Observation of reactive intermediates in the initial stage during ethene conversion over acidic zeolites

The key intermediates, i.e., surface ethoxy species, were observed upon the adsorption of ethene on zeolite H-Y for the first time. By combining a selective C-13-labeling protocol with a multitechnique approach, we confirmed the critical role of surface ethoxy species, that is, equilibrium with ethene in the primary step and further alkylation to form the C-C bond.

Automated summary

The crucial role of surface ethoxy species, i.e., equilibrium with ethene in the primary step and further alkylation to form the C-C bond, was confirmed for the first time through a selective C-13-labeling protocol and a multitechnique approach during the adsorption of ethene on zeolite H-Y.