Benzene formation at 70°C by coupling of propylene on supported Pd nanoclusters

(Figure Presented) The pressure's off: The coupling of propylene (1) to generate benzene (2) at 70°C and atmospheric pressure was observed together with propylene hydrogenation and oxygenation on titania-supported Pd nanoclusters (in green). The catalysts consist predominately of metallic Pd 0. The selectivity of benzene formation is dependent on cluster size (O = 3-12 nm) and the presence of both hydrogen and oxygen.