Alkoxide Synthesis from Methyl and tert-Butyl Nitrite on Cu(100)

摘要

A one-step synthesis of adsorbed alkoxides from alkyl nitrites dosed on Cu(100) is illustrated using methyl nitrite (CH_3ONO) to form methoxide (CH_3O) and tert-butyl nitrite (t-C_4H_9ONO) to form tert-butoxide (t-C_4H_9O). Compared with an alternative, dosing CH_3OH on an O-covered Cu surface, only minor differernces in the concentration and local chemical environment of CH_3O are evident. The potential energy profiles associated wiht the two synthesis methods are contrasted, and the key role played by the weak RO-NO bond is emphasized.