin˙ reacts with the aryl iodide to give the aryl boronic ester with recovery of aromaticity. In the same step, from the second equivalent of NHC–Bpin˙, an NHC-stabilized iodo-Bpin adduct is formed as an intermediate, which is further coordinated by another NHC, yielding [(Me2ImMe)2∙Bpin]+I- 37. / Das erste Kapitel gibt zunächst einen detaillierten Überblick über die Nickel-katalysierte Borylierung. Das zweite Kapitel dieser Arbeit beschreibt die Borylierung von Arylchloriden mithilfe NHC-stabilisierter Nickelkatalysatoren. Dafür wurden zunächst die Nickelkomplexe [Ni2(Cy2Im)4(μ-(η2:η2)-COD)] 1, [Ni(Cy2Im)2(η2-C2H4)] 2 und [Ni(Cy2Im)2(η2-COE)] 3 dargestellt. Als optimale Bedingungen für die Borylierung haben sich 5 Mol-% des Ni-Katalysators, 1.5 Äquivalente des Borylierungsreagenzes B2pin2 und 1.5 Äquivalente NaOAc als Base in Methylcyclohexan bei 100 °C erwiesen. Unter diesen optimierten Bedingungen lassen sich eine Vielzahl unterschiedlicher Arylchloride in die jeweiligen Arylboronsäureester in Ausbeuten von bis zu 99% (88% für die isolierte Verbindung) überführen. Der Komplex [Ni(Cy2Im)2(Cl)(4-F3C-C6H4)] 11, das Produkt der oxidativen Addition von 4-F3C-C6H4-Cl an [Ni2(Cy2Im)4(μ-(η2:η2)-COD)] 1, katalysiert ebenfalls die Reaktion. Mechanistischen Untersuchungen zufolge, stellt die rasche oxidative Addition der C–Cl-Bindung des Arylchlorids an [Ni2(Cy2Im)4(μ-(η2:η2)-COD)] 1 unter der Ausbildung von trans-[Ni(Cy2Im)2(Cl)(Ar)], den ersten Schritt des Katalysezykluses dar. Der geschwindigkeitsbestimmende Schritt in diesem Katalysezyklus ist die Transmetallierung von Bor zu Nickel unter Bildung von trans-[Ni(Cy2Im)2(Bpin)(Ar)]. Es wird angenommen, dass es sich bei dem Boryltransferreagenz um das anionische Addukt Na[B2pin2(OAc)] handelt. Ein letzter reduktiver Eliminierungsschritt ergibt das gewünschte borylierte Produkt Ar–Bpin unter Rückgewinnung von [Ni(Cy2Im)2]. Im nächsten Kapitel der Arbeit wurde die erste effiziente C–Cl-Borylierung von Arylchloriden entwickelt. Eine Reihe verschiedener Katalysatoren des Typs [Cu(NHC)(Cl)], Basen, Lösungsmitteln und Borylierungsreagenzien wurden untersucht, um die Anwendungsmöglichkeiten und Grenzen dieser Reaktion zu bestimmen. Der Komplex [Cu(Cy2Im)(Cl)] 17 zeigte dabei eine signifikant höhere katalytische Aktivität als [Cu(iPr2Im)(Cl)] 15. Des Weiteren erwies sich KOtBu als einzige geeignete Base für diese Reaktion und Methylcyclohexan stellte sich als optimales Lösungsmittel heraus. Unter diesen optimierten Bedingungen lassen sich eine Vielzahl, sowohl elektronenreicher als auch elektronenarmer Arylchloride in die entsprechenden Arylboronsäureester in Ausbeuten von bis zu 80% überführen. Ein Mechanismus der Reaktion wurde postuliert, wonach zunächst ein Kupfer-Boryl-Komplex [Cu(L)(Bpin)] gebildet wird. Darauf folgt die Knüpfung einer C–B-Bindung durch eine σ-Bindungsmetathese mit dem Arylchlorid, wobei der gewünschte Arylboronsäureester und [Cu(L)(Cl)] gebildet wird. Im Folgenden reagiert [Cu(L)(Cl)] mit KOtBu zu [Cu(L)(OtBu)], wodurch durch Reaktion mit B2pin2 der Kupfer-Boryl-Komplex regeneriert wird. Kapitel 4 beschreibt Untersuchungen zur übergangsmetallfreien Borylierung von Arylhalogeniden unter Verwendung von Lewis-Basen-Addukten von Diboran(4)-Verbindungen. Die Addukte des Typs Pyridin·B2cat2 18-19 und NHC·B2(OR)4 20-23 wurden weiter auf ihre Fähigkeiten hin untersucht, eine Boryleinheit auf ein Aryliodid zu übertragen. Ausschließlich Me2ImMe∙B2pin2 20 stellte sich hierbei als wirksam heraus. Die stöchiometrische Reaktion von 20 mit verschiedenartig substituierten Aryliodiden und -bromiden in Benzol bei erhöhten Temperaturen lieferte die gewünschten Arylboronsäureester in guten Ausbeuten. Interessanterweise wurde als Nebenreaktion eine von der Reaktionstemperatur abhängige C–C-Kupplung zwischen dem Arylhalogenid und dem Lösungsmittel (Benzol) beobachtet. Sowohl das C–C-Kupplungsnebenprodukt, als auch eine beobachtete Hydrodehalogenierung des Arylhalogenids deuten darauf hin, dass die Reaktion von radikalischer Natur sein könnte. Die Verfolgung der von Me2ImMe∙B2pin2 20 ausgehenden Boryltransferreaktion mittels ESR-Spektroskopie zeigte ein Signal, was auf einen Mechanismus mit Beteiligung eines Borradikals hinweist. Weitere Untersuchungen ergaben experimentelle Beweise für die Anwesenheit von Radikalen im Verlauf der Reaktion. Des Weiteren wurde das Boroniumkation [(Me2ImMe)2∙Bpin]+ 37 mit Iodid als Gegenion aus dem Reaktionsrückstand isoliert, was den Verbleib der zweiten Boryleinheit erklärt. Ein vorläufiger Mechanismus für den Boryltransfer von Me2ImMe∙B2pin2 20 auf Aryliodide wurde vorgeschlagen, wobei ein NHC–Bpin˙-Radikal als Schlüsselintermediat fungiert. Me2ImMe–Bpin˙ wird durch homolytische Spaltung der B–B-Bindung des Bis-NHC-Addukts (Me2ImMe)2∙B2pin2 gebildet, welches unter den gegebenen Reaktionsbedingungen in geringen Mengen in situ gebildet wird. Me2ImMe–Bpin˙ reagiert mit dem Aryliodid unter Rückgewinnung der Aromatizität zum gewünschten Arylboronsäureester. Im gleichen Schritt wird aus dem zweiten Äquivalent NHC–Bpin˙ ein NHC-stabilisiertes Iod-Bpin-Addukt als Zwischenprodukt gebildet. Dieses wird von einem weiteren NHC unter Bildung von [(Me2ImMe)2∙Bpin]+I- 37 koordiniert.

Thesis advisor: Amir H. Hoveyda / Catalytic enantioselective reactions are of great importance in synthetic organic chemistry. Thus, development of efficient, selective and easily accessible catalyst for various bond formations is the main task in our laboratories. First, we have developed the first broadly applicable enantioselective boryl conjugate addition reactions to a variety of α,β-unsaturated carbonyls, promoted by a chiral Lewis basic N-heterocyclic carbene. The valuable β-boryl carbonyls were further used in complex molecule syntheses. The mechanism of these C–B bond formations was studied in details. We have also developed a practical method for enantioselective addition of an allene unit to aryl-, heteroaryl- and alkyl-substituted Boc-aldimines. These efficient C–C bond formations, catalyzed by an aminophenol-derived boron-based catalyst, were further utilized in succinct syntheses of anisomycin and epi-cytoxazone. Finally, chiral NHC–Cu complexes were employed for site-, diastereo- and enantioselective silyl conjugate additions to acyclic and cyclic dienones and dienoates. The precious enantiomerically enriched allylsilane obtained can be converted into a ketone-aldol type product, which is difficult to access through alternative methods. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2015. / Submitted to: Boston College. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Chemistry.

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(工学) / 甲第22662号 / 工博第4746号 / 新制||工||1742(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院工学研究科合成・生物化学専攻 / (主査)教授 杉野目 道紀, 教授 村上 正浩, 教授 中尾 佳亮 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) / Kyoto University / DGAM

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(理学) / 甲第18093号 / 理博第3971号 / 新制||理||1572(附属図書館) / 30951 / 京都大学大学院理学研究科化学専攻 / (主査)教授 大須賀 篤弘, 教授 丸岡 啓二, 教授 時任 宣博 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Science / Kyoto University / DGAM

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T19:56:38Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2958.pdf: 1485003 bytes, checksum: 13ecfdc9482ce660829ef15f2081578e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-03-10 / Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos / The ethanol dehydrocoupling in ethyl acetate distinguishes among the reactions of alcohol transformation in products with higher added value. Due to the possibility of obtaining ethanol from biomass in Brazil, the production of ethyl acetate is of great interest, being their production very economical. The ethanol dehydrocoupling in ethyl acetate was studied over Cu/ZrO2 catalysts prepared by impregnation method followed by calcinations in air. The samples with different Cu loadings were characterized by thermal analyze, X-Ray powder diffraction, determination of the specific surface area, temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), decomposition of N2O and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). TPR results showed the formation of low temperature reduction Cu species (peaks α1, α2 e β) predominant at low loadings of supported Cu in ZrO2, these species are attributed to CuO highly dispersed on support. The increase of Cu loading caused the formation of CuO bulk species with high temperature reduction (peaks γ1 e γ2). XPS results for Cu/ZrO2 reduced catalysts showed that an increase in the Cu loading caused a shift in the Cu 2p3/2 peak to regions of lower biding energy. The spectra of Cu Auger region suggest that a decrease in the Cu loading increases the ratio of Cu+/Cuo species. Catalytic tests for dehydrocoupling reaction of ethanol were carried out at atmospheric pressure and showed an increasing activity per Cu site for ethyl acetate formation with the increase in the dispersion of supported Cu. Furthermore, the by-products formation due the acetaldehyde via aldol condensation occurs on the ZrO2 support surface. Also, it could be seen that catalysts with Cu loading up to 20% showed an increase in the ethyl acetate selectivity with an increase in the Cu loading. This can be attributed to the higher ZrO2 coating by active phase providing the suppression of by-products that are formed via aldol condensation. / O desidroacoplamento do etanol em acetato de etila destaca-se dentre as reacoes de transformacao de alcoois em produtos de maior valor agregado. Devido a abundancia de etanol no Brasil e a possibilidade de sua obtencao a partir da biomassa, a producao de acetato de etila desperta grande interesse, sendo a sua producao muito economica. O desidroacoplamento do etanol em acetato de etila foi estudado sobre catalisadores de Cu/ZrO2 preparados pelo metodo de impregnacao, seguidos de calcinacao em ar. As amostras com diferentes cargas de Cu foram caracterizadas por analise termica, difracao de Raios X, determinacao da area superficial especifica, reducao a temperatura programada (TPR), decomposicao do N2O e espectroscopia de fotoeletrons excitados por Raios X (XPS). Resultados de TPR mostraram a formacao de especies de cobre de baixa temperatura de reducao (picos α1, α2 e β) predominantes em baixas cargas de Cu suportados em ZrO2, estas especies sao atribuidas ao CuO altamente disperso no suporte. Com o aumento da carga de Cu obteve-se a formacao de especies de CuO massico de alta temperatura de reducao (picos γ1 e γ2). Resultados de XPS para catalisadores de Cu/ZrO2 reduzidos revelaram que com o aumento da carga de cobre suportado houve o deslocamento do pico da regiao Cu 2p3/2 para regioes de menor energia de ligacao. Os espectros da regiao Auger do Cu sugerem que com a diminuicao da carga de Cu tem-se o aumento da razao das especies Cu+/Cuo. Ensaios cataliticos para a reacao de desidroacoplamento do etanol foram realizados a pressao atmosferica e mostraram o aumento da atividade por sitio de Cu para a formacao de acetato de etila com o aumento da dispersao do cobre no suporte. Sobre a superficie do suporte ZrO2 ocorre a formacao de subprodutos devido a condensacao do acetaldeido via condensacao aldolica. Para catalisadores com carga de Cu de ate 20% verifica-se o aumento da seletividade a acetato de etila com o aumento da carga de cobre, em decorrencia do aumento do grau de recobrimento da ZrO2 pela a fase ativa proporcionando a supressao de subprodutos formados via condensacao aldolica.

[ES] La presente tesis doctoral aborda el desarrollo de nuevos procesos catalíticos centrados en la valorización del glicerol, subproducto principal en la síntesis de biodiesel. El objetivo principal del trabajo consiste en utilizarlo como fuente de carbono para la producción de heterociclos nitrogenados de interés industrial, en concreto, para la producción de 2-metilpiperazina y 2-metilpirazina. Debido a la baja reactividad del glicerol y las drásticas condiciones de reacción que serían necesarias para llevar a cabo las transformaciones a estos heterociclos, se ha planteado como paso previo el estudio de la optimización y el entendimiento del proceso de deshidratación selectiva de glicerol a hidroxiacetona (o acetol). A través de la obtención de este compuesto intermedio, se han podido desarrollar procesos de producción de los heterociclos nitrogenados eficientes y selectivos, en condiciones de reacción moderadas. A este respecto, los precursores de hidrotalcitas del tipo Cu-Mg-Al dan lugar a una familia de materiales basados en óxidos mixtos Cu-Mg-Al capaces de llevar a cabo la deshidratación selectiva de glicerol a acetol en continuo con rendimientos del ¿40%. Además, estos catalizadores son estables durante más de 8 horas, mostrando también excelente capacidad de regeneración y reusabilidad. Del mismo modo, la combinación de centros ácido-base y redox exhibida por estos materiales ha permitido, a través de la combinación de estudios catalíticos y de caracterización, avanzar en el estado del arte en lo que respecta a la comprensión de esta reacción de deshidratación catalítica de glicerol. De esta forma, se ha podido comprobar el papel fundamental de las especies de Cu y, en concreto de las especies Cu(I) presentes en los catalizadores, en la generación de gliceraldehido como intermedio clave para la producción de acetol. Del mismo modo, los centros ácidos del catalizador facilitan la primera adsorción del glicerol, acelerando así la reacción. No obstante, la necesidad de alcanzar productividades de acetol más elevadas para asegurar el éxito de la estrategia global motivó el desarrollo y estudio, en este proceso de deshidratación selectiva de glicerol en continuo, de una segunda familia de catalizadores basados en óxido de cobre soportado sobre diferentes óxidos metálicos (SiO2, Al2O3 y ZrO2), combinando centros ácidos de Lewis y una alta exposición del Cu. La adecuada selección y optimización de estos materiales lleva a lograr, con varios de ellos, rendimientos del 60% a acetol con concentraciones de glicerol en la alimentación mucho más elevadas. Una vez establecidos varios sistemas catalíticos para la producción de acetol, se abordó la producción de los heterociclos nitrogenados de interés a partir de la combinación de esta molécula con etilendiamina. En concreto, el catalizador Pd/TiO2-Al2O3 tiene alta actividad específica hacia la formación de 2-metilpiperazina (80% de rendimiento), gracias a su elevada exposición de centros de Pd insaturados, crítica para activar el doble enlace C=N y así proceder a la hidrogenación de las iminas intermedias. En segundo lugar, el catalizador CuO/Al2O3-npw, muestra rendimientos del 50% a la 2-metilpirazina, siendo posible alcanzar valores cercanos al 60% cuando se usa el método de precipitación-deposición por micelas en fase reversa para incorporar las nanopartículas de CuO. Finalmente, se llevó a cabo una prueba de concepto para la síntesis de 2-metilpirazina a partir de glicerol en un reactor multi-lecho especialmente diseñado para realizar las dos etapas del proceso en "one-pot" con el mismo catalizador basado en CuO-soportado, obteniéndose resultados prometedores. En definitiva, se han establecido dos nuevas rutas catalíticas para la producción de heterociclos nitrogenados con glicerol como la principal fuente de carbono a través de su derivado acetol, abriéndose así nuevas perspectivas en el campo de la valorización sostenible de moléculas derivadas de biomasa. / [CA] La present tesi doctoral aborda el desenvolupament de nous processos catalítics centrats en la valorització del glicerol, subproducte principal en la síntesi de biodièsel, utilitzant-lo com a font de carboni per a la producció d'heterocicles nitrogenats d'interès industrial. En concret, per a la producció de 2-metilpiperazina i 2-metilpirazina. A causa de la baixa reactivitat del glicerol i les dràstiques condicions de reacció que serien necessàries per a dur a terme les transformacions a aquests heterocicles, s'ha plantejat com a pas previ un estudi detallat escometent l'optimització i l'enteniment del procés de deshidratació selectiva de glicerol a hidroxiacetona (o acetol). A través de l'obtenció d'aquest compost intermedi, s'han desenvolupat processos de producció dels heterocicles nitrogenats eficients i selectius, en condicions de reacció moderades. Referent a això, els precursors hidrotalcítics Cu-Mg-Al donen com a resultat una família de materials basats en òxids mixtos Cu-Mg-Al capaços de dur a terme la deshidratació selectiva de glicerol a acetol en continu amb rendiments del 40%. Així mateix, aquests catalitzadors són estables durant més de 8 hores, mostrant a més una excel·lent regenerabilitat i reusabilitat. De la mateixa manera, la combinació de centres àcid-base i redox exhibida per aquests materials ha permès, a través de la combinació d'estudis catalítics i de caracterització, avançar significativament en l'estat de l'art pel que fa a la comprensió d'aquesta reacció catalítica. D'aquesta manera, s'ha pogut comprovar el paper fonamental del Cu i, en concret del Cu(I), en la generació de gliceraldehid com a intermedi de reacció clau. Per altra banda, els centres àcids del catalitzador faciliten la primera adsorció del reactiu, accelerant així la reacció. No obstant això, la necessitat d'aconseguir productivitats de acetol més elevades per a assegurar l'èxit de l'estratègia global va motivar l'ús, en aquest procés de deshidratació selectiva de glicerol en continu, d'una segona família de catalitzadors basats en òxid de coure suportat sobre diferents òxids inorgànics d'alta àrea (SiO2, Al2O3 i ZrO2), combinant centres àcids de Lewis i una alta exposició del Cu. L'adequada selecció i optimització d'aquests materials aconsegueix, amb alguns d'ells, rendiments del 60% a acetol amb concentracions de glicerol en l'alimentació molt més elevades. Una vegada establits diversos sistemes catalítics per a la producció d'acetol, es va abordar la producció dels heterocicles nitrogenats d'interès a partir de la combinació d'aquesta molècula amb etilendiamina. En concret, el catalitzador Pd/TiO2-Al2O3 té una alta activitat específica cap a la formació de 2-metilpiperazina (80% de rendiment), gràcies a la seua elevada exposició de centres de Pd insaturats, crítica per a activar el doble enllaç C=N i així procedir a la hidrogenació de les imines intermèdies. En segon lloc, s'ha pogut comprovar que, en presència d'un catalitzador principalment àcid contenint Cu, és possible realitzar la dehidrociclació d'acetol amb etilendiamina per a obtindre 2-metilpirazina i altres alquilpirazinas. Concretament, el catalitzador CuO/Al2O3-npw, mostra rendiments del 50% a la 2-metilpirazina, sent possible aconseguir valors pròxims al 60% quan s'utilitza el mètode de precipitació-deposició per micel·les en fase revessa per a incorporar les nanopartícules de CuO. Finalment, es va dur a terme una prova de concepte per a la síntesi de 2-metilpirazina a partir de glicerol en un reactor multi-llit especialment dissenyat per realitzar les dues etapes del procés en "one-pot" amb el mateix catalitzador basat en CuO-suportat, amb resultats prometedors. D'aquesta manera, s'han establit dues noves rutes catalítiques per a la producció d'heterocicles nitrogenats amb glicerol com a la principal font de carboni, a través del seu derivat acetol obrint així noves perspectives en l'àmbit de la valorització sostenible de les molècules derivades de la biomassa. / [EN] This doctoral thesis addresses the development of new catalytic processes centered on glycerol valorization, which is the main by-product of biodiesel synthesis. In this sense, the main aim focused on using it as a carbon source to generate nitrogen heterocycles of industrial interest, specifically, to produce 2-methylpiperazine and 2-methylpyrazine. Due to the low reactivity of glycerol and the severe reaction conditions necessary to carry out the transformations towards these N-heterocycles, previous detailed research to optimize and understand the selective dehydration process of glycerol to hydroxyacetone (or acetol) was undertaken. Through obtaining this intermediate compound, it has been possible to develop efficient and selective nitrogen heterocycles production processes, under moderate reaction conditions. In this regard, Cu-Mg-Al hydrotalcite precursors give rise to a family of materials based on Cu-Mg-Al mixed oxides capable of carrying out the selective dehydration of glycerol to acetol continuously with yields of 40%. In addition, these catalysts are stable for more than 8 hours under operational conditions, showing excellent regeneration capacity and reusability. In the same way, through the combination of catalytic and characterization studies, the interesting mix of acid-base and redox centers exhibited by these materials has allowed for advancing significantly in the state of the art regarding understanding this glycerol catalytic dehydration reaction. Hence, it has been possible to verify the fundamental role of Cu species and, specifically, Cu(I) species present in the catalysts, in the generation of glyceraldehyde as a critical reaction intermediate for acetol production. Similarly, the acid centers of the catalyst facilitate the first adsorption of glycerol, thus accelerating the reaction. However, the need to achieve higher acetol productivities from glycerol to stand a chance to succeed in the overall strategy motivated the development and study of a second family of catalysts based on copper oxide supported on different metal oxides (SiO2, Al2O3 and ZrO2) combining Lewis acid centers and high Cu exposure. The proper selection and optimization of these materials lead to reaching, with several of them, yields of 60% to acetol with much higher glycerol concentrations in the starting feed. Once several catalytic systems had been established to produce acetol, the generation of the nitrogen heterocycles of interest from the combination of this molecule with ethylenediamine was investigated. Specifically, the Pd/TiO2-Al2O3 catalyst presents high specific activity when forming 2-methylpiperazine (80% yield). These excellent results could be attributed to the enhanced exposure of unsaturated Pd centers observed in this material, critical for activating the C=N double bond and thus proceeding to the hydrogenation of the intermediate imines. Secondly, the CuO/Al2O3-npw catalyst yields 50% to 2-methylpyrazine, reaching values close to 60% when the precipitation-deposition method by micelles in reverse phase is used to incorporate the CuO nanoparticles. Finally, a proof of concept of 2-methylpyrazine synthesis starting from glycerol by using a specially designed multi-bed catalytic reactor to perform the two-steps process in one-pot with the same CuO-supported catalyst was assayed, with promising results. In summary, two new catalytic routes have been established to produce nitrogen heterocycles with glycerol as the main carbon source through its derivative hydroxyacetone, thus opening new perspectives in the field of sustainable valorization of biomass-derived molecules. / Mazarío Santa-Pau, J. (2021). Catalytic transformations of glycerol via hydroxyacetone into nitrogen heterocycles of industrial interest [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/179915 / TESIS