Catalytic mechanisms articles from across Nature Portfolio

The use of main-group elements in radical cross-coupling reactions has been little explored. Now, a low-valency bismuth complex has been shown to emulate the behaviour of first-row transition metals and undergo single-electron-transfer oxidative addition to redox-active electrophiles, leading to the development of a bismuth-catalysed C–N coupling reaction between amines and carboxylic acids.

Cyclopentadienyl ligands are cornerstones of organometallic chemistry and can have an active role in stoichiometric and catalytic reactions by facilitating the transfer of a proton, hydride or hydrogen atom.

A light-driven, chemical looping approach to CH₃COOH synthesis from methane using a Pd/PdO–WO₃ nanocomposite is reported. Methane is converted to methyl and carbonyl intermediates at the Pd and PdO sites, respectively, to produce CH₃COOH.

Approaching the level of molecular recognition of enzymes with solid catalysts is a challenging goal. Here, the authors present a computational methodology that guides the selection of the most adequate zeolite frameworks for target reactions.

The authors identify a dynamic site renewal and decay cycle, mediated by proton transfers involving proximal Brønsted acidic OH groups, which operates concurrently with the Chauvin cycle and could address roadblocks associated with industrial metathesis processes.

Support Brønsted acid strength and density play important kinetically relevant roles in low temperature NH3-SCR over Cu-exchanged small pore zeolite catalysts. Here the authors demonstrate Brønsted acid sites facilitate hydrolysis and intercage transfer of Cu^II(NH₃)₄ intermediates.