Exchange reaction of formate with gas-phase acetic acid on Ni(110)

Abstract

The exchange reaction of formate with gas-phase acetic acid on Ni(110) was studied by time resolved infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy. It was found that the preadsorbed formate was replaced in the acetate by the introduction of acetic acid on formate-full covered Ni(110), originated from the post-exposed acetic acid. Acetate was also replaced in formate by the introduction of formic acid on acetate-full covered Ni(110). These exchange reactions took place from 240 to 300 K, where decomposition of neither formate nor acetate was observed. Thus, it was confirmed that the preadsorbed formate or acetate was desorbed as formic or acetic acid accompanied by the transfer of hydrogen atoms from post-introduced acetic or formic acid. The activation energy of the exchange reaction of formate with post-introduced acetic acid was estimated to be 17±2 kJ mol −1. The small activation energy of the exchange reaction is discussed on the basis of adsorption assisted desorption.