Free radicals in dimethyl ether on H-ZSM-5 zeolite. A novel dimension of heterogeneous catalysis

By using a spin trapping reagent with e.s.r. analysis, free radicals have been detected in reactions of dimethyl ether over H-ZSM-5 zeolite thereby providing important novel evidence concerning the initial C–C bond forming step which is crucial for production of alkenes and aromatics; the formation of such radicals at moderate at moderate temperatures on surfaces seems to be quite general and adds a new dimension to heterogeneous catalysis.