Tuning graphitic oxide for initiator- and metal-freeudaerobic epoxidation of linear alkenes

摘要

Graphitic oxide has potential as a carbocatalyst for a wide range of reactions. Interest in thisudmaterial has risen enormously due to it being a precursor to graphene via the chemicaludoxidation of graphite. Despite some studies suggesting that the chosen method of graphiteudoxidation can influence the physical properties of the graphitic oxide, the preparation methodudand extent of oxidation remain unresolved for catalytic applications. Here we show thatudtuning the graphitic oxide surface can be achieved by varying the amount and type of oxidant.udThe resulting materials differ in level of oxidation, surface oxygen content and functionality.udMost importantly, we show that these graphitic oxide materials are active as uniqueudcarbocatalysts for low-temperature aerobic epoxidation of linear alkenes in the absence ofudinitiator or metal. An optimum level of oxidation is necessary and materials produced viaudconventional permanganate-based methods are far from optimal.