Modification of Active Site and Surrounding Void Structures in Lewis Acidic Tin and Titanium Zeolites for Selective Glucose Conversion

We clarify the mechanisms and site requirements for glucose isomerization and epimerization on zeolitic Lewis acid sites. They catalyze glucose epimerization by an intramolecular carbon shift in methanol, and isomerization in water only when confined within hydrophobic voids. Mechanistic insights are used to modify active site structures to influence reactivity.