Aerobic oxidative desulfurization of model diesel using a B-type Anderson catalyst [(C18H37)2N(CH3)2]3Co(OH)6Mo6O18·3H2O

A B-type Anderson polyoxomolybdates with mixed-valence molybdenum ions, [(C18H37)2N(CH3)2]3Co(OH)6Mo(V,VI)6O18, was prepared and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS). The polyoxometalate shows high catalytic activity in aerobic oxidative desulfurization of model diesel and the turnover number (TON) can reach about 4200 in absence of any sacrificial agent under mild conditions. The quaternary ammonium cations in the catalysts play a vital role in the aerobic oxidative desulfurization system. The catalytic activity for the oxidation of sulfur-containing compounds decreases in the order of 4,6-DMDBT > DBT > BT.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► An Anderson-type catalyst [(C18H37)2N(CH3)2]3Co(OH)6Mo(V,VI)6O18 has been developed. ► The catalyst shows high activity in aerobic ODS and the TON can reach about 4200. ► The activity of catalyst may be related to the mixed-valence of molybdenum ions.