Micelle confined mechanistic pathway for 4-nitrophenol reduction

Abstract

The model 4-nitrophenol reduction has been carried out by different groups in presence of metallic or even non-metallic catalyst elaborating different mechanistic aspects. In the present investigation, we have thoroughly studied the hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol in a completely metal free homogeneous condition. The introduction of a non-fluorescent probe unequivocally generates a fluorescent molecule that indirectly justifies the anion radical stabilization in the micelle. The reduction mechanism under metal-free condition was proposed and the concept of stabilization of anion radical transition state of 4-nitrophenol at the positively charged Stern layer of anionic micelle was established. The plausible reduction mechanism has also enlightened the graphene-like conducting property of Stern layer of the homogeneous micellar system. Furthermore, the confinement effect for catalysis has also been authenticated by supporting experimental evidences. The borrowed concept of catalysis in confinement drives the catalytic study to a new era of catalysis.