Abstract
Density functional calculations are used to elucidate the role of the silanol group adjacent to the active site Sn metal center of the Sn-BEA zeolite in the isomerization and epimerization of glucose. We find that the silanol group plays an important role in the isomerization reaction, wherein hydride transfer and subsequent proton transfer occur in a single step with a lower energy of activation. Epimerization, on the other hand, proceeds via a mechanism similar to the Bilik mechanism and has lower activation barrier when the silanol group does not participate directly in the transition state. Our calculations indicate that cooperative effects, often encountered in enzymatic catalysis, promote hydride transfer in the isomerization reaction but not for the Bilik mechanism for epimerization.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
