Catalysis by coke deposits: synthesis of isoprene over solid catalysts.

A help rather than a hindrance: Carbonaceous deposits have been found to play a key role in the selective synthesis of isoprene from formaldehyde and isobutene over solid catalysts. They accumulate on the catalyst surface during the induction period and promote the interaction of the substrates at the steady state. The proposed mechanism shows the way forward for the design of efficient solid catalysts for the synthesis of isoprene.