Theoretical Studies of the Insertion of Carbenes in the Zeolite Framework: Modification of the Acidity and Creation of Chiral Sites

Abstract

A theoretical study of the insertion of carbenes (CH2, CHCHO) in the framework structure of zeolite Y was carried out. The our own n-layered integrated molecular orbital and molecular mechanics (ONIOM) scheme M062x/6-31G(d,p):PM6 was used to describe the insertion of methylene (CH2) in the T-O bonds (T = Si, Al) of the framework yielding four isomeric structures. In all cases, calculations indicated a high exothermic process for the insertion of methylene in the framework, regardless of the spin multiplicity of the carbene (singlet or triplet). Insertion into the acidic O-H bond to afford an adsorbed methoxy group was the most favourable process, but this pathway does not occur if insertion is carried out on the deprotonated zeolite. Insertion of formylcarbene (CHCHO) creates chiral sites in the framework. The acidity of the zeolite structures after carbene insertion was calculated by means of the deprotonation energy. The calculations predicted the possibility of designing acidic zeolites with chiral sites that could mimic enzymes, especially for uses in fine chemical processes and biomass transformations.