Abstract
We used density functional theory to study the mechanism of n-butane oxidation to maleic anhydride on the vanadium phosphorus oxide (VPO) surface. We found that O(1)═P on the V(V)OPO4 surface is the active center for initiating the VPO chemistry through extraction of H from alkane C-H bonds. This contrasts sharply with previous suggestions that the active center is either the V-O bonds or else a chemisorbed O2 on the (V(IV)O)2P2O7 surface. The ability of O(1)═P to cleave alkane C-H bonds is due to its strong basicity coupled with large reduction potentials of nearby V(V) ions. We examined several pathways for the subsequent functionalization of n-butane to maleic anhydride and found that the overall barrier does not exceed 21.7 kcal/mol.
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.
