CpRu(CO)2(BF4) and [CpFe(CO)2(THF)]+ on mesoporous silica as adsorbents for the removal of dibenzothiophenes from hydrocarbon solutions.
The complexes, CpRu(CO)2(BF4) and [CpFe(CO)2(eta2-2-methylpropene)][BF4], react with dibenzothiophene (DBT) and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-Me2DBT) to give [CpRu(CO)2(DBT)][BF4] and [CpFe(CO)2(4,6-Me2DBT)][BF4], whose structures were established by X-ray diffraction studies. The same types of products are obtained when dibenzothiophenes react with CpRu(CO)2(BF4) and [CpFe(CO)2(THF)][BF4] that are adsorbed on the mesoporous silica SBA-15. DRIFT and XPS studies indicate that CpRu(CO)2(BF4) and [CpRu(CO)2(DBT)][BF4] are adsorbed on the SBA-15 by hydrogen-bonding of the BF4- anions to surface Si-O-H groups. CpRu(CO)2(BF4)/SBA-15 removes 99% of the DBT in a 45% toluene/55% hexanes simulated petroleum feedstock. This solid phase extractant is less successful for sterically-hindered 4,6-Me2DBT, as only 72% of it is removed. The results show that CpRu(CO)2(BF4) can be immobilized by adsorption on mesoporous silica and that it reacts with dibenzothiophenes in the adsorbed form, CpRu(CO)2(BF4)/SBA-15, in much the same way that it reacts in solution.
McKinley
Scott G
SG
Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-3111, USA.
Vecchi
Paul A
PA
Ellern
Arkady
A
Angelici
Robert J
RJ