A periodic density functional theory study of cumene formation catalyzed by H-mordenite.

A periodic density functional theory study of the alkylation of benzene with propene in proton-exchanged mordenite has been achieved. The two different reaction routes that are usually proposed for this reaction, namely the direct and the step-by-step reaction pathways, have been investigated. The explicit consideration of the zeolite catalyst framework allows a better level of description of the interactions between the catalyst framework and the reaction than what is obtained with the cluster approach method. The direct reaction route is found to be the preferred one. It is observed that the cluster approach method, which does not describe the zeolite framework, is unable to qualitatively described the trend in activation energies. This is owing to the greater stabilization of larger transition state by the mordenite zeolite framework compared with smaller ones.

A periodic DFT study of intramolecular isomerization reactions of toluene and xylenes catalyzed by acidic mordenite.

A periodic density functional theory (DFT) study of the isomerization reactions of toluene and xylene catalyzed by acidic mordenite is reported. Monomolecular isomerization reactions have been considered and analyzed. The different reaction pathways have been discussed in detail. The use of periodic structure calculations allows consideration and analysis of zeolite electrostatic contributions and steric constraints that occur within zeolite micropores. Major differences in the details of protonation reaction pathways are found when periodic structures are used rather than small cluster models of the Brønsted acidic site. Complex relationships are found between zeolite topology and reaction pathways.

A theoretical study of the alkylation reaction of toluene with methanol catalyzed by acidic mordenite.

A theoretical study of the alkylation reaction of toluene with methanol catalyzed by the acidic Mordenite (Si/Al = 23) is reported. Cluster DFT as well as periodical structure DFT calculations have been performed. Full reaction energy diagrams of the elementary reaction steps that lead to the formation of the three xylene isomers are given. The use of periodical structure calculations allows one to account for zeolite framework electrostatic contributions and steric constraints that take place in zeolitic catalysts. Especially the steric constraint energy contribution has a significant effect on the energies and bond formation paths. The activation energy barrier of p-xylene formation is found to be approximately 20 kJ/mol lower than the corresponding values for the formation of its isomers. Computed host-guest binding energies according to the DFT method need a correction due to the absence of the dispersive interaction with the zeolite wall. Apparent activation energies obtained with this correction are in good agreement with experimental data.