Synthesis of AgWCN Nanocomposites for the One-Step Conversion of Cyclohexene to Adipic Acid and Its Mechanistic Studies.

A novel catalyst composed of silver nanoparticles grafted on WCN has been prepared by using a facile pH-adjusted method. The material reported in this study presents a non-mineral acid route for the synthesis of the industrially significant monomer adipic acid through the selective oxidation of cyclohexene. Ag has been stabilized in the hydrophobic matrix during the formation of the mesoporous silica material by using aniline as stabilizing agent.