Oil foams stabilized by POSS/organosilica particle assemblies: application for aerobic oxidation of aromatic alcohols

A novel amphiphilic polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) with surfactant-like behavior was synthesized. By combining this new POSS, used as a frother, with surface-active catalytic organosilica particles, used as a stabilizer, we designed a dual particle system able to generate foams in pure organic solvents. Tunable foamability and foam stability were achieved in a variety of organic solvents by simply adjusting the POSS concentration. As a result, the catalytic activity was drastically boosted in the aerobic oxidation of pure aromatic alcohols under 1 bar O-2 pressure. Particles were conveniently recycled with high foamability and the catalytic efficiency was maintained for at least 7 consecutive runs.

Automated summary

A novel amphiphilic polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) was synthesized and combined with surface-active catalytic organosilica particles to create a dual particle system capable of generating foam in pure organic solvents. The foamability and foam stability could be adjusted by varying the concentration of POSS. The catalytic activity was significantly enhanced in the aerobic oxidation of pure aromatic alcohols, and the particles could be easily recycled with high foamability for at least 7 consecutive runs.