title: The application of inelastic neutron scattering to investigate the interaction of methyl propanoate with silica.
abstract: A modern industrial route for the manufacture of methyl methacrylate involves the reaction of methyl propanoate and formaldehyde over a silica-supported Cs catalyst. Although the process has been successfully commercialised, little is known about the surface interactions responsible for the forward chemistry. This work concentrates upon the interaction of methyl propanoate over a representative silica. A combination of infrared spectroscopy, inelastic neutron scattering, DFT calculations, X-ray diffraction and temperature-programmed desorption is used to deduce how the ester interacts with the silica surface.
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, Joseph Black Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK. David.Lennon@glasgow.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Andrew R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: McFarlane
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, Joseph Black Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK. David.Lennon@glasgow.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Hannah
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Geller
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, Joseph Black Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK. David.Lennon@glasgow.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Ian P
authors.initials: IP
authors.lastname: Silverwood
authors.affiliation: Chemical Crystallography, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK.
authors.forename: Richard I
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.affiliation: Chemical Crystallography, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK.
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Watkin
authors.affiliation: ISIS Facility, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, Didcot, Oxon OX11 0QX, UK.
authors.forename: Stewart F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, Joseph Black Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK. David.Lennon@glasgow.ac.uk.
authors.forename: John M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Winfield
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, Joseph Black Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK. David.Lennon@glasgow.ac.uk.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lennon