Ru@UiO-66(Ce) catalyzed acceptorless dehydrogenation of primary amines to nitriles: The roles of Lewis acid-base pairs in the reaction

UiO-66(Ce)-encapsulated ruthenium nanoparticles (Ru@UiO-66(Ce)) was designed and used for dehydrogenation of primary amines to nitriles in water without any hydrogen acceptors and additives. Introduction of metal Ru to UiO-66(Ce) contributes to the formation of Lewis acid-base pairs on the catalyst owing to the metal-support interaction, acting as active sites for activation of amines and transfer of hydrogen. Ab initio calculation results further confirm the roles of Lewis acid-base pairs in the reaction.