Low-basicity oxygen atoms: a key in the search for propylene epoxidation catalysts

DFT studies indicate that the performance of heterogeneous epoxidation catalysts depends on the first step in the reaction between oxygen atoms and propylene molecules coadsorbed on the metal surface (see picture; C yellow, H light blue, O red). The high basicity of oxygen atoms on silver favors allylic hydrogen stripping, whereas the low basicity of oxygen atoms on copper favors metallacycle formation and subsequent epoxidation.