The influence of hydrogen bonding on the structure of organic–inorganic hybrid catalysts and its application in the solvent-free epoxidation of α-olefins

In this study, two types of catalysts were prepared by the combination of gemini quaternary ammonium salt with two distinct species of phosphotungstic acid. Catalysts prepared by the Wells–Dawson type of phosphotungstic acid and Keggin-type phosphotungstic acid both exhibited dual-phase catalytic behavior, demonstrating both heterogeneous and homogeneous catalytic activities. In comparison to the catalyst prepared by the Keggin-type phosphotungstic acid, due to the higher size of Wells–Dawson type of phosphotungstic acid, hydrogen bonding could not effectively affect the catalyst prepared by H6P2W18O62. Subsequently, the influential factors on the catalytic reaction were investigated. Through the utilization of techniques such as XPS, FT-IR, Raman spectra and other characterization methods, two distinct structure and reaction mechanisms for these catalysts were elucidated under the influence of hydrogen bonding.