Christian Schäfer

Bio: Christian Schäfer is an academic researcher from University of Massachusetts Boston. The author has contributed to research in topics: Catalysis & Heterogeneous catalysis. The author has an hindex of 8, co-authored 28 publications receiving 250 citations.

Organic Synthesis Using Environmentally Benign Acid Catalysis.

Abstract: Recent advances in the application of environmentally benign acid catalysts in organic synthesis are reviewed. The work includes three main parts; (i) description of environmentally benign acid catalysts, (ii) synthesis with heterogeneous and (iii) homogeneous catalysts. The first part provides a brief overview of acid catalysts, both solid acids (metal oxides, zeolites, clays, ion-exchange resins, metal-organic framework based catalysts) and those that are soluble in green solvents (water, alcohols) and at the same time could be regenerated after reactions (metal triflates, heteropoly acids, acidic organocatalysts etc.). The synthesis sections review a broad array of the most common and practical reactions such as Friedel-Crafts and related reactions (acylation, alkylations, hydroxyalkylations, halogenations, nitrations etc.), multicomponent reactions, rearrangements and ring transformations (cyclizations, ring opening). Both the heterogeneous and homogeneous catalytic synthesis parts include an overview of asymmetric acid catalysis with chiral Lewis and Bronsted acids. Although a broad array of catalytic processes are discussed, emphasis is placed on applications with commercially available catalysts as well as those of sustainable nature; thus individual examples are critically reviewed regarding their contribution to sustainable synthesis.

Heterogeneous Catalytic Reductive Amination of Carbonyl Compounds with Ni-Al Alloy in Water as Solvent and Hydrogen Source

Abstract: The heterogeneous catalytic reductive amination of carbonyl compounds has been achieved by reactions of ammonium hydroxide and various amines with ketones and aldehydes. The process is based on the application of Raney type Ni-Al alloy in an aqueous medium. The reaction of the carbonyl compounds with the amine provided the corresponding Schiff bases that immediately underwent a reduction to provide primary and secondary amines as products. The controlled reaction of the Al content of the alloy with the solvent water generates hydrogen, and the in situ formed Raney Ni® serves as a hydrogenation catalyst. The method is a simple and efficient way of preparing a broad variety of primary and secondary amines.

Functionalised heterogeneous catalysts for sustainable biomass valorisation

Abstract: Efficient transformation of biomass to value-added chemicals and high-energy density fuels is pivotal for a more sustainable economy and carbon-neutral society. In this framework, developing potential cascade chemical processes using functionalised heterogeneous catalysts is essential because of their versatile roles towards viable biomass valorisation. Advances in materials science and catalysis have provided several innovative strategies for the design of new appealing catalytic materials with well-defined structures and special characteristics. Promising catalytic materials that have paved the way for exciting scientific breakthroughs in biomass upgrading are carbon materials, metal–organic frameworks, solid phase ionic liquids, and magnetic iron oxides. These fascinating catalysts offer unique possibilities to accommodate adequate amounts of acid–base and redox functional species, hence enabling various biomass conversion reactions in a one-pot way. This review therefore aims to provide a comprehensive account of the most significant advances in the development of functionalised heterogeneous catalysts for efficient biomass upgrading. In addition, this review highlights important progress ensued in tailoring the immobilisation of desirable functional groups on particular sites of the above-listed materials, while critically discussing the role of consequent properties on cascade reactions as well as on other vital processes within the bio-refinery. Current challenges and future opportunities towards a rational design of novel functionalised heterogeneous catalysts for sustainable biomass valorisation are also emphasized.

Combinations of Aminocatalysts and Metal Catalysts: A Powerful Cooperative Approach in Selective Organic Synthesis.

Abstract: The cooperation and interplay between organic and metal catalyst systems is of utmost importance in nature and chemical synthesis. Here innovative and selective cooperative catalyst systems can be designed by combining two catalysts that complement rather than inhibit one another. This refined strategy can permit chemical transformations unmanageable by either of the catalysts alone. This review summarizes innovations and developments in selective organic synthesis that have used cooperative dual catalysis by combining simple aminocatalysts with metal catalysts. Considerable efforts have been devoted to this fruitful field. This emerging area employs the different activation modes of amine and metal catalysts as a platform to address challenging reactions. Here, aminocatalysis (e.g., enamine activation catalysis, iminium activation catalysis, single occupied molecular orbital (SOMO) activation catalysis, and photoredox activation catalysis) is employed to activate unreactive carbonyl substrates. The trans...

Electronic Effect of Ruthenium Nanoparticles on Efficient Reductive Amination of Carbonyl Compounds

Abstract: Highly selective synthesis of primary amines over heterogeneous catalysts is still a challenge for the chemical industry. Ruthenium nanoparticles supported on Nb2O5 act as a highly selective and reusable heterogeneous catalyst for the low-temperature reductive amination of various carbonyl compounds that contain reduction-sensitive functional groups such as heterocycles and halogens with NH3 and H2 and prevent the formation of secondary amines and undesired hydrogenated byproducts. The selective catalysis of these materials is likely attributable to the weak electron-donating capability of Ru particles on the Nb2O5 surface. The combination of this catalyst and homogeneous Ru systems was used to synthesize 2,5-bis(aminomethyl)furan, a monomer for aramid production, from 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural without a complex mixture of imine byproducts.

New Frontiers in the Catalytic Synthesis of Levulinic Acid: From Sugars to Raw and Waste Biomass as Starting Feedstock

Abstract: Levulinic acid (LA) is one of the top bio-based platform molecules that can be converted into many valuable chemicals. It can be produced by acid catalysis from renewable resources, such as sugars, lignocellulosic biomass and waste materials, attractive candidates due to their abundance and environmentally benign nature. The LA transition from niche product to mass-produced chemical, however, requires its production from sustainable biomass feedstocks at low costs, adopting environment-friendly techniques. This review is an up-to-date discussion of the literature on the several catalytic systems that have been developed to produce LA from the different substrates. Special attention has been paid to the recent advancements on starting materials, moving from simple sugars to raw and waste biomasses. This aspect is of paramount importance from a sustainability point of view, transforming wastes needing to be disposed into starting materials for value-added products. This review also discusses the strategies to exploit the solid residues always obtained in the LA production processes, in order to attain a circular economy approach.