A theoretical study of methanol decomposition
using a model representing the initial step of the reaction
CH3OH + CuO → CH2O + H2O + Cu is presented.
Theoretical calculations using B3LYP/6-31 G along with
Lanl2DZ pseudopotentials on metallic centers were performed and the results discussed within the framework of the
reaction force analysis. It has been found that the reaction
takes place following a stepwise mechanism: first, copper
reduction (Cu+2 → Cu+
) accompanies the oxygen transposition and then a second reduction takes place (Cu+ → Cu0
)
together with a proton transfer that produce formaldehyde
and release a water molecule.